Most definitely, but I'd prefer to see Ralph pretending to play hot guitar licks as opposed to pretending that he can beat someone in a karate competition...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPB2qbxuiLM

It may have ended when Don Felder left the Eagles...

But seriously, I've been in enough head-cutting situations. I think the definition as stated above is a little extreme in its scope and finality. Back in the '70s everyone seemed to play guitar, many were trying to be lead guitarists, and most of those were trying to be the best lead guitarist. Consequently, everyone both tried very hard both to develop his chops and to find a venue to show them off in. There were lot's of those situations back then, from guest appearances to high school and college jams to band auditions to every day with two-lead-guitar bands. You never really knew what to expect of the spirit of these little competitions until you were in the middle of one. They could range from gentlemanly, friendly little duals where you pushed each other to each others' best and the stakes were no more than a friendly raised eyebrow when you pulled out something cool to some pretty cut-throat attempts to embarrass. I've enjoyed the former and survived the latter in various conditions. Basically, it came down to the character of the participants - nice people encouraged and enjoyed, nasty, sneaky people tried to beat and humiliate, very much like marksmanship competitions. Talk about a vehicle to sharpen you skills! I, for one, enjoyed and participated in friendly, respectful head-cutting as a social and learning experience first and foremost. I can honestly admit that I both wanted to be the best and didn't always get my wish. ;)

But let me show you an even better way from an old post of mine, HERE.

Bob

I guess the rules were as follows.they each play passages until one of the participants could not play what the other guitarist played.Excuses and alibis were not tolerated and the loser could be in for some serious ego damage!

I know someone who made a living playing bass in Nashville years ago and allegedly Jimmy Bryant came to town and stopped in at Roberts Western wear to jam with them. Jimmy had a Cadillac and on the side of it, I think it said, " The fastest Telecaster in the west or something like that.

Anyway he was very good and fast but he picked a night when Hank Garland was there. Hank was known for great country licks but was also a great Jazz player and according to my friend, Hank gave Jimmy a guitar lesson that night.

People stopped inviting me to these sessions after I got really solid on "Stairway to Heaven"

Cuttin' Heads is a great and wonderful tradition. It's not the same as the guy at the jam who thinks he's hot stuff. It was about BANDS in the greatest blues traditions. Where you had the best players going and a frontman/MC. On the order of Muddy. Earl. Guys like that. The audience understood the rules and were into it! They would boo you off the stage if you didn't belong. Think apollo theatre. Not coffee house.

Two guys having way too much fun taking turns.

I always grin when Chet quips "Don't make me look bad now! Don't make me look bad!" :D

This!

It's a jazz tradition too, and it could get heated...but it was always about pushing onesself further than before...and if somebody showed you up, you got in the shed and waited for next time.

Good players push each other to be better.

You wanna see Chet having fun with a buddy? In his prime? The best moment is at about 1:12 when Chet does some wicked sweep picking, and you can hear Jerry, barely off mic, loose his mind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni8KBhnebwE