i've always wanted to learn solos and stuff but i dont know where to start and how to do it. i tried doin it by ear but i just cant put it together. any tips that could help? is there a pattern or something?
The way that I started learning how to improv was by one note at a time. Playing with the root note and ONLY the root note. Trying to create a simple melody using one note. Here's an approach:
Start out by having someone play 2 chords. We'll use G and C as an example. We're going to be playing in a G scale.
So let's take our root note "G" and use various different techniques and rhythm to create a one note melody.
After you feel like you've ran out of ideas, add another note in there. Let's try the next note on our G scale "A" so we can now use the G and A note. Create as much melodies as possible using these two notes. Bend them, make them short, long, vibrato, pull off, hammer on, whatever tickles your fancy as long as you ONLY USE THOSE TWO NOTES.
Then let's add a third note, the third note in the scale which would be "B" then repeat the process over.
Improvisation doesn't need a million and one notes. To me, the melody is a lot more important than fitting as much notes in a measure as possible. SO if you can create a melody using 3 notes, imagine what you could do with 12?
Also, remember that in improv... there's no right or wrong notes... just wrong choices.
. . . i dont really get the concept of the scales . . .
what do u mean by g scale? is it the g string? and i dont really get the concept of the scales..tho i watched aldrine's lesson. im sooo confused lols! can anyone explain it to me in a little bit simple terms? or put up some links? i know im slow haha! but i appreciate u guys tryin to help me..hehe!
...you can get to a place where you can play extraordinarily dextrous solos, but have absolutely nothing to say (think Yngwie J Malmsteen).
Biggest thing: DON'T STOP.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
DO STOP! STOP SOLOING!
The cardinal sin of soloing is noodling--soloing on and on without direction, and without listening to what's going on in the song. Effective solos often have a beginning, middle (perhaps including some sort of climax) and an ending, almost like a story. When you're soloing, consider where you're going with it. Solo in phrases, and give them room to breathe--if it's appropriate to insert a rest here or there, or let a note ring extra long, go for it--don't just keep playing nonstop to fill up space. Again, room to breathe is good.
And for God's sake, DON'T DON'T DON'T solo when the singer is singing the melody! Know when to solo, pay attention to where you are in the song, know when certain parts of the song begin and end, and time the beginning and end of your solo accordingly. Unless you're at an extended jazz jam, the solo is usually a relatively short, minor part of the song. Do not noodle aimlessly!
Heed these warnings, lest you someday end up like this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-XfnkLdkjo&feature=related
Russ needs to build a uke like that.i followed the youtube link
OMG this guy is crazyyy
woot
I think Hippie Guy meant "Don't stop," as in, "Don't stop practicing." I may be wrong, though.
i followed the youtube link
OMG this guy is crazyyy
woot