Learning solos

Byron · 2009-03-22T22:25:39+00:00

Hi there Now keep in mind that my knowledge of guitar theory sucks big time. So, I wanted to know how you guys go about learning solo parts in songs. If I knew more guitar theory would it help to learn a solo properly? Basically for me its opening up guitar pro and swatting tabs until i remember which frets to press and then muscle memory takes over a bit. So far the only solo I can do fully is Led Zeplin's Whole Lotta Love. I learned the Judas Priest- Burn in Hell solo although I can't play it as fast as Downing but whatever. I guess I kinda get over learning the solo parts and just do the rhythm, even then I just get over the song and move onto another one. Does anyone else learn them the same way as I do? Thanks

Wizard

Ray wrote That is something I remember when I was still playing cello; hours and hours of scales, arpegios and damned exercises. But they work.

My memory as well.
And they do work.
I still hate the word 'etude' ?

Dirk

Byron, I did exactly the same thing. I grew up in a very small town and did not have many recources into learning to play guitar. I had a Guitar tutorial book ad that was it. When I started getting interested in soloing, I copied all my fave artists. Pretty soon, i could do most solos to the T.

i must say, doing that helped me develop my own kind of style (in a way), but I still think if I went on learning theory from the start, I would have been a much better player than what I am now. The things is, at some stage you just have have your own style, 'cause playing like some one else, propably won't get you very far.

Cheers

D

[deleted]

Sorry, don't know how to do a link. This is a great example of putting your theory knowledge into practice. Notice how their body language and music is in sync. Also one player backs up the other. Also, when soloing, notice it's more often melodic (ie. as if some one could sing it) with ornamentation. ( that's probably stating the obvious).

Keira-WitherKay

Well I went to Keira to have somebody confront me with what I need to learn and what I need to improve on. She does sound more enthusiastic than I would be about my progress, but that's another role of the teacher: encouragement. Even if it's through the forum

yeah Gearhead ...... just like i'm honest to say where you lacking as a musician....i am just as honest when i compliment.... and you did get it ..."theory wise" in 2 lessons and are applying it ....creating your own solo's .... so don't be modest .... and yeah you most definitely have a lot of work to do.... but you made a huge leap from the guitarist who walked into my house only weeks before....when you had no clue how to solo in key
so accept the pat on the back ..... you do deserve it.

anyway i was not gonna mention gearheads name as the student i mentioned in my previous post .... but since he has admitted to be that student i discussed i would like to mention Gearhead is a great example of how just a little theory ...(ok the relevant theory) goes a long way to make you a better player.... it simply opens doors far quicker than any other method.

and feel free to ask him if it was painful to learn the basic theory .....

peace and light
Keira

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