how to write a solo?


j_klep_0708
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Joined: 08/19/07
Posts: 1
j_klep_0708
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Joined: 08/19/07
Posts: 1
03/24/2009 2:56 am
I know it begins with the key of the song a finding a scale.
and thats where im stuck,
# 1
Superhuman
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Superhuman
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03/24/2009 2:43 pm
Here's a good tip if you are not up to speed on scales:
Close your eyes and imagine what you would like to be able to play - then pick up the guitar and work each phrase and run out 'note by note'.

That's how I learned to play and it's still how I do things. Even when you learn scales and other bits of theory you can still incorporate this method. The great thing about doing things this way is that you will learn the fretboard largely by ear before applying theory - having a good ear is what separates good players from everyone else who simply rely on patterns and scale runs. Give it a go and try to do it for 30 mins per day - you should notice a huge jump in creativity which will encourage you to practice more. Hope that helps.
# 2
Ravin
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Ravin
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04/03/2009 4:54 pm
Unless you are a shredder, I've always heard that a good way to come up with a solo is to whistle while playing the chord changes. A lot of the solos you remember from songs are simple ones that you can whistle. Maybe record yourself whistling and then try to reproduce the notes on guitar. I did this for one of my songs, and liked the whistling solo so much I just left it in the recording! Quick pitch changes are always interesting too. That's why just playing scales are so boring because you rarely play notes that are too far apart. If you play Blues type stuff, the "call-answer" is nice in solos. Play the same (or similar) small lick in two different octaves. Playing it in the lower octave would be the "call". Playing in the higher octave would be the "answer". -- Ravin
# 3
ChristopherSchlegel
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Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,328
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,328
04/03/2009 9:27 pm
Originally Posted by: j_klep_0708I know it begins with the key of the song a finding a scale.
and thats where im stuck,

Try these tutorials aimed at helping students understand improvisation and soloing.

Introduction to Improvisation (Major and Minor Scale)
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491

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

http://www.guitartricks.com/techniques.php
(Have a look at the page and take your time to tackle things like: pull-offs, hammer-ons, bending, alternate picking, muting, etc.)

Learning Pentatonic scales and starting to play some licks

Blues In E - Rhythm & Lead
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=170

Pentatonic Minor Scale Exercise - All 5 Positions
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=185

Pentatonic Scales & Frameworks
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=296

Adding Major Notes to Pentatonic Minor
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=217
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=232
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=244

Intro to Jazz Guitar & Improvisation
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=519

Hope this helps. Let us know how it goes!
Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor

Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory
# 4
Ed Jalowiecki
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Joined: 04/05/09
Posts: 29
Ed Jalowiecki
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Joined: 04/05/09
Posts: 29
04/05/2009 3:32 am
Originally Posted by: j_klep_0708I know it begins with the key of the song a finding a scale.
and thats where im stuck,


That's not a bad start, but keep in mind that the beginning and end of phrases are often more important than what's in the middle. Finding notes to play at key points in a chord progression is a good way to get started. Once you have these "guideposts", filling in the blanks can be much easier.

Don't neglect chord tones, since these often give us the sweet notes to play over a particular chord. If you can identify the root, third & fifth of each chord in the progression, you're half-way there.
# 5

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