Ugh. We walk in and see some shmoe with backing tracks or a looper, that's when we turn around and walk out.
If you can't play solo, start a band.
Solo act with just electric?
- Thread starter Andyfreddy
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If you can't play solo, start a band.
Truer words were never spoke.
I was about to say the same thing. Whenever I play the live at Sin e Cafe album am inspired to play like buckly. Straight in the amp, bit of verb and croon away.....
That's a great album title.
Engine Swap
Poster Extraordinaire
Bob does it.
You need to adjust your amp (or replace it) until the cowboy chords sound "right".
Electric guitar has been pushed into being a lead instrument, but originally it was in the rhythm section. Turn everything down, and you'll find a fuller, smoother tone that can stand on it's own and not "need more".
Ed Driscoll
Friend of Leo's
Sting and his Strat at the Secret Policeman's Ball in 1981:
Highway 49
Friend of Leo's
Nogoodnamesleft
Friend of Leo's
That’s unfortunate. Some of my solo stuff is dependent on their rhythmic elements and more ambient guitar.
I get it though. Sadly I’ve been there, done that, with bands and had unfortunate luck being in a 4 way dysfunctional marriage.
Git Mohair
Tele-Meister
It truly is very inspiring. So, much talent delivered so simply.
Harmonic
Tele-Meister
I've done it, but I prefer to be in a band.
39martind18
Poster Extraordinaire
You're describing what I've been doing for most of the last 50 years or more. I do use backing tracks that I put together using Band in a Box. I also use a Roland GR30 guitar synth for different instrumental sounds and textures. The electric guitars I use tend to be humbucker equipped, usually Gibson-style, d semi and full hollowbody guitars, although a Tele style partscaster and a Squier Affinity Tele get the occasional gigging time.
My act is much more vocally centric as opposed to guitar-centric, with the guitar used primarily to accompany my vocals. Leads tend to be either noodling through the chord changes, avoiding "clams," or the melody of the song, due to my limited talent as a lead player. Overall, my electric guitar solo act sounds full and pretty good. Technique-wise, I cross pick within chords, cowboy or not, play alternating or passing bass lines. I do use some straight strumming, but less than 40%, on average. Most anything I play on electric, I can do on acoustic, if I want.
My act is much more vocally centric as opposed to guitar-centric, with the guitar used primarily to accompany my vocals. Leads tend to be either noodling through the chord changes, avoiding "clams," or the melody of the song, due to my limited talent as a lead player. Overall, my electric guitar solo act sounds full and pretty good. Technique-wise, I cross pick within chords, cowboy or not, play alternating or passing bass lines. I do use some straight strumming, but less than 40%, on average. Most anything I play on electric, I can do on acoustic, if I want.
McGlamRock
Poster Extraordinaire
There’s a guy in my neighborhood that’s always busking on his tele. He’s really good!
He’s got a looper pedal and he plays some great stuff. I think the Tele might be homemade
He’s got a looper pedal and he plays some great stuff. I think the Tele might be homemade
Hey, do what you gotta! I'm a purist — not to a fault, I hope. I figure whatever was good enough for my folk guitar heroes is good enough for me. There's just nothing like the sound of a well-played folk guitar.
(For sound effects, like reverb and tremolo and overdrive, I'm an electric guitar purist.)
