Guitar Solo
There are three good ways to approach How To Solo On Guitar.
Ad Lib Guitar Solo
One way to understand How To Solo On Guitar is to ad lib using the tools that theoretically work with a particular groove, or a particular set of chords that you are soloing on. The “tools” are the notes which you use. The scales , the chord tones, and so forth. There is no rule that says that you have to use a certain set of notes. In other words, your tool box, or set of notes, might be different than the next person. You might choose to use a minor pentatonic scale, while they choose to use a Dorian mode. A jazz musician might choose to use chord scales intermixed with chromatic runs. The point is, one way to solo is to make the solo up as you go. You use the set of ideas, which is of your choice, as a frame work. Sometimes, this kind of solo can be fantastic because you are in the pocket and the ideas are just flowing. Sometimes, the solo can be rough if you are being distracted and your heart and soul is not right on target and in the moment.
Write a Guitar Solo
A second way to solo is to have a written, or crafted solo. This is a solo where you have spent time trying different ideas until you come up with what you think are the perfect sequence of notes, or rather the perfect solo. This can be a fantastic solo because you have worked it, tweaked it, practiced it, and are completely comfortable playing it. A high percentage of musicians work their solos out like this first. Later, after many performances, they might ad lib within the framework of that very well constructed solo. With the good players, you can’t tell that it is a constructed solo because they are able to infuse it with emotion and energy.
Hybrid Guitar Solo
A third way to solo, is to combine the two concepts above. In other words, have a little bit of a constructed solo intermixed with the ad lib approach. This is a great way to solo. You have hook riffs that you know work and sound great, and you have the edginess of the unknown where you are making it up on the fly. This is also great way to practice your ad lib skills. Play a written lick and then wander off into an ad lib scale run. Play the same lick and then wander in another direction. Practice getting in and out of your written lick using the scale and techniques of your choice.
Jim Sutton Institute of Guitar can help you develop these skills.
Call, or email me if you have questions:
Jim
800-621-7669
jimsuttonisg@gmail.com
that’s my baby lick electric from Jim Sutton on Vimeo.