Hey, this is a good question. Shame there isn't more answers, although hopefully more people will see it now I've added an answer
Points that I consider when composing a solo:
- Tempo of backing. Create contrast with the backing by playing longer notes over a fast backing, combined with quicker passages. Very few of the 'greats' just blaze away at one speed. Most of them know how to pace a good solo by including some long sustained bends (like Kirk Hammett does in Battery or Blackened) before fast bits. Just remember that because the song is fast, it doesn't mean the melody has to be fast. Sometimes the contrast created between a slower solo and faster backing can have more effect.
- Am I deliberately trying 'too hard' ? Am I trying to write things that are currently beyond my ability ? We don't always have to see a solo as an opportunity to showcase what we can do. Most times, the best approach is to work with what we currently have within our ability. If you write with what you already can do, then there won't be much need to slow things down and practice it until you can play it.
I hope this helps.
Those are some awesome points. Im definitely going to experiment with contrast some slow passages in there as i love solos that can mix shred and beautiful melodies
bands like megadeth and arch enemy are especially good at setting their own pace with the lead over tricky rhythms and i d love to be able to bring some of that into this
Breaking it down and slowing it has helped so much. It feels so much more natural and right now
In terms of trying too hard...totally lol. i have a habit of biting off more than i can chew, and i ve thrown out alot of new tricks i ve learnt with this so far, most i can yet do at the full speed of the track but im hopefully i can get them there as their not too far off. And hopefully when i break into melody from it ll sound that much even more ear grabbing
We'll see if it works, but im quite excited as this could be the start of me getting over my biggest hurdle to date
Cheers for all your advice