Guitar Solo Tips

Even though most modern guitar solos are typically just simple contextual musical interludes with little relation to the classic masterpieces of the past, there are still some basic principles to follow when soling in todays pop and rock tunes.

I will break things down to 3 basic elements in your soloing to think about as you record or perform some lead guitar.

SIMPLE MELODY

 Let a simple 3 or 4 note melody or motif be a good starting point 

to your solo. It can be something inspired by the song's melody or just

a line that adds to the existing material in the parts of the song.

CHORD NOTES OR TRIADS

Try to follow some of the outlines of the chord tones

throughout your soloing. Sometimes it's just a targeting the

first or last chord of the progression and highlighting those notes

to create resolution and musical poetry.

CLASSIC PENTATONIC SCALE RUNS

One can really tie things together with classic blues

and pentatonic runs. They seem to fit in almost any occasion

and give soling that classic element that everyone knows

and loves about the guitar. 

Put these three elements together next time you get to solo, and you will be pleased at the outcome. You'll have to work a bit to become quick at hearing and making melodies, know the locations of some basic triad (chords) shapes, and memorise some classic bluesy runs to begin playing like a pro.

UNTIL NEXT TIME....