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Hi, i don't know much about guitars so with that in mind, here is my question.

Are Les Paul shaped guitars good for lead players? Do many lead players use a Les Paul guitar?

Answers and reasons why please. thanks

Hell yes......

how old are you? are kidding me?

Well I think that its all in the player if your a good lead player then it will sound good. Setting up the right guitar isnt awalys what people should be thinking about (maybe practising chops). But yes les pauls are good.

Les Pauls are good for lead because of their tones but I don't know if the shape has anything to do with it. As a matter of fact, I personally don't like playing accompanyment or rhythm with a Les Paul. I think it sounds kind of harsh. I'll switch to a Strat when I comp or play rhythm.

Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, Slash, Ace Frehley, Gary Moore.....just to name a very few. Some of the best rythym and lead tones in rock history have come from a Les Paul.

Les Paul Marshall 1/2 Stack = Rock History


Originally Posted by Jeff_HJimmy Page, Joe Perry, Slash, Ace Frehley, Gary Moore.....just to name a very few. Some of the best rythym and lead tones in rock history have come from a Les Paul.

Les Paul Marshall 1/2 Stack = Rock History

Well put.


Originally Posted by LambofGodhow old are you? are kidding me?

Originally Posted by Jeff_HJimmy Page, Joe Perry, Slash, Ace Frehley, Gary Moore.....just to name a very few. Some of the best rythym and lead tones in rock history have come from a Les Paul.

Les Paul Marshall 1/2 Stack = Rock History

Amen brother...

I'll add in Scott Gorham, John Sykes, Brian Robertson, Paul Kossof, Adrian Smith, Frank Hannon,...aww hell just check my sig...

I could go on an on...

Its very favored for lead playing due to it's complex mids, good low end, and high end bite which help it cut through a mix...also the inherent sustain is a huge plus

Les Paul...just like a Strat or Tele or SG, or other classic design can do whatever you want it to, and it will do it extremely well as long as the player is up to the task

I love les pauls, and of course that guitar is a killer tone!!! I´m planning to buy one...
JJ

and I use a Les Paul. What more proof could you possibly need ?


I'm les Paul freak .. no doubt about it for lead playing

the best LP ive played was a EPI custom, really nice neck and fretboard... but i hate them to be honest, cant reach anything high up there

When you play a LP in a store, you've got to be aware that it was set up by a gimp.
Once it's playing like butter, it becomes a real Gibson.


Originally Posted by GearjoneserWhen you play a LP in a store, you've got to be aware that it was set up by a gimp.
Once it's playing like butter, it becomes a real Gibson.

This is very true. Beside's the weight this was my only other gripe with my
Les Paul. I had it setup by a pro,When I got it back the Damm thing played
like butter ! For most players this is a good thing. For me it was a trainwreck.
My fingers flew all over the fret board faster than i could think of melodies. I
totally overplayed ! and played myself right into a corner I ended
up raising the action so it putup a Lil' fight. But that's just me

Eric Clapton has to be mentioned, after all he did create the LP Marshall combo.

The shape however has nothing to do with it, this isn't a acoutic. It has more to do with the woods, dimensions, hardware and electronics. Personally I like the shape but can't handle the weight and electronics (master volume kind of guy).

Ok, thanks for those replies. Am i right in thinking that the Les Paul isn't used much in metal for lead playing? i am struggling to think of a metal lead guitarist who uses a les paul. why is this?

Yes a LP can be used for lead playing.

But, if your one who likes to solo up in the upper register of the neck, basically between the 17 to 22 fret, the heel can be a bit cumbersome.

A neck thru (like a Carvin Dc127 or Jackson Soloist)
a contoured set neck (like a Schecter C1 Exotic or Ibanez SZ320)
Or contoured bolt on (like the Ibanez RG or S series)
are better suited for access to upper frets.

Again that's not saying you can't solo high on a LP.
Just the the LP heel is bulky and makes it not as easy to.

Kent


Originally Posted by SepultuRickOk, thanks for those replies. Am i right in thinking that the Les Paul isn't used much in metal for lead playing? i am struggling to think of a metal lead guitarist who uses a les paul. why is this?

Zakk Wylde

With all due respect.....

?

If it is, don't fall into the trap....