There’s absolutely no doubt that the electric guitar is one of the most attractive instruments out there. Aside from the fact that it adds +50% to your coolness factor the moment you pick it up, people usually adore the instrument for its expressive potential. And when we’re talking about expressive potential, we’re thinking of guitar solos and how to play a guitar solo.
Let’s face it – there’s absolutely no other instrument out there that can match the electric guitar when it comes to solos. Sure, you can try to copy it on some high-end keyboards to some extent, but it never really sounds the same. So, at the end of the day, it just has to be the electric guitar!
However, the problem is that learning how to properly play and write lead sections on the guitar is far from a simple task, especially if you’re a beginner. Don’t get us wrong, it’s not impossible, but it’s also not that easy to pull off. This just proves that guitar can be easy to learn but difficult to master.
With this said, we’ll be looking into some ways how you can teach yourself to play a guitar solo. Of course, there are no shortcuts and things take time. But this guide will help you get into the required basics.
Learn Music Theory
Okay, we’re probably extremely annoying right now. But we can’t stress enough how important music theory knowledge is. Sure, some may think that it, somehow, “cripples your creativity.” But things couldn’t be further from the truth.
How are scales built? Also, how are chords built? And how do they correlate to one another? What are the effects that you’re going to achieve by playing these specific notes? These are all the questions that music theory will answer. Combined with proper technique, you’ll have complete control over what you’re doing, be it a solo that you learned, the one you’ve written, or the one that you’re improvising right there on the spot.
However, it takes time to fully grasp music theory. You won’t be able to implement it straight away, so you’ll have to be patient about it. Nonetheless, stay persistent and learn as much as you can.
How to play a guitar solo: Get Accustomed to Metronomes
Again, you’re probably thinking about abandoning this guide. But there are no shortcuts to being a great lead player. For this, you’ll need to get accustomed to metronomes. And, most importantly, do not ever go to a higher tempo unless you’ve learned this particular lick or a riff at the slower tempo.
The general idea is to increase the BMP by increments of 5 to 10 and slowly “conquer” these tempos until you reached the desired one. Again, this is yet another aspect at which you’ll have to be patient.
Learn the Pentatonic Minor Scale And Its Different Shapes
It’s no secret that a huge portion of guitar solos in rock and metal music is written in the minor pentatonic scale. Or, they’re at least loosely based on it. Either way, knowing how to play the pentatonic minor scale in many different positions and shapes is not only useful but also an easy way to boost your confidence as a beginner lead player. You can implement it in almost any rock song, you’ll just need to know the key, and that’s it!
Learn a Few Other Scales
Of course, it gets kind of boring if you’re playing just the pentatonic scale. There are plenty of modes and scales that you can use in the right context. Needless to say, some music theory knowledge is required before you get into learning and using scales.
But either way, there are plenty of scales out there that you can use for soloing in rock music or any other genre. We have the Dorian, Phrygian, Phrygian dominant, the blues scale, Lydian, and many others. Knowing about them can only be beneficial.
You Need to Learn Chords First
But before you get into scales, you’ll need to sort out your knowledge of chords. After all, you’re supposed to solo over chord progressions. And knowing how chords are built and how chord progressions work is the only way for you to understand how solos work.
Some beginner players might think that playing a lead section is literally all there is to it. You’re just supposed to learn a bunch of scales and licks, ultimately making you prepared for being a solo player. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. You need all-around knowledge in order to conquer that skill.
Tabs: An Easy Way Into Soloing on Guitar
We’re lucky enough to live in the times when there’s an abundance of guitar-related material online. One of the most important types of resources are tablatures. Essentially, they’ll give you an easy way into learning lead sections. And with today’s resources, you can find pretty much any song that comes to mind.
In short, tabs will be your easy way into the world of guitar and lead sections. You’ll be able to learn so much and broaden up your repertoire. Additionally, you’ll be able to “steal” some of the ideas and licks, even incorporate them into your own music and possibly learn how to play a guitar solo.
But Make Sure to Learn How To Play By Ear
But on the other hand, you need to bear in mind that someone had to transcribe those songs and turn them into tabs. With that said, it’s extremely important that you put your music theory knowledge into practice and try to transcribe the music that you hear on your own.
Sure, you have tabs at your disposal. However, learning it on your own just by listening immensely improves your chances of becoming a better lead player. This is the best way to connect what you hear and what you do on the fretboard.
Be Patient!
In the end, patience is the key. Never bite out more than you can chew. Just go step by step, don’t play too fast at first, and you’ll get there. Above all, if you’re writing or improvising your own stuff, make sure that you’re coming up with meaningful melodies.
If you’re ready to learn how to play a guitar solo in practical terms, check out the Rock Out Loud guitar lessons right here!
