Hi and Welcome to LEADSOLO!

I've always enjoyed digging into guitar solos, and finding out what the “pros” did. It’s cool to uncover the secrets of famous solos, and to understand better where the artists were coming from, as they put it down these iconic guitar solos.

By learning the guitar parts for the bands I was in, I self-taught myself lead guitar. I only deciphered the recordings I had, so, in a way, I just learned everything directly from the pros, by copying what I heard. If you want to discover any new style you hear, whether it’s blues, jazz, bebop, bluegrass, metal, or classic rock, just sitting down and working through finding the notes is probably the best way to do it. Then you can analyze what you’re doing over time, and over several examples, and really get to know the style. With some basic music knowledge and the desire to learn, you can get a lot out of studying other players.

Regarding technique, I would say use what’s natural for you. It’s amazing how it comes easier if you just play a little each day. While you play a solo, you are practicing technique without thinking about it most the time. As I didn’t have lessons, I just used whatever was natural to try to articulate the solo phrasing as it was supposed to sound. I found familiar solos are about the best thing to play, as the phrases are easy to remember and repeat.

If you have any questions or feedback, please send them my way. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tom Lane

Founder,  LEADSOLO