Lesons Introduction

Lessons from the world’s greatest teachers and schools...

Jason talks about The Build, and how to vreate dynamics and pace in the longer solo...

Guitar education has a tendency to deal with technique and theory but there are other topics of musical importance. Sadly though they tend to get overlooked as they can prove elusive to teach. One such topic is ‘soloing for a substantial length of time’. Substantial would be, say, 48 bars or longer (so, four times plus through a 12-bar blues). Your pacing in these scenarios - the solo’s dynamic arc - is really important if you want listeners to take a musical journey with you. Many musicians refer to this as ‘The Build’. Many guitarists create The Build by instinct, just ‘doing what they do’ but it’s hugely worthwhile that you consider as many Build options as you can.

While too big a topic to cover here, general tips for generating The Build include: low notes moving to high notes; slow notes to faster notes; chord tones to scalic runs; playing on one string then using some more; quiet to loud (guitar volume at 3 then to 10) - ‘inside’ to ‘outside’ tonality; neck pickup to bridge pickup; clean tone to overdriven tone; developing a short idea into a longer idea (theme and variation, or call and response). For a glimpse into great Build solos, check out live performances by guitarists such as Larry Carlton, Robben Ford or Mike Stern; players that are in the crossroad zone of jazz, blues and rock. These guys have extensive music abilities and tend to play a lot of long solos. As you read through this issue - specifically the Eric Gales, Allen Hinds and Creative Rock articles - consider how you may want to develop your own Build. You’ll be a much better soloist for it. Enjoy the issue!