Lead and Rhythm Combined: Guitar Lesson

Rocking the Fender Ed O'Brien strat to show a quick how to video on combining rhythm and lead playing while also helping to keep your solos and double stops on time.
If you like what we're throwing down in this video, check out the MasterClass I made on how to solo on guitar with another musician. You won't regret it!
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A little about me:
Sean Daniel is a man. A man of simple needs and desires. And the one desire, no, the one NEED, that stands above all is to spread the challenges, joy and intellectual stimulus of music to people of Earth and beyond.
Born on the mean streets of upper middle class suburban Chicago, Sean learned the ways of the world through the dizzying heights of success to the lonesome depths of failure and emerged with the promise of a better tomorrow reflecting in his eyes and fiery passion in his belly.
He plays and teaches guitar on his KZbin channel where he regularly releases original music and projects to the adulation of legions of fans, who often compare him to Chris Pratt and one time Ryan Reynolds. He’s currently in the market for a nice leather jacket.

[@justinwelch2941]

9 11, 9 11, 9 11 never forget.

[@danja5512]

i have absolutely no idea about guitar and other musical stuff. im here only for a joke at the beginning

[@seandaniel23]

I appreciate it.

[@alejandrohauser3165]

Tortillas don't appreciate Sean.. And you need psychiatric help

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

Seriously, Sean should do a stand up, forget the Hallmark role

[@seethoseareyourtearsman.1758]

2:25 is this some kind of a clue, Sean? You can't hide the truth forever

[@Daniel-nv9fl]

and his channel art is an airplane...

[@seandaniel23]

I've been found out!

[@pramodkhera9520]

Excellent. I was looking for a lesson that combines rhythm and lead and you uploaded it at the right time. And you make it so simple...Thanks

[@seandaniel23]

So happy to help!

[@dball5243]

You should check out Mike Bradley, Guitar Sage, Marty Music, Brett Papa, Paul David's. Guys that can actually play and teach. This dude is clearly a hack who is preying on beginners and setting them off on the wrong foot. You'll thank me later.

[@dougsmith8430]

Wholeheartedly Agree! 🎶 🎸

[@jackshaver1568]

Unreal lesson. Love how you lay out the ground work and yet leave space for every guitarist to still develop their own style. Way easier than trying to replicate note for note

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much for saying so Jack!

[@melissaw1130]

I’m off KZbin for awhile and you move your couch? Change is hard. But seriously, great lesson as always!

[@jimwedeking]

Sean, could you mention the amp that you are using? Really great tone. Thx

[@jackgrflunkin3764]

Finally someone that just lays out an explanation for how to do this without going unnecessarily deep into theory. I've watched umpteen lessons on this topic and they weren't bad but they didn't explain it in such a straightforward immediately usable way.

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for saying so Jack!

[@maxonmendel5757]

This is one of the guitar videos in a very very long time that actually helps me wanna learn more. I'm kinda intermediate so a lot of stuff is either too beginner or too expert. This is perfect. Thank you. Ps gives me huge Frusciante vibes, which I like

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much for saying so!

[@nickmoore4880]

I'm intermediate as well and I've found Sean's videos to be the best for my current skill level.

[@Ben-Ken]

Me three.

[@avjake]

Rick Beato said you should ditch the snark during your videos.

[@notgnar8506]

The snark is part of Sean's personality, he can't just un-clip it like an ugly guitar tuner.

[@davidhoxit4274]

The Master Class with Ian is a must. Very comprehensive and fun, and a bargain for the knowledge attained! Thanks Sean! Thanks Ian! Great video!

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much!

[@coolguyrecords3553]

sounds like rhcp

[@seandaniel23]

Frusciante does stuff like this all the time ;)

[@da5idnz]

A good example of lead/rhythm is probably the intro to Loverboy's _Turn Me Loose_ . kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnTYoZxnoa5_Y5I

[@seandaniel23]

Good call :)

[@yasarunanayakkara4149]

Great lesson sean, been dying to see more content with that ed strat since you demo'd it

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks! More on the way!

[@conanthedestroyer7123]

Excellent lesson!!! I’m stuck at campfire chords and trying to branch out.

[@seandaniel23]

Today is the day!

[@victoralejandro8151]

Same! Very happy about this video. It's presented very simply.

[@ronlight7013]

Fantabulous lesson, Sean. But what about the right hand? I've never gotten just how to do double stops although I think, in your case, it's the hybrid picking that allows it to happen. Correct? Also, not being able to see your right hand, I couldn't tell which two notes you chose to harmonize. Is there some right-hand guidance, too? Thanks!

