Does a rhythm guitarist just play chords?!
Question: or can they also play a guitar part that harmonizes lead guitar
Answers: or can they also play a guitar part that harmonizes lead guitar
I think you're getting caught up in the label of "rhythm guitarist".....think about it., what does the "lead guitarist" do when they are not playing a lead?.....they are playing rhythm....so why can't it go the other way around? If you can play the parts (meaning you have the skill level) then you can and should play them. If you are asking this over concern of joining or starting a band with friends, then remember what I'm saying, don't get caught up in labels....you will find 'some' guitarists that have good skills to play leads, also have an abundance of arrogance and when involved in a band, they will want the spotlight, and will be resistant to 'sharing' solos. So be careful.......
No and yes.
It all depends on the style of music. If you play metal, a rhythm guitarist is like the primary substance of the song, and so there's a lot more than just chords. In reality, a rhythm guitarist can do whatever they want, musicians aren't usually limited to one thing. It might be their primary job, and that's what they usually do, but it's not like they have "Do Not Cross" tape around that...
They do both, it depends on what the song calls for or how it was written.
Rhythm guitarists can play whatever the song calls for, if they're good. I've even heard rhythm guitarists play the second part in two-part solos. It's weird, we're sort of like utility players...
actually a good rhythm guitarist is sometime better than the lead