How Do I Learn To Play Lead Guitar, All The Books I Get Are So Confusing?

If the books are that hard, I think you would benefit from a tutor or an instructor, someone who will take the time to not just tell you to do something, but show you all of the notes and what the notes look like.

The tutor can also teach you how to tune, and keep your guitar tuned, as well as how to practice properly. Musicians practice all the time to get to where they are, and to get there, you have to have a love for the instrument.

I think with a little guidance, you can do everything the other leads do with their guitars. My sons play, and the younger of the two plays the bass as well.

One thing they love is their music, I encouraged them to continue with it, and they got to be very good at them. I think you can too, with a good teacher, shop around for one who you think is good, and can that you can afford. Good luck, don't give up.

If you are not taking lessons, I recommend you do so. A good teacher will get you where you want to be. But, if you prefer not to take lessons then teaching yourself could be a great way to learn "IF" you have a great desire, you love the guitar and you have friends who also play lead. I have been playing lead guitar for app 30 years and have not had any lessons. Friends, recordings (learning from lp's, cd's, etc.) and a passion for learning got me where I am now.

Here's something I think is very important (any teacher will tell you the same): Scales, scales, scales!

Start with the "C major" scale, mix this scale so you play in the scale but with a variety of arrangements and everywhere on the guitar fret board. After you have "mastered" the "C major"scale, move on to another "C" scale such as "C Minor" scale then "C blues" scale, "C mixo-blues", etc., etc.

Then move up to the next fret position for the same scales in the next key, (they will be identicle except you're one fret above the "C" scale making it the "C# or Db" scale, but you will have to learn the few notes in the new scale on the fret(s) behind the new position.

Practice daily if possible. Most of my practices consisted of 1, 2 & 3 hours and some up to 5 to 6 hrs at a time. (I guess I needed more than others!). Actually, that's how much I wanted to learn.  Moto: "Practicing is the ultimate key to Mastering". Keep it up and don't lay it down. You'll do great!