Practice Routine

dabomb · May 03, 2012, 09:55:12 PM

The original poster said he understands basic theory. My point is that you can pull off great sounding solos with the theory he already said he knows. If he can't, more complex theory might not be the answer.

comprendo?

the_great_lemon · May 03, 2012, 10:12:22 PM

I find that learning a few solos you truly love note for note (or close to) is a really good way to start developing licks that you like. If you like Gilmour 'Time' is legendary in its phrasing and tone. Pretty much any Jimmy Page solo is a good place to start as well. Best of luck!

dabomb · May 04, 2012, 08:19:22 AM

Gilmour illustrates my point perfectly. His solos are not steeped in advanced theory at all. Phrasing, bending, vibrato, tone, and good taste.

fulltone1989 · May 04, 2012, 04:59:18 PM

All I'm saying is without theory all that bending, vibrato, and whatnot is useless because one wouldn't know what to do with it.

picture_of_nectar · May 04, 2012, 05:43:56 PM

I don't know that being knowledgable on theory is essential to soloing. i would say a good ear is more important.

Soloing first requires the ability to hear a melody within your head...then translate that through the guitar. Having a good ear for intervals can be just as important as knowing all the scales...

Also, you could be totally proficient in theory and modes and scales and be able to mechanically recreate complex solos. But improvising with a band comes from the heart.

dabomb · May 04, 2012, 06:02:55 PM

Quote from: tomasmaclennan on May 04, 2012, 04:59:18 PM
All I'm saying is without theory all that bending, vibrato, and whatnot is useless because one wouldn't know what to do with it.

His original post states that he already knows the major scale and minor pentatonic, but feels he sounds mediocre. I am not saying bending and vibrato before anything else.

fulltone1989 · May 23, 2012, 01:09:13 PM

Quote from: dabomb on May 04, 2012, 06:02:55 PM
Quote from: tomasmaclennan on May 04, 2012, 04:59:18 PM
All I'm saying is without theory all that bending, vibrato, and whatnot is useless because one wouldn't know what to do with it.

His original post states that he already knows the major scale and minor pentatonic, but feels he sounds mediocre. I am not saying bending and vibrato before anything else.

Okay that's what it sounded like to me. I agree then with getting comfortable improvising before learning new tricks etc. Sorry 'bout initiating a peeing contest of sorts

To the OP, have you considered picking up a cheap looper pedal to lay down a jazz standard on and then soloing over?