Thats a tough question to answer because I know how to play lead but I play rhythm for the band that im in. The neck pick up is already pretty passive sounding. I like heavier sounding guitars, but not so much into the metal sound. I like to palm mute and artificial harmonic alot. Also I hate string talk. I love the sound of Alice in Chains guitar. Their sound is number one in my opion. The others are in no particualr order. Stone Temple Pilots (off core,) 311, Nirvana, Linkin Park, and Metallica (james hetfield, his live sound only.)