Basic Guidelines for Improvising Solos

Now let’s look at ways we can combine these ideas to create a solo.

Begin by grouping four-note phrases:

• Let’s start with a four-note run, followed by a four-note repetition.
• Play the first four notes of the scale. Then play the fifth note four times.
• Let’s do the same thing starting on the fourth string at the second fret.
• Play four notes ascending. Then play the fifth note (second string at the third fret) four times.
• Now put the two together.

Next, let’s add a rest and some new rhythm:

• First, play the solo that we have created so far.
• Rest for two beats and then start a new run moving down the scale. Beginning on the first string at the third fret, play three notes of the scale descending.
• When we get to the second string at the third fret, let’s change the rhythm by letting it ring for four beats.
• Now, still moving in the same direction, play the next four notes.
• Add another rhythm change by allowing the last note (fourth string at the second fret) to ring longer.
• Now, put everything we’ve done so far together.

This is just one example. Spend some time creating your own ideas. As you learn to improvise, you will need to go through this type of process slowly. Try to incorporate each of the Five R’s in some way. The more ideas you create, the more music you will be able to create. Eventually you will be able to create new musical ideas spontaneously.