I have found for the most part people do not really learn the words to most songs and that is the level most people interact with a song at. Yes they can sing along as the radio plays, but remove the radio and the words are gone.
So that screaming lead that we "guitar players" listen to is passed over by the masses. It means less to them than the words, so other than a couple of key spots it's just a sound they bop their heads to.
Which brings me to learning the rhythm is the most important part to please the masses. It is the part their heads bop to. They lift their heads and look when the guitar player hits those couple of notes or the singer does a run they like. Hey, its not good music if their feet are not moving with the rhythm. Right?
That's why leads are called embellishments its stuff added to make the song enjoyable to those that play instruments. Those that do not play say things like "I wish that guy would stop pulling on the strings like that and turn down, I can hardly hear the beat.
I think that's why so many three chord song make it big. Non musicians just listen to the rhythm and beat.
"Taking Care of Business" by BTO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4sI5DG5sjc
and "Keep on Rocking Me Baby" by Steve Miller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUHtJJ1Fgjs
are played the same way 90% of the time. I play them both using B, A and E. The rhythm of the right hand is different and the licks played between the verse and the chores are different. But the mechanics of the left hand is the same through the verses.
Same left hand mechanics playing A, D and E can be "Johnny Be Good".
"Wild Thing" by the Troggs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hce74cEAAaE
Is another classic that is easy to play, but has subtleties that when perfected will open up another rhythm that is part of a bunch of other songs. Play a three finger power chord and play G, A, G, A as the singer says wild thing you move me. But I want to know for sure. Hold me tight thing. You move me. Chores A, D, E, D repeat.
All four of those songs always got people up and on the floor. To me they are on the same classic level as "Smoke on the Water".
