Lesh was a classically trained musician at the time the Dead started, but it is true that Bobby was just learning guitar then, and never progressed much beyond basic rythem. What he lacked musically and vocally he more than made up for with sheer passion, however.

@waxbanks said:

100% disagree with that labeling of Lesh and Weir. To call them technically limited is very provinicial, uninformed, and really, just incorrect.

Since I wrote that post, I've relearned that listening is the most important technical skill. So in a sense I agree with you.

But there's no question that Weir and Lesh simply aren't as skilled on their instruments as the other guys in the band. Lesh is like a slow/weak soccer player who positions himself incredibly well, mitigating some of his weakness; Weir is like a goalie who does capoeira instead of watching the game, thereby fucking up opposing players despite not being 'a good soccer player.' Both were essential to the Dead, and I like their playing. But they were n00bs when the Dead started.