[@seandaniel23]

I'll talk about this one soon!

[@Alex_U]

Such a cool chord progression and lesson. Can't stop playing it, really fun. Thank you!

[@cholepriccee2069]

hey sean sorry asking so many questions on Saturday night. Oh, and you look nothing like pewds.

[@seandaniel23]

No problem at all! Appreciate you watching!

[@roberto3262]

Nice! Great lesson. Love the way you make it easy to understand, but also go in depth with the explanation. Thank you! 👍

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help Robert.

[@avdkmusic]

Dude, I've watched a few of your vids, and i gotta say you really have a great way of putting across the message. I'm a singer who plays rhythm guitar for many yrs, and putting in small leads like this while singing has really always evaded me..... Untill now... Thanks for putting out your videos. I am now a subscriber

[@planlessdan]

Learning more from you than from my non-existent friends and non-existent guitar teacher! Wait....

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to be existent.

[@yunusdagistanli]

For me definitely the best video you ever made. I'd like to see more of the same content

[@mikemarien3246]

I love how you very simply broke down the essence of what the difference is between being an intermediate and advanced sounding player is in less than 8 minutes. The fundamental principle is keeping time. I know a lot of people who can do this, but stink at timing.It's imperative that you understand time and key signatures when doing this type of playing. Otherwise it's quite terrible to suffer through. I happen to be lucky that i was a drummer before I got into guitar. As much as people tell me they practice with a metronome, I can tell instantly that they don't. So folks use a freaking metronome or a drum machine or something. Chances are better than not that your timing stinks and you are just lazy if you don't. You only look like an a$$ when you go to play out with someone who has. Plus, it teaches you a whole other universe of phrasing solos when you play with effects like delay and timed reverbs.

[@nattenatz8754]

Congratulations! Felix is now a husband

[@seandaniel23]

My forever love.

[@seanenglish3002]

Sean, I notice that you do the A form bar using your pinky. I want to do that. I have heard from other people that I don't need to get hung up on all five strings ringing clean in that barre shape. Is that true? When you fret it like that, can you get all five strings to ring clean? Did you need to adjust your wrist or thumb position to get that to happen?

[@seandaniel23]

Well I agree it's not super important to get them all to ring out, but I would say I generally get sound from all 5 (unless I'm purposefully aiming for the lower chunk of the chord). It's hard to say for sure because i've been doing it for so long, but it doesn't seem like i'm readjusting the wrist, more just the angle of the finger. Hope that helps!

[@seanenglish3002]

@@seandaniel23 thank you

[@ericantoszewski34]

Maybe mention ur in the key of E major? Did I miss that? Anywho,as a novice this definitely would have been confusing to me had I not known better.

[@Rayuga99]

That guitar sounds tasty....or is it you making the magic Sean?

[@seandaniel23]

Definitely the guitar ;)

[@gregantonowicz2818]

Both! Bro knows how to kick out the jamz. Ever use the crazy neck pickup for endless sustain Sean? If I had one I would probably be stealing to many Radiohead riffs. Good lesson.

[@dougsmith8430]

Hello Sean… i’m really getting into some of your lessons, and I really enjoy this slowing down of mixing rhythm and lead… And you were so right, when we start getting into lead and mixing up with a rhythm it can become too out of time because we think we need to rush things with the lead playing! Thanks for another great lesson!

[@deemitchell4603]

Damn... I probably have a couple of dozen vids bookmarked on rhythm and lead, and countless on lead but I never seem to get them right when I try. I had guessed it had to do with timing but for some reason a metronome just makes it worse. I do much better with a backing track but in the end I still wind up hosed. Yea and trying to count ain't happening either. But what you've shown here... yea that's doable... as simple as this may seem to be, or is, it's really huge for me. Very cool and thank you!

[@acousticknights9654]

Describing utilizing the pentatonic like a chord shape when you're doing double stops really makes sense. I'm getting around smoother and looking at the neck in a whole new light. Thanks man

[@Growing_Payne]

Lmao you look like the singer from The Killers

[@seandaniel23]

I get that a lot.

[@fvsdqf]

MORE MORE MORE . It s this gospelizing?

[@seandaniel23]

coming soon!

[@aeroshack]

In your Guitar pedal experience, did you ever come across a foot pedal that would pause and re-start guitar lessons on KZbin whilst holding a guitar? Learning to juggle with chainsaws on KZbin would be easier sometimes. Big thumbs up but please slow down (a tad).

[@larrysword9687]

Pb&j is excellent on tortillas especially toasted!

