5 Tips for Better Guitar Solos - ASK ZAC EP 34
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2020
- Tip jar: paypal.me/AskZac
In this episode, I spell out some philosophies and techniques that have helped my soloing improve.
1. Getting a Looper Pedal (I use an MXR Clone Looper) amzn.to/2AwoM7o
2. Singing a solo over the changes
3. Finding Rhythmic and Melodic Motifs
4. Limiting Myself - Play like a hero, or with a different sound
5. Become a guitar tinkerer. Make what I steal my own.
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com
Gear used in Video:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
danocaster.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16, 24, 34, 44.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Line 6 Echo Park delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Zac is like ‘The Minister for Common Sense’ ... great advice as always - and presented in a way every guitar player can appreciate and understand.
This is what makes him such a fine presenter - as well as guitarist and journalist.
I’m really enjoying the Ask Zac channel - it’s superb.
Thank you, Bob
Great information. Back in the 70s I was playing bluegrass. An old fiddler told me, when learning a new tune, whistle or sing the tune first, then it's easy to transfer it to your instrument.
Great tip!
Following the chord tones is a great way to expand your melodic voicing, because you can't help but spell out the direction of travel, very true! It is interesting how melodies present themselves when you do this.
Watching this today. Literally just ordered the exact Looper he mentioned a couple days ago. It arrives today.
I noticed when I began playing violin that my guitar playing changed to being more melodic and I listened alot more to what I was playing. Love your channel, it's so cool.
That's awesome!
“Be a guitar tinkerer...” yeah man.
Thank you, Keith. Waiting for your next release
Hey Kieth.love some 5 watt !
Thanks for this Zac, its amazing how a simple philosophy like this makes a massive difference. Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa
Thanks, Zac....Solid advice!
Thanks for the tips. Zac, you always speak my language.
Great advice, thank you!
Awesome advice, thanks!
Yet another great video. Excellent advice and viewpoints. Thank you.
Very welcome
Thanks Zac. Sage advice as always mate!
I do always try to hear melodies in my head before I touch the guitar. It is as you say so easy for your guitar to play you - to play the cliche licks that fall easily at your fingertips. I love to step out of the singer's vocal melody that's often a great place to start.
I also perhaps weirdly I take a lot of inspiration from lyrics and try to reflect them in guitar parts. I get an additional emotional connection to lyrics that isn't always conveyed by the note information and I often respond to that in a melodic way.
Thanks Zac, there are some great tips here! They all lead one to the door of musicality, which should be the end goal for any musician trying to work on their craft, IMO.
“The job of the musician is to keep the listener interested.” Thanks guitar Yoda! I think about things like going up and down the fretboard instead of just across. Also, maybe play the same string again. Singers don’t always sing sequentially different notes.
Thanks so much for these tips! With solos I'm always attracted to melodic solos that enhance the song without needing to be to flashy or long. Growing up listening to the Beatles George Harrison's solos always impressed me as he 'said' so much in just a few bars and yet everyone can sing those solos they're that memorable.
Awesome tips Zac, thanks a lot! I've never really been comfortable with singing so that tip in particular is quite challenging for me. None the less, I have been working on doing less mindless noodling and actually trying to play the changes. I like to think that it's made a difference for the better.
You are spot on about the usefulness of a looper pedal Zac. If my band changes the key of a song I will loop the chords in the new key to work out the solo or bass part if we switch around.
Great episode, awesome tips, I know when i pay attention to this stuff I play much better, falling back into old habits and pattens gets stale fast. You and Buk are true pros!
Geez I love your tone and ways of using the Tele. As usual, very interesting content and valuable advice. Thank you so much for this! :)
My pleasure!
Once again excellent nuggets. Thank you.
Very welcome
Somebody that always seemed to have something in reserve and some thing in the tank that he would be continually upping in solos is Ray Flacke .
I've heard Jeff Carlisi also say that he would hum/sing his solos before he picked up the guitar...Fantasy Girl, Caught Up In You, etc. He (and Don Barnes) are ridiculously underrated. Love those vids, Dr. Childs.
Love Carlisi and yes, underrated!
Very valuable episode Zac, thanks, just ordered a MXR Clone Looper. Good stuff !
Enjoy!
Sweet sweet tone, Zac! Love it; sounds great!
Thanks a ton!
These are some great tips! I feel like I’ve been stuck in a rut especially when it comes to relying on muscle memory. Really appreciate the “sing it “ tip!
Glad it was helpful!
Pure Nuggets Thank you Zac
Great stuff, Zac. Thanks.
My pleasure!
I'm big on playing leads like a singer or I'll try and whistle something and figure out how to play it. I also try and throw in an "out" note or two (but not many more than that) on purpose. I've found that on my improvised recordings, it's those out notes that really help to give those leads lines a really unique personality. Whether that note makes it silly, or sad or mysterious or whatever it can have a huge impact on the lead while being able to sing/whistle it helps to keep it stuck in your head. I think rhythm is also a key part of making a solo stand out like you mentioned. Syncopation, parts that speed up a little or slow down and drag also make it unique. I've heard so many brilliant shredders that are as impressive as can be but 2 seconds after they're done I can't remember anything other than it was fast and crazy.
