I play both interchangeably. Literally depending on the mood I'm in is which I prefer (lead vs. rhythm that is). I will say this too: Superior rhythm playing is rapidly becoming a dying art. YMMV.

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You dig?

It is a dying art,I agree.
My favorite player to watch on many levels is Jack Pearson,on lead he is dynamite,but on rhythm he can comp behind someone and add so much to the song that you're amazed.He explained some of this in a master class I attended last November and his knowledge of the fretboard is impressive,I think he knows every possible chord in any key.

I love playing rhythm for a good lead player, just listening to the lead and see what kind groove I can throw in.

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

I like a mix of both. The last band I was in was a 3 piece so I always had to provide a solo. I enjoy pulling off a great solo, but when the bassist turns Mustang Sally into a 7 min jam and keeps yelling "Lets hear some more guitar!" after every verse it gets a little annoying. I'd rather give one great solo than 3 or 4 mediocre ones.

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The rhythm aspect in music is easily more important than lead. I think Goranm touched on this in his thread, but what he explains is perfectly justified. You need a solid backbone before anything else.

A solo sounds pretty empty if it isn't played against good ol', solid rhythm.

Where I'm really into Hendrix and The Troggs,I've adopted a lead/rythm mixed style of playing.John Lennon was probably the greatest rhythm guitarist that ever picked up a guitar,his right hand technique was phenominal.If you're not familiar with The Troggs you should check out some of Chris Britton's rhythm playing,it's really percussive.Pete Townshend also is a fabulous rhythm guitarist.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

I love the Troggs. Who could forget about Wild Thing?

Love Is All Around is probably my favorite, though.

Re The Troggs:Check out Chris Britton's playing on Girl In Black,I Want You-where he also does a really cutting lead break too,I Can't Control Myself,Give It To Me and Night Of The Long Grass which BTW was along with I Can't Control Myself and Little Girl was banned on many stations and in some countries.The guy was brilliant.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Rythm is more fun to play "in general", and keeping up with all the latest super cool lead techniques is just a pain in the arse.

If you think you're "all that and a bag o' chips" I understand that soloing is like mothers milk to you, and that's okay too. To each his own I say.

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

i have never wanted to be a 'lead guitarist', I just wanna play, have a good time, and have people dance.

+1

Started out in my first band as a rhythm guitarist, second and third sharing lead guitar duties, fourth back to rhythm guitarist, fifth lead guitarist, sixth until now bass guitarist.

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

For sure....More texture of tone coming out of the chords that lead then huh....Feels easily as good to swing too huh....... I muff it plenty tryin to fit it all in but when i get it its heaven!!!

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Thanks Armadillo...... True what a lovely lil didlly.....

if anyone else whats to check it out..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCYApJtsyd0

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I do lead vocals and prefer to play rhythm guitar. I can play lead but it just isn't who I am. I love having a good lead player and hanging back with the bass player and just laying down a great foundation to build on.
ABS