[@MrMarkar1959]

starting 04:17 counting time,,ok. when you count,,,1 n 2 3 4.,,= 5 to me,,each fragment of time is a note, as you count. ok its hard to get the amps feedback to be on time,, so let the drummer have his out of whack fun to!! n Rock On! peace

[@Ben-Ken]

I noticed you switch into playing that A-shaped B chord with your pinky instead of the "proper" way, using your third finger. I also find it easier that way especially at the wider frets. Shhhhh... It's our little secret.

[@Tanglangfa]

Nice! Where I get stuck is soloing over chords and changing with the chords, eg chords are G, C, and D. Of course you can just solo in G over the whole thing, but I struggle with changing my solo chord scale with the rhythm chord changes, or Timing it with the chord change is probably more Accurate. Any drills for that? Thanks for all the dope content!

[@seandaniel23]

Sounds like you should take a master class in learning how to jam with confidence. www.udemy.com/course/how-to-jam-on-guitar-with-confidence/?couponCode=WERYDE

[@Tanglangfa]

Sean Daniel Well played, sir! I shall do so.

[@siddharthmanumusic]

Super helpful to start simple n focus on timing n then add more. Helpful as can be

[@TruthAndReconciliation]

When exactly is best to hit muted string/percussive slaps here? Great video as always thanks

[@seandaniel23]

I always think it sounds good on the '3' of a 4 count because it's where a snare hit would usually go on a drum kit.

[@markpilch]

Great lesson Sean. Just what I thought I needed.

[@seanenglish3002]

I love that you put the counting into the lesson that is so helpful. I'm lame. I use a metronome habitually. I love your masterclass and it does have some great ideas like this.

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked the master class :)

[@seanenglish3002]

@@seandaniel23 I think you're right about the metronome. It hasn't helped my problem. The most common criticism of my playing is "wrong chord dumbass" And the metronome doesn't help with that. I am using backing tracks and playing with songs much more now.

[@timmo1782]

Chord progression sounds like Muffin Man by Frank Zappa, although I think the first chord is F#minor instead of A in that song!

[@seandaniel23]

Love it :)

[@patrickobrien2068]

where were you 30 years ago when I tried in vain to get this all together!

[@seandaniel23]

Just a boy

[@mantashaft]

I’ve been meaning to get a handle on these concepts for a very long time

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@mrpotato4441]

I clicked on this video because you are good looking so I trust you. I'm a straight man.

[@YEARS_OF_TEARS_BLUES]

What pickups do you have in that Strat and what pedals and amp are you using you have such a luscious tone

[@asdf9890]

PB + strawberry jelly + jalapenos or hot sauce (not salsa) on a flour tortilla! Nice lesson btw.

[@The_Acquainted_Era]

I like the duet lead playing. think need help to achieve that on my Guitar. Please give me a kick start on that guys.

[@alejandrohauser3165]

That's the shittiest thing that can happen to a corn tortilla.. My condolences to the tortilla family

[@Eponymous62]

Thanks to this video, I have successfully managed to do my first ever loop and solo over the top. Thank you!

[@seandaniel23]

Congrats!!!

[@Rawan-kd9vq]

Okay now I know what to practice. Great lesson thank you very much.

[@EladLending]

Good lesson Sean. I'm strictly rhythm (like Guitar George), but trying to break out. Currently I am doing Ian's Blues course. Maybe your combined course is next....

[@seandaniel23]

So cool to hear! Ian's Blues class is awesome!

[@joshuashatto5815]

Just like comedy, timing is everything. It's why I like your channel. Keep it up, sir. Also, I'd like to request a video where you discuss the use of Hendrix embellishments as applied to the triangle. I've really been getting into the more underutilized percussion instruments lately, and so that video would be super helpful. Thanks. ; )

[@seandaniel23]

I'll have to up my knowledge of the triangle. Might take me a few years to get it down.

[@canobenitez]

is this possible on spanish guitars? I can't reach the string with my thumb

[@apeman939]

Ed o Brien strat? Jelly

[@seandaniel23]

Such a cool guitar :)

[@grandpasmuse]

Thanks Sean. You have helped me get better. Thanks.😎

[@seandaniel23]

So happy to help!

[@kdrake777]

I’ve been searching for the perfect strat. My first guitar was a strat MIM . The new American pro and performers just don’t sound that great to me. Since playing and SG Standard, I think my ear has gotten accustomed to Gibson humbuckers. That strat sounds good, although I don’t like batteries in my guitars, lol. What has been your favorite strat so far Sean?

[@seandaniel23]

I really like the one in this video, but my favorite is still my '62 reissue deluxe (the green one in some of the vids). I really want to play some of the performers though.

