Are guitar solos all about shredding? They can be, but there’s something to be said for a solo that catches your ear with a great hook. Today our friend Blake Miller talks a bit about why motifs are important in solos, and how to use them in your own playing.
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Transcription
Today we’re going to be talking about creating motifs within your solo work. Today I’m gonna be taking a song that I did with Steven Dunn, off an album called Indianola. The song is called Picture Imperfect. We’re going to work on creating just, even if it’s a three-note phrase, creating good ideas and singable ideas that are maybe catchy and people will remember throughout the solo.
It’s not always about speed, sometimes
(soloing ensues)
So what we’re doing
Where you play the motif is based on the dynamic of the song, the feel of the song, maybe what the band’s doing. But the idea is that motifs like that one are singable things. Things that you can hear. That’s a classic blues riff, right?
The other motif we’re using is just going between the D and the E, in between runs and phrases. It’s not always about going fast, but when you do this, D to E is a very common thing within that pentatonic scale, just come up with different ways to keep it varied. Maybe slow it down a bit and play over a chord progression you’re familiar with. In this case, for me, it was that song and try to use slightly different techniques over it. Vibrato. Bending.
3 Responses
Phrasing, phrasing, phrasing…play it with soul…like you are singing the notes.
I play a Lowden O23. I switched from Elixir to Stringjoy last year. I ordered 2 sets of Natural Bronze Light Gauge and gave one to my recording partner, who also plays a Lowden O23. I would like to get your opinion of perhaps going to a custom set. I am a finger style player, no picks, just nails. He is also finger style, but does use a flat pick as well. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Sure thing Price! Our Natural Bronze Extra Light Gauge (10-50) set should be just the thing!