[Larry]

when jg played electric, did he play mainly open chords or did he play mostly barre chords. Most chord sheets have intro around fret 1-4, yet playing whole song up there in open chords kind a has tto much volume w/ too amy open strings; sounds like he does too many walk-downs, riffs, though to be playing all barre chords. Anyone know?

[jahozer]

Yes. Bobby plays 1-3 note fragments as well, Or little 2-3 note runs. The combination of Jerrys bass fills and bobbys runs combined with the keyboards fills out the chords. Then add whatever Phil is doing and you have a very textured sound, filled with motion.
It is tricky to come to that sound when playing by yourself. You tend to fill in as many parts as possible.
You have to remember that books are arranged for solo guitar. It comes together nicely if you have keyboards holding down the majority of what the chord should be and two guitars can noodle around.

[stonemountain]

Use the books and tabs as a starting point. Once you have the chord changes down then add embellishments where you feel they fit. Before you know it the song will become ingrained in you. The trick is when you jam with other musicians you should be ready to change your part if need be to fill out the sound, to keep in time with others, etc. And remember the beauty of the Grateful Dead is that the songs are never exactly the same every time. Peace.