Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Why is it that most people seem to test guitar gear based on solo sounds as opposed to rhythm sounds?

A good 98% of guitar playing is rhythm and yet amps, guitars, pickups, effects and other accessories all seem to be purchased based on the playing technique we use the least. Soloing.

I have found that if a set-up (guitar, cord, amp) produces a great rhythm tone, then a great solo tone just seems to happen by either keeping a little in reserve on the guitar volume knob, or adding an OD pedal of some sort. In my opinion, a great solo tone sounds like a natural extension of the rhythm tone.

As a casual observer in music stores and music forums, it seems there is far more importance placed on solo tones than rhythm tones. Is it just me, or do you guys see the same thing?

Most people I see and hear in music stores trying out gear around here seem clueless on a lot of levels. They usually sit and play Enter Sandman out of tune for 25 minutes on an amp that cost five times as much as their car, if they are old enough to drive.

Me? I grab the guitar I want to try out, get a strap, a thick pick like I use, and a cable, and plug it into an amp no nicer than mine so I know what it will be like when I get home. Then I play barred E and A chords on every fret up the neck, scales that cover every fret on the neck, and a few tunes like All the Things You Are, Alison, Mr. Tambourine Man, etc. This takes me all of four or five minutes and then I know what's what.

I guess if these people are lead players, it's cool, but everyone should test like they actually play at home or at shows.

Right on Jason!