That video was great, Paul. A little different, and it puts everything into perspective in a well presented way. Thanks, for the post.

Okay, Marky. Here’s my take. When it comes to drumming, playing guitar is definitely difficult. But, drumming (not beating) is equally difficult in a different way. It hasn’t always been that a drummer can alter a stroke like that characteristic of a natural or enhanced guitar, and most drummers do not have or use that electronic capability. Effects to make a poor or mediocre drummer sound good is less the case than with a guitar. Effects won’t help a bad drummer if the basics aren’t met. Nor will a grimace, funky performance, or cool display. In fact, the lack of percussion expertise, execution, and talent will be strongly evident with electronics. Mistakes are less likely to be missed or forgiven wth that guy or girl behind the snare. I think the audiences’ expectations and participation precede and are in sync with the drummer (or maybe it’s the other way around). History shows that centuries of rock and drums have set the tone (sic), and go back to the caveman. The latter day guitarist may be having more free form without the audience breaking a beat if that makes any sense. This holds true for the bass player and/or keyboardist taking or setting the beat as well. In fact, it’s likely the first string instrument was one string and didn’t play a melody. It could have been a tempo tool with a bass note (or a high one which probably would have been irritating when played too long). The Go-Gos put it best with “We Got The Beat” and Sonny and Cher’s “The Beat Goes On”. Today, House or Club music BPM says it all. Phtt!

Horn players and mouth harpists play with one hand holding with the other. Keyboards and string instruments with two hands. Drum kit players simultaneously play with four limbs hence the bigger chance of missing a beat or tempo where most players only use one rhythm at a time, and that is where a rhythm or bass player comes in. Think rubbing your tummy and patting your head times two. Monitoring tracks is a welcomed tool. Drummers are programmed to play two opposing or complimenting rhythms together. Two opposing more often. That’s how bass players and keyboardists can have fun interplaying with the drummer and vice versa. Leads can also do this to a lesser extent as it breaks from the norm.

There are guitarists (many classically trained and maybe crossovers into jazz and rock) that are exceptional at playing rhythm and lead combined.

One fine example of this type of player: Tommy Emmanuel

Keyboard players do, however, play bass, rhythm, and lead simultaneously. Uh, that’s because they are percussionists. But, that’s still only two limbs, three with a pedal, and likely with a kaboodle of effects and tempo tools that set the pace. Throw in a wah wah or effects pedal/switch and the guitarist moves up a rung.
As for the drummer being king. I leave that to Elvis. I’m treated like a King at home but, sometimes, I end up in the dungeon.
Last time I played in public was at a yacht club Christmas party where some smiling dude came up and said, “I haven’t heard drumming like that in a long time”. I’m not sure if that was a compliment.

All hail B. B. King.

FSB

I'm sure it was a compliment. I hope you know that I was joking when I said I was waiting for your comment.

That’ll get you every time. Actually, I haven’t heard my playing like that since, and that could be good or bad. Meanwhile, I’m looking at holes in my boulevard brought on by the city. Where’s my Saguaro?
FSB

Sorry, I couldn't swing the Saguaro. Would you settle for a few of these?