Is my guitar good for Lead?

[ladysonnet]

Hey everyone! Okay, so I just moved on from my last band where I played Acoustic. I just started an 80's cover band and I'm looking for a good electric for lead. I have a Fender Strat, I got it a few years ago, but it's brand new. I only played three concerts with it. I'm not much of a lead guitarist, but an accomplished rhythm. I'm wanting a guitar I can learn on and perform on. Is my Fender good for that?

Thanks guys!

[guitarfreak5253]

Hey Mrs. Sonnet welcome to GW. That question really is subjective. Decent strats (as in they don't have warped necks, bad fret job, or cheap plastic-sounding pickups) should be fine to learn the basics of soloing. You tell me, are you comfortable playing leads on it? Is there something physical that bothers you at this point trying or are you looking for a different sound or what?

[ladysonnet]

Is there something physical that bothers you at this point trying or are you looking for a different sound or what?

Well, one thing I don't like at all, is the pickup selector... I always hit it and it changes... I guess that's my fault however. I mean, it's a nice guitar, feels good... I'm just kinda curious. I'll play around some more, then perhaps venture out and try others.

[guitarfreak5253]

Heh, yeah strats will do that

If you are looking for a guitar with a different layout but don't really want to spend too much check out this one.

http://www.rondomusic.com/shadowbk.html

It's not like it will be a showstopper (maybe it will be) but you said it was for learning so, it might be what you are looking for.

http://www.rondomusic.com/siv45bk.html
http://www.rondomusic.com/halopink.html
http://www.rondomusic.com/octaniswh.html

Might be up your alley as well.

[monwobobbo]

just ask ritchie blackmore or jimi hendrix if strats are good for leads sounds like you have more of a style issue. playing acoustic and electric do require different picking aproaches. on an electric precise picking with much less wrist movement works better. work on that and i'm sure your problem will be solved.

[JonnyDee]

...and monwobobbo beats me to the punch on the snide Ritchie Blackmore remark. Yngwie and Uli had pretty decent goes at ripping it up on a strat too.

[ladysonnet]

Thanks guys! I really do think its a style issue I need to watch that dang wrist.

[nbd22]

id say they are pretty damn good.

what type of leads are you looking to do?

[diabolical]

I might do some mods on a strat for better sound - like putting a humbucker in the bridge and possibly 2 Lace Sensors in the other position to get rid of all the noise. But the guitar itself should be good enough for leads. If you're looking to do tremolo work - you might check into Graphtech saddles and nut replacement so you get less string slippage.

[9ball]

i dont see how you could possibly "accidentally" hit the p/u selector and change it to a different selection on a strat.

[nbd22]

i dont see how you could possibly "accidentally" hit the p/u selector and change it to a different selection on a strat.

do you own one? it happens to me all the time.

[yellowv]

I own a Strat and I also don't see how you can accidentally hit the pickup selector.

[steambird]

I own a Strat and I also don't see how you can accidentally hit the pickup selector.

just have to remember "acoustic" players tend to strum wildly so its prob easy for them to hit the selector

[skylark44]

Welcome to the forums!
Bonnie Raitt does okay with her Strat...but if the pickup switch annoys you...try out other style guitars with different switch locations...you might find out that you like a completely different guitar, for your stlye of music & playing. Also, Rondo's a great place to get a new/different guitar...you can't beat 'em, for their selection, and prices...plus, you can always mod it for better sound, to suit your own personal tastes.

[blackhell1]

Sounds like need something with some humbuckers due to the fact that you're playing in an 80's cover band. The 80's is my style of music, so I got a good idea of what you'll need. Something like a Les Paul will be perfect. Mick Mars started out with a Les Paul. EVH played a few Les Pauls. Slash played Les Paul. Since you're just starting with electrics, I'd advise agaist a locking tremolo, as they can be a pain in ass.