Communicating with others, whether writing, making a presentation at work or even having a good conversation with a mate, is all about getting across what you want to say. When playing solos there are many parallels with the way that we communicate using language. We start with words (notes), bunch them together to make sentences or paragraphs (licks, phrases, or whole verses), and this hopefully points towards a wider overall meaning and a point (or solo) well made.
In trying to make any kind of point - be it conversational or musical - we usually like to see a strong beginning, the introduction of themes and elements that develop our point. Ideally, this all leads towards a satisfactory conclusion that wins the listener over.
Dynamics play a huge part too. ‘How’ we say something is often as important as ‘what’ we say, so something a little unexpected thrown in helps keep us on our toes (a joke or two to lighten up a presentation, or an unusual lick or technique in a solo).
Just as some people seem born with the ability to tell a joke, or can hold your interest when relating a story, some players have the knack of knowing what works when soloing. It’s not essential to consciously recognize the key factors when creating a good solo. You can learn a great deal by osmosis, by simply listening to a lot to great music - and let’s not forget that elusive ingredient, talent.
Denne historien er fra October 2020-utgaven av Guitar Techniques.
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Denne historien er fra October 2020-utgaven av Guitar Techniques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PAT METHENY
Nick Mellor offers an insight into the jazz great's 16th-note lines, and his approach to improvising over static Minor and Dominant 7th chords.
MARTIN MILLER
Another fabulous JTC guitarist demonstrates his impressive techniques for us, focusing on an approach called Rythmically Dependent Alternate Picking.
THE KINKS' RAY DAVIES
This month Stuart Ryan takes a virtual trip into to North London to get to grips with the acoustic style of the original Muswell Hillbilly.
STEVE LUKATHER
This month Andy G Jones looks at the fluent soloing style of the LA guitarist who co-founded Toto in 1977 then ruled the 80s session scene.
JEFF HANNEMAN
This month Charlie Griffiths Shows No Mercy as he lays down the gauntlett with five shred licks from Slayer's undisputed master of attitude.
10CC
This month Martin Cooper checks out Eric Stewart and Lol Crème, whose distinctive styles helped give this UK band its unique sound.
T-BONE WALKER
From the heart of Texas to the cool West Coast, join David Gerrish on the journey of this hugely influential electric blues guitar innovator.
FERDINANDO CARULLI Andantino In G (Opus 241)
This month Declan Zapala goes back to basics to explore core classical technique with this emotive miniature by the pioneer of classical guitar playing.
THE CROSSROADS Steely Dan's Mu Chord
This month John Wheatcroft shows us how Donald Fagen and Walter Becker dressed their harmony to the 'nines, as he explores their trademark chord voicings.
GET YOUR MOJO WORKING! 60 Years Of Blues Licks
From the Kings to Jimi and Eric, Blackmore, Stevie Ray, Gary Moore, John Mayer, JoBo and beyond, Jon Bishop introduces six decades of blues guitar innovation.