This sort of relates to Idea 2. You wouldn't sing different notes abruptly one after the other. Instead you use vocal techniques like smoothly increasing or decreasing vocal pitch in order to reach the next note that you are singing. The same goes for guitar playing in a technique called "string bending".
Bending strings is a common practice for most guitar players but have you ever thought about new ways to reinvent how we bend strings. Instead of playing a few notes and then throwing in a string bend check out the way other guitarists use this technique. Albert King for example was a master of string bending and a lot can be learned from studying his style. The example below is taken from a solo Albert King plays in "The Sky Is Crying".
b = ½ step bend (eg. fret 12 to 13)
~ = Vibrato technique
With attitude, power, and your ear all combined you too can reinvent how you bend strings. I found this video of Albert King playing that'll really show you what I mean. One word: amazing.
