TOPIC: Lead Rhythm Guitarist

Developing you rhythm is very important. It will make or break the song. When I began playing I didn't give it much thought. But its clear to me now that you can mess up a chord or even your lead break and the song won't suffer as much as when you don't keep in time with everyone else. Speedy fingers are definitly a challange but so is keeping everyone at the same pace.

Yes indeed. The integrity of the song takes precedence over speed. I guess as long as you don't screw up the chord so bad as to be out of key, you're ok! We usually have so many guitarists in our groups, i would employ a ghost strum, and follow the most experienced player to get back in. (i hope)