Did Ringo Starr Ever Play Lead Guitar with The Beatles or Solo?

Ringo Starr has always been known for his drumming prowess, and there is a widespread belief that he never played lead guitar in either his time with The Beatles or in his solo career. This article delves into the facts and delves into why Ringo chose to stick to his drummer roots rather than exploring lead guitar.

Is Ringo Starr a Guitar Player?

Contrary to popular belief, Ringo Starr is not a lead guitarist. While he can play the guitar to a certain extent, his skills lie more in strumming a few chords rather than engaging in the complex and dynamic process of lead guitar playing. It is often mentioned that Ringo might have picked up a guitar for personal leisure, but there is no concrete evidence of him playing lead guitar either with The Beatles or in his solo work.

Lead Guitar in The Beatles

The Beatles were renowned for their multi-instrumental prowess. George Harrison was a world-class lead guitarist, and his skills were on full display across many Beatles songs. Paul McCartney, primarily a bassist, also demonstrated impressive lead guitar abilities. Even John Lennon, while his lead playing was less advanced, still contributed significantly to the band's sound, particularly with his 12-string guitar.

Given the array of talented guitarists within the band, why would Ringo Starr attempt to play lead guitar? It would be redundant and possibly detract from the musical quality the band wanted to achieve.

WhatSkills Can Ringo Starr Play?

While Ringo is an excellent drummer, he also has some basic guitar skills. However, these are limited to rudimentary chord strumming. Additionally, he is proficient at piano, particularly in a style reminiscent of "Don’t Pass Me By." In the documentary Get Back, we see Ringo working closely with George Harrison on the piano progression for "Octopus’s Garden." This collaboration involved basic chord playing and modifications to make the song more interesting, which George later enhanced with more complex transitions.

These skills demonstrate Ringo's recognition of his limitations regarding lead guitar. He knows that his contributions would not add value to the already remarkable talents of George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon.

No Lead Guitar in Beatles Songs?

It is clear that Ringo Starr did not play lead guitar on any of The Beatles' songs. The quality and uniqueness of the band's sound were achieved through the combined genius of George, Paul, and John. Ringo's drumming skills were more than enough to contribute to the band's success.

Why Not in His Solo Career?

Similarly, in Ringo's solo career after The Beatles, he did not attempt to play lead guitar. Much like Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel in Genesis, Ringo recognized the value of having specialized talent in the band. Tony Banks' keyboard skills were crucial to Genesis’s sound, and Ringo likely felt that playing lead guitar would not be a valuable addition to his drumming abilities.

In conclusion, Ringo Starr's focus on drums and other basic instrumental skills, such as guitar and piano, highlights his unique contribution to the vibrancy and sound of The Beatles and his solo career.

Keywords: Ringo Starr, Lead Guitar, The Beatles