How to Be a Lead Guitarist

1. Learn the notes on the guitar as well as tab. this will enhance your flexibility in playing styles and soloing (especially since jazz guitar is only written in standard notation).
   
   
2. Know the chord progressions. This will make it easy to write songs and write a part to others songs. Learn the major chords (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) then get the corresponding minor, and power chords. If you intend on playing jazz, you will need to learn 7th, major 7th, minor 7th, diminished, augmented, and many more. If you play other styles, learning these chords will make your music sound much more interesting.
3. 
   Learn the different modes in music. These modes with help you a lot in the long run as they are absolutely critical to writing music.
4. 
   Find a band. Some will have auditions, some you may have to hold auditions. You will have to practice a lot if you are serious on being the lead guitarist for someone.
5. 
   Learn to solo. When you solo you can wow the crowd, or hurt them. Listen to great solos from highly successful songs. there are instructions on this subject as this is a huge part of being a lead guitarist.
   
   Being a lead guitarist may not get as much recognition as being the lead vocalist, but don't let that discourage you. Many people could be playing air guitar to your songs.

   Never pack a solo with everything you know. Breathe in your music, and give the audience time to appreciate what you just did.