Originally Posted by: Brenda SmithHow should I Start ... got any tips to help?

A good solo is a series of notes that is integrated with the other things happening in the song (i.e. the chords and the melody).

The melody is the absolute best place to start when building a solo. Learn the single note melody and play it a lot over the chords of the song. Then build variations on the melody.

Beginner improvising in general should be based upon targeting chord tones (which is often how the melody of the song is constructed anyway!). And we have lots of great tutorials with video lessons on that topic. Here are a few of the ones that target beginners:

Scales And Chords Relationships
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=426

Using Scales To Connect Chords Exercise 1
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=427

Using Scales To Connect Chords Exercise 2
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=428

Sound & Expression On Lead Guitar
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=475

Introduction To Improvisation In A Major Key
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483

Introduction To Improvisation In A Minor Key
http://guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491