If you ever been stuck in a rut, playing the same scales and licks
over and over again? If so, this article is for you. This article will
show you how to break the habit of playing the same old boring licks
and to spice up what you already know. Add new life to your guitar
playing with these simple ideas.
Idea 1: Rhythm Guitar Isn't for Sissies
You can put more attitude and texture into a song with a good riff played with a great rhythm technique. Some musicians have studied merely that small aspect of the guitar and go on to do very well. Musicians, such as Ben Harper and John Butler are a prime example. The lesson here is that a few notes played in the right place is every just as bit as important as the lead guitar playing.
Examine this phrase: (Am)
E ||------------------------||
B ||----1-----------1-------||
G ||----------2-----------2-||
D ||-------2-----------2----||
A ||-0-----------0----------||
E ||------------------------||
It is merely an Am chord which has been arpeggiated. Now try and replace the existing notes of this passage with your choice of notes from the blues scale while keeping the same rhythmic structure. Then rethink your own phrases from the perspective of "rhythm first, notes second". Play a one-note rhythm that makes you feel good and then add some more notes to that.
Idea 2: Sing What You Play
Okay, so you've been working hard at learning your leads but every time you try to improve a new solo you find yourself always going back to the same old licks you've been playing over and over again, pattern after pattern. What you need my friend is the ability to link what you hear in your head to your fingers. Sing what you are playing.
The guitar can sing just like you and I. Some of the world's best solos are merely the guitar's version of the vocals. What I'm saying is, in order to have your leads sound natural and complement the song, you need breathing space.
Try this example. Here is the A Blues Scale:
e |--X--|-----|-----|--X--|
B |--X--|-----|-----|--X--|
G |--X--|-----|--X--|--X--|
D |--X--|-----|--X--|-----|
A |--X--|--X--|--X--|-----|
E |--X--|-----|-----|--X--|
|
5th Fret
By tying your fingers to your voice, your phrasing will improve, and even old licks will sound fresher. Get in the habit of singing every note you play. The idea works for ideas in your head. You can capture the idea, sing it, and pick out the notes on your guitar. All great players do this, only more quickly. For excellent improvisation this is an essential skill.