[@panashemurawo1629]

Amazing..Thank you so much...This was an amazing video..How do I learn how to play lead and how to use scales and which ones to learn

[@seandaniel23]

I'll make some more vids on that!

[@Someone-lc6dc]

Hi Sean. That masterclass sounds like what I'd like to learn. Do you explain in it why certain things match (harmony-wise?) That's what I'd love to see explained. I've tried to analyze what you're playing in this video. Would C# minor pentatonic work over other chords in this progression? After all they are major chords (Amaj: A, E, C#; Bmaj: B, F#, D#). C# pentatonic consists of these sounds: C#, E, F#, G#, B, G#, so there is some overlap (except for G# and D#, all the other sounds can be found in either Amaj or Bmaj) Hmm...

[@Someone-lc6dc]

Actually, for some reason D# sounds really great when added to that pentatonic... I wonder why.

[@bulletontheroad4041]

So if I wanted to throw some notes at the a major chord I'd do the same but with a major scale?

[@markmunday1275]

Top man Sean. Thanks again .

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@wilburythesage2734]

As someone who has had some challenges with developing motor skills in my youth, guitar has been something I enjoy and have challenge with at the same time. I am going to give this a try here to help refine my playing some.

[@seandaniel23]

Best of luck!

[@mrhobs]

This must be great for people who know about music

[@chickzidane]

That sounds just like rhythm to me, where’s the lead???

[@mrjmart06]

Got lost at B major Hahaha.

[@seandaniel23]

Haha, at least you got one good chord in!

[@manuelsabin]

Great video! The chords are a little weird to me though. If I think of A as the root, then is the second chord (B) a borrowed chord since it's in major instead of minor? Or should I think of this as Lydian mode? Just trying to understand why this works so I'd be able to come up with progressions like it myself more naturally

[@seandaniel23]

I prefer to think of it as the key of C#m, but the chords line up the exact same way in A lydian. Or you technically say it's a IV-V-vi in the key of E. Just depends on how you want to look at it :)

[@manuelsabin]

@@seandaniel23 Thanks! I'll fiddle around with playing lead on it in minor and in lydian then and see treating which one as the tonic sits better : )

[@marketusbrown4903]

Bought pb&j lastnight😂

[@seandaniel23]

Gotta love it!

[@chuckHart70]

Sean making the world a better place one C#m chord at a time.

[@seandaniel23]

Doing my part.

[@chuckHart70]

@@seandaniel23 Hey I mean that! Realized that sounded douchey. Your channel is great!

[@ThePandaProcrastinates]

PB&J on a Tortilla is a MRE delicacy...

[@Ip2always]

If you drop D, you can combine bar chords and lead at the same time its great

[@seandaniel23]

The secrets of drop D!

[@jacobhornemann3754]

I use a metronome .-.

[@seandaniel23]

just playin ;)

[@yoloswag6242]

Good banter Mr Daniel (cool vid too)

[@jstallone3]

Awesome Sean! This is so helpful to see laid out like this. I have recently got a looper and have been practicing. One issue I have been having is with the Jamman Stereo looper XLR Microphone input is the footswitch volume. Literally using a mic i can hear the audible footswitch button clicks in the mic and through the amp in my loops which is pretty annoying. Do you have any advice to reduce this sound or maybe there is different looper with an XLR input that doesn't have footswitches that are so loud? Thanks!

[@seandaniel23]

Interesting. I haven't really had a chance to use that one. I like the boss one a lot. The bigger one has an xlr I believe (or at least used to) but you can always get an adapter into the 1/4 spot.

[@jstallone3]

@@seandaniel23 thanks for replying! I was checking out the boss online and might check it out at guitar center. Thanks for the videos. They are really helpful

[@Lex52]

A metronome, if you're lame and boring hahaahaaa... Oooh... Sigh...

[@seandaniel23]

just playin ;)

[@pratikkhobragade2870]

I think this is the first time I saw with you electric guitar. Awesome tutorial. Thanks!

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much!

[@oneeyemonster3262]

You have to Sing too....and do the drums with your feet :-P

[@seandaniel23]

also helps

[@StaffordsStudio]

Good video and tips thanks fo sharing looper pedals are great !

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@colinm3869]

This is the content i enjoy the most on your channel. It’s really opened up the fretboard for me

[@seandaniel23]

I'll keep it coming!

