"Lead" pickup? "Rhythm" pickup? I'm confused...

[sevenstringj]

For example, EMG's website used to say Hetfield finds the 60 a great "rhythm" pickup. But doesn't he use the 81 in the bridge for rhythms?

In general, are metal guitarists opposite of guitarists in other genres? Do most rock/blues guitarists use the neck pickup for rhythm and the bridge pickup for leads and soloing?

 

[BigPhi84]

Historically Rhythm = neck pickup and Treble = bridge pickup. It's a Gibson thing.

 

[sevenstringj]

It's a Gibson thing.

Ah, shoulda known.

Thanks!

 

[darren]

I just refer to them by position: Bridge, middle and neck.

 

[ZeroSignal]

I just refer to them by position: Bridge, middle and neck.

Same here.