Making Solos Great |
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Sep 10 2013, 02:19 PM
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I was writing some text for an upcoming lesson and it got me thinking more about this subject. What makes a great solo ? Of course, there's loads of guitar playing elements that go into this but, casting them aside for the purpose of this thread, what else can influence this factor ?
In my opinion, it's about the actual music that's occurring during the solo. The chord progression. To me, the chord progression is infinitely important to the overall effect. On the contrary, a bare backing with a thudding bass playing the root note can yield inspirational results as you have free reign to explore loads of modal possibilities, like we did in our recent Desert Bus Collab. But I do believe that with a strong chord progression, it's half the battle won. I've included some text I wrote on the subject.. When the chords in the background are strong, then you don't have to add a lot to make the lead really complement it. Use the chords to your advantage. You only have to throw in a few, well timed, well restrained phrases and the combination of good chord structure and tasteful lead playing will give great results. Think about all the great guitar solos of the world. Which ones are always at the top of every list ? Hotel California, Stairway to Heaven. Imagine the solos by themselves if the chords were not there in the background. The solos would not sound so impressive. It's the marriage of great lead melodies to great chord progressions that create classics. I'm interested to hear your thoughts and some more examples of solos that you think benefited from a great chord progression inderneath it. |
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Sep 10 2013, 02:45 PM
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Well, there a tons of Solos one could mention here. A simple Solo I personally like is this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H5NW7VPp0Q Beginning at 1:08 with a heavy rhythm change, getting beautifully surrounded by short vocal breaks beginning at 1:28 onwards  It really has those well timed simple phrases you mentioned
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Sep 10 2013, 03:22 PM
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Though I agree that a great set of backing chord changes can really help make a solo and/or influence what one plays, I would disagree that it needs to. The two examples you gave - Hotel CA and Stairway - are indeed great. But not because of their backing. Those two solos are outstanding because even without the chord changes behind them, the players play over the changes - they imply the chord changes. They hit chord tones and weave their lines melodically and musically from one chord into the next. Even without the backing you'd be able to 'hear' the changes. In Stairway, when does Page hit that first big 'F' note? Or, in Hotel CA what's the first note in the second measure of the first solo?
Can a cool set of chord changes help influence and maybe direct the solo? Of course, but a great instrumental solo or great vocal melody can exist on it's own. The best players - the ones that stand the test of time and taste in any genre - always make the changes. From the most basic of blues to shred. What do Albert King, Paco de Lucia and Yngwie have in common? When it goes to the IV chord, they nail it. This post has been edited by klasaine: Sep 10 2013, 04:11 PM -------------------- - Ken Lasaine
https://soundcloud.com/klasaine2/foolin-the-clouds https://soundcloud.com/klasaine2/surfin-at-the-country-hop Soundcloud assorted ... https://soundcloud.com/klasaine3 New record ... http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kenlasaine Solo Guitar ... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXZh...5iIdO2tpgtj25Ke Stuff I'm on ... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXZh...b-dhb-4B0KgRY-d |
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Sep 10 2013, 07:25 PM
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Ben!! You shared the secret!
 I can't agree more with this. You won't find any great solo that hasn't an amazing chord progression happening on the backing. You just have to check the most fantastic solos you've ever heard and you will discover that the secret is there. There are lots of examples to check... Ozzy Osbourne's albums solos, Gun's & Roses solos (Slash's and also Chinese Democracy), Pantera's solos, and many others. Let me share some examples: -------------------- My lessons
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Sep 10 2013, 07:54 PM
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I'm no expert, I'm only starting out writing my own solos, but I always thought the Phrasing is more important than the notes you choose and the chords you play
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But on a serious note, I think the choice of chords as well as how they're played (i.e. strumming patterns, arpeggiated etc) also adds to the impact, just my opinion |
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Sep 11 2013, 10:47 AM
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First thing coming to my mind:
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Sep 13 2013, 03:13 PM
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Speaking of telling a story with your playing, Scott Henderson has some great advice in his Melodic Phrasing instructional video. Here's a clip:
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Sep 14 2013, 04:56 PM
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If you haven't had the occasion - Scot Henderson's 'Tore Down House' album is a phenomenal piece of work!
Check out my favorite piece: |
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Sep 17 2013, 02:39 PM
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Hitting chord tones and using arpeggios or parts of arpeggios as the basis of the solo rather than playing scales over the changes as if they weren't there.
If the chord progression is a good one, use it as much as possible in your soloing!!! -------------------- My SoundCloud
Gear Tyler Burning Water 2K Burny RLG90 with BK Emeralds Fender US Tele with BK Piledrivers Epiphone 335 with Suhr Thornbuckers PRS SE Custom 24-08 Ax8 Fessenden SD10 PSG Quilter TT15 |
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