[@andreasantoalla1589]

Can you teach us how to get your tone? What's the amp/pedal? 🤔

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching! So I'm just playing the strat (fingerstyle) on the neck pickup going clean into my Mesa 5:25 with a little bit of the amp reverb :)

[@dennis6325]

Sean, you sir, have contributed yet another great lesson to the KZbin community. So...so...so good! There is so much taught in this one lesson about playing the guitar with proper musicality. You let the music breath, had fun and stayed in time. You kept the improvising sweet, simple, in the right key and more importantly ON TIME! Other players please take note of this so you can be a blessing to others in your jamb sessions! God Bless you Sean...great job brother! Keep going back to the basics...over and over again! Adios!

[@danielrobus2076]

Boss man, such a cool lesson thanks. Can you do the same type of lesson from an acoustic perspective please? Devoted fan who thinks you should visit south Africa soon.

[@seandaniel23]

Great idea!

[@danielrobus2076]

@@seandaniel23 besides, South Africa is cheap as chips and really friendly. You would love the vibe & the south african guitar sound is quite unique. You could have fun. And we have amazing beer. And food.

[@Ben-Ken]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who despises the use of a metronome. LOL.

[@seandaniel23]

You are not alone!

[@danielburford6754]

Nice video bro!

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much

[@bubbie3533]

I'm glad KZbin recommend your video, so I'm now a new sub. 🎸🎼

[@seandaniel23]

welcome to the party!

[@FL_Southpaw]

Awesome - exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Sean!

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@valvihk3649]

So lead is pretty much a melody

[@akeemblake5531]

Their is an app that is call youcisian that teaches you how to play guitar you can download it on your phone and play the guitar it listen to you play.

[@Home-u6g]

Stop.

[@TheGamerboy9]

Need more lessons like this Sean. Great one btw.

[@nccyr1]

I fully agree!

[@seandaniel23]

I'll keep em coming!

[@JF-xx5kn]

Thanks, Sean! Great lesson!

[@duhlirium4463]

This is a great transition lesson for those who started learning some chords and want to begin lead guitar!

[@seandaniel23]

happy to help!

[@strolanthabah9365]

Sir do your video in slow please

[@DudeitsLandon]

Great strat

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks! I'm loving it!

[@blkleblanc]

It is pretty much the stage I'm at right now. Spent the last 4 month doodling over backing tracks trying to map out the fretboard with the pentatonic scale. Now I just have to combine rhythm and some soloing and this video will help. Thanks

[@troyfrost1980]

Sean Dan.... Yes I like this lesson Twoday . The Fender SSS what brand is it possible to ask you . What Fender SSS I like it just the kind I want to buy . lol TroyFrost / Troyster 😎 CoolRiffs 😎 Cool 🎸 🤘🤘 🤘

[@texicaliblues]

Thanks for this topic! Imo, Bob Weir is the master at this.

[@seandaniel23]

Love Bob Weir!

[@jamespardee6103]

I am not from a guitar background in my musical roots, but I took drum lessons from a master. I didn't last long, but the impact of the lessons have lasted ever since. My observation is that strum notes are very similar to drum notes. Any tips on how they correspond?

[@jcory3761]

Love the idea of "suggesting" a chord while still keeping in the pocket. Your perspective really clicked for me

[@FisVii77]

I like the sound of a 4 5 6 progression.

[@Someone-lc6dc]

Hmm... How is it a 4 5 6 progression? (Unless it's not in the A key?)

[@FisVii77]

@@Someone-lc6dc because it is a 4,5,6 progression and it is not in the key of A major or Minor at all, it would be the key of E Ionioan(major),or A Lydian, or B Mixolidian, or C# Aeolian. to be proper ;). trust me. It is theoretically as Is written above. study theory it helped me tremendously exponentially to increase my ability to play better. I highly encourage everyone to study and learn as much as you can.

[@Someone-lc6dc]

@@FisVii77 Thanks for the reply. Hmm... You seem to be talking about scales/modes here, though?

[@Someone-lc6dc]

@@FisVii77 I went over the E-maj scale. You're right. It's in the key of E. Thanks! I wonder, though, why the D# sounds so good when added to the C# pentatonic. Is it because it's part of the E-maj scale?

[@FisVii77]

@@Someone-lc6dc you got it man, d# is considered the major 7 in the key of E or one half step before E. it is the 7th and would sound good when played with other notes in the same key. D# locrian would be the mode of that same key. the 7th mode. :) study your theory it will accelerate your ability to play guitar I promise. It has helped me tremendously especially learning the intervals, life long journey but worth it so I believe. later man.

[@marekkalinowski770]

Sounds beautifull 🎶🎸🎶🎸Thank You :)

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@darrelshowers1254]

Thanks Sean! This is so helpful. I love how you simplified this. I hope to see more of this kinda thing... Cheers!