My Approach To Shapes

Hi GMC-ers! In this lesson, I will show you one method on how to sound unique by creating your own licks, mainly focusing on shapes.

Shapes are of no particular scales, rather you can invent a shape on one or more strings and continuously play it on the rest of the strings as well. The first time I've heard this term was when I watched one of the first instructional videos of George Lynch. Another famous guitarist who used this technique was Dimebag Darrel of Pantera and Damageplan. One of his most well known solos in which he uses shapes is called "Cowboys From Hell".

I composed a solo that has some of not so common phrasings and added a shape that suits the vibe of the solo. The solo starts out with a melodic line that builds up a certain feel of tension. In the third bar I play less unique phrasing that also adds to the vibe of the solo. It continues with some bluesy licks and phrasing and concludes with a neoclassical approach. At this point we will play the shape on 4 strings and end the lesson with similar motives as ones played in the beginning.

Techniques:
* Hammer-ons
* Pull-offs
* Shapes
* Bluesy Licks
* Phrasings

If you have any questions:
* Give feedback (upper-right-corner)
* My Personal Board
* General Forum

The guitar is in standard tuning. Please loosen your hands before attempting to execute the shape, it can be a bit tricky.
Have fun!/ Zsolt