Spicing up guitar solos (outside the box)

Nice, Ryan. For several years, I've made an effort to play LESS modal, in the box, stuff, and more melodic, less predictable lines. This would include, like you're doing, throwing in 6ths, 2nds, and any other interval, without being too dissonant. But I like what you're doing here....keep it up!

 

Wider intervals open up things.

 

ya but chords change

here's Laur Joamets playing with Sturgill Simpson on some simple changes

listen to how he spices up his single-note solo by slipping a minor-four chord arpeggio over the tonic (D) and then moving forward again into D

happens at 3:11 below



music theory types call this "prolonging tonic harmony"

spicy!

 

I hope this helps some guitar players. I don't know about that pentatonic box, are they still teaching that? That is like totally 70s. I am a bit surprised that guys need a video to get to this level. It seems to me that if you just play your favorite songs you will discover these mystical notes.

 

Nice playing and a fine idea!

I try not think in terms of scales and instead try to think in terms of chords. Then think about adding notes to the chord, especially 7's and 9's. I tend to think of the 6th as part of the base chord anyway Of course, there's all those other notes to use as passing tones!

Also, juxtaposing one chord over another, ex: playing a V chord over a I chord will produce a major 9th chord. Or for something spicier, playing a II7 over a I will give you a 9, b5 and 6th.

 

Spice...Quality hot sauce works every time

 

This one video is good, too:

Simplify Your Thinking When Soloing