Styles of Playing Guitar
The guitar is the most versatile musical instrument and can be used to play virtually all music styles including Classical, Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Country, Funk, Metal, Folk, Rock, etc. There are many different styles of playing guitar and all these styles can be played on any type of guitar. All guitars have six strings and are tuned the same. For example, you would usually play lead on an electric guitar but you could play lead on a classical guitar or you could play fingerpicking style on an electric guitar. It all depends upon the sound you are looking for.
1. Rhythm Guitar
Used to accompany a lead instrument (e.g., melody sung by a vocalist). The left hand holds a chord shape (a group of notes) and the right hand strums the strings with a pick. You will learn the basics of rhythm guitar in this book. To learn how to play more chords and rhythms, see Progressive Guitar Method: Rhythm and Progressive Beginner Guitar Chords.
2. Lead Guitar
Used to play only one or two notes at a time. It can either be a melody line or an improvised solo. Most lead players use a pick. You will learn the basics of lead guitar in this book. To learn more about how to play lead guitar, see Progressive Guitar Method: Lead.
3. Fingerpicking Guitar
The left hand holds a chord shape and the right hand fingers pick one or two notes at a time with the fingernails. Used to accompany a lead instrument or vocalist. To learn how to play fingerpicking guitar, see Progressive Guitar Method: Fingerpicking.
4. Rock Guitar
Uses both rhythm and lead guitar techniques. Rock music makes use of both open chords and bar chords, along with scales, riffs and improvised solos. Rock is usually played on electric guitars. To learn how to play Rock guitar, see Progressive Beginner Rock Guitar.
5. Blues Guitar
Like Rock, Blues uses elements of both rhythm and lead guitar. Contains many bends, slides and other techniques. Blues also makes use of triplets and swing rhythms. It can be played with a pick or fingerstyle. To learn how to play Blues guitar, see Progressive Beginner Blues Guitar.
