play guitar vs. play the guitar

[Allegro molto]

Hello

I was in two definitively obscure bands. The first was Bullet LaVolta. But in the second one — Chavez — I really found my vibe. I started it in New York in 1992 with Matt Sweeney, who sang and played guitar, and then later we added James Lo on drums and Scott Marshall on bass.
(from The secret life of a rock dad, the IHT)

Are "played guitar" and "played the guitar" interchangeable?

Thank you

 

[Hermione Golightly]

I always say 'play the (name of instrument)'. My impression is this is a BE/ AE usage difference.

Hermione

 

[Egmont]

I'd say "played the guitar" if the focus is on the guitar as a musical instrument.

I'd say "played guitar" if it is on the role this person had in the band, as is the case in the quoted passage.

 

[pob14]

I'm with Egmont on that.

I have played the guitar for many years.

I played guitar for Guns n' Roses when Slash was on vacation.

(Both of the above statements are factually false, by the way. )

 

[Alxmrphi]

Why without "the" in "He playse guitar in his combo."?
Play guitar, or play the guitar (piano, violin, trombone, etc)? <-- best / most detailed thread.
Thomas plays (the) bass guitar
play the guitar
I can play guitar/ I can play the guitar.

It's been discussed before

 

[grubble]

I'd say "played the guitar" if the focus is on the guitar as a musical instrument.
I'd say "played guitar" if it is on the role this person had in the band, as is the case in the quoted passage.

I agree and, as far as I am concerned the same distinction occurs in Britain. I have played (the) guitar both in and out of bands but sadly never a famous band.