I've been reading the thread Adam started up with that video and it occurred to me that I've never heard of or thought of building a solo like everyone's talking about. I've only just started playing with others and the last open mic I went to (that being the first) the lead guy sent it over to me for a solo. I hadn't anticipated this! Long story short I threw some stuff together and it came out well as far as I know but it was free styling really. Knowing that, I know now to prepare a solo or at least a structure to adhere to.
My question is how do you "build" a solo?
---------- Be safe, keep the faith, and don't let em tearrrrrr ya down.
Last Edited by on Jan 13, 2011 1:54 PM
I'm currently working my way through Mel Bay's 'Improvising Blues Harmonica', by David Barrett & john Garcia.
It seems to have a lot of very good info in it about constructing solos and fitting them to the music you're accompanying. however I'm only at the end of the first chapter at the moment and am trying desperately hard not to do my normal trick of skipping ahead to the 'juicy bits' only to find I've neglected the basics first.
But from what I've read and done so far it's already made me start thinking about musical phrasing and fitting what you play within the 12 bar progression. I would recommend it if you're interested in 'Building a Solo'
I feel like giving my opinion on this subject in man parable...
Take it slow when making love to your lady. Get some foreplay and smoochin in there. Pay attention to the small things first and get the blood pumping. Make every movement count and avoid racing to strapping on the jimmy and getting your "Oh face".
You build a house with a foundation, beams, roof, bricks, etc. Don't go buying the chrome kitchen appliances and fancy chandelier until you have the floor down.
Warm the car up first before you take it to the autobahn.
I like to build up if there's time-for instance, if you know you're gonna get 24 bars, you've got time to build up some tension, then have a powerful climax...Or, if it fits the song, come in strong, bring down the intensity and make it pretty, then go out strong.
If you've only got a few bars, and it's a rockin' tune-solo like your life depends on it-but, again-it's gotta fit the song.
If you're with a band playing a slow, swingin' version of Kansas City, and you get thrown a solo, coming in with guns blazing from start to finish like Popper on speed, even if your timing is on, is gonna go over like a fart in church.
Conversely, if you are in a band playing a driving rock tune, playing a sweet sustained note or two might kill the song.
Taste is key. And one size does NOT fit all. ----------
some of it is having a large library of licks. find the ones that fit over each of the chords. put the pieces in place. play. if all else fails, do a lot of shakes!
I appreciate all the feed back. I think I have enough to get me started. I'm by no means a speed demon but it's good to know that there are medications and therapy groups to catch me if I fall. Haha. Thanks!
---------- Be safe, keep the faith, and don't let em tearrrrrr ya down.
the basic style in 12 BAR BLUES ,CALL AND RESPONCE [QUESTION-ANSWER]play a riff as a question 4 measures root.than ask question again with a little vary,on next 4 measures 2 of IV AND 2measures of I...Then the answer riff,the turn around,V-IV-I-V,LAST 4 MEASURES.....THIS IS THE WAY 12 BAR BLUES STARTED.....