Great stuff as usual!
Appreciate that
Zac great stuff! Your tone was amazing!
Thanks a ton!
Cool video. Good to see the channel growing.
Thanks!
Playing melodies and around chord changes is the main thing I’ve learned from you Guthrie and buk
I grew up in Hendersonville, TN. Enjoy your show. Very helpful.
Thanks for watching!
Hey Zac, you should do a video on your favorite song endings. The dismounts you have showcased through this series are cool, and maybe under appreciated
Thanks for this. I definitely need to work more on my vocabulary as a guitar player and learn more specific style of other players to be able to think of the limiting idea, but I’m playing 4-5 hours at least every Saturday as the only lead instrument and I’ve found myself repeating stuff way too much. I REALLY appreciate the videos and the knowledge that you’re sharing with us!
You can do it!
Thank you very much Zac! I would not say steal, but adapt. When something new arises from it, everything heard is an inspiration. The Telecaster sounds uniquely good on the Deluxe!
You are so welcome!
Thanks for the great tips, and for posting on my birthday! 😊
Happy birthday!
Ask Zac Thank you!
Thank you Zac for remembering my request. You continue to influence me. Funny thing....I actually thought about "sing my solo", so thanks for the confirmation.
I really appreciate you.
Rob
Thanks to you!
Great stuff!
Thanks!
hello Zac , you and tom bukovac are 2 major different guitarist , but i like both you're styles of playing and approach off playing this amazing instrument , it's been fun two watch both off you the last couple off months during these strange times , keep up the good work and thanks for everything , greetings from the netherlands .
Thank you so much. I was in the Netherlands last year visiting shops with Erik Van de Haar
@@AskZac i hope you liked Holland , erik's shop and max guitars ( in the hague ) are my 2 favorite guitarshops in our country . I recently bought an allparts lindy frailin telecasterneck for my telecaster at erik's shop , it's a great neck if you like the old fashion u shaped neck's from the early 50's . Lindy has altered this neck to his liking (it's a bit more v - shaped now ) and i really like it , i'm a fan off big chunky necks and do believe that more wood delivers more tone . Now i only have to learn how to play like you and tom bukovac , i'll guess that gonna take me a while , haha . Take care and stay safe , greetings Antoon .
Dear zac.... I just love your channel!! Great to know I'm not the only person who struggles with loopers! You have convinced me that teles are the best!! Got a thinline built by Brinsley Schwarz.....Custom shop Fender esquire..... Charles Whitfill Tele.... Just need a Deluxe Reverb!!! Keep producing your wonderfully entertaining lessons and advice.... They keep me inspired over on this side of 'the pond'!
Glad you like them!
i think Tom got that lick from Bill Butler (Bill Doggett's 'Honky Tonk') an E6 triad that resolved to the 4 dom 7th.
Chet Atkins gave the same advice (sing along). He said it helped avoid falling back on old cliches.
The melodic motif sounds like Venus Bound by Unknown Hinson!
My looper is "WireTap" by T.C. Electronics one button start/stop powered wonder. Gives me what I need. Thanks Zac
Nice
I always think about Aretha Franklin's voice and melodies when soloing on rnb
that's fantastic!
Chris Henderson (3DDown) gave me a good bit of advice when arranging a song, and it could work for a solo as well. Something should change every 9 seconds to keep the listener interested. Why it was so quantified at 9 sec, I have no idea, but I've listened for this in songs since then to see that he is definitely correct.
Enjoyed your vid 👍🔥🎸🦅
Much appreciated
Mr Childs, you sound better with each new episode! Awesome!
Wow, thanks!
DOUBLE YES
This was great, Zac. Maybe in the future, would you do something on what total beginners should work on (after cowboy chords). Always appreciate your videos. Going to grab a coffee mug. Thanks.
Great suggestion! And thanks so much for the support!
Awesome
Thanks Zac I especially love the idea to play like a hero. Also, can I humbly add to throw in some call and response for some additional interest?
I heard in your playing, and you kinda sorta talked about it. But a theme, then a variation on the theme is a tool i always try, but often fail to remember.
Thanks again!!! 3rd time I've watched this one. Slow down Max..
Zak
How about a topic on Hooks or catches in rhythm or lyrics
Hey Zac. Can you show us the settings Brad uses on the aqua puss. Thanks!!!
Good advice. I find the most pleasing solos I hear, apart from those intended to be overlayed over a fadeout (hence not returning to anything), are those where the player has an idea of where they want it to go to. It doesn't necessarily have to reach an emotional climax, and I have nothing against frantic shredding, but it needs to feel *complete* and having come to its logical conclusion. I love many of Jeff Beck's shorter solos, for their conciseness and completeness. For instance his brief and self-contained solo on Stevie Wonder's "Lookin for Another Pure Love" at the 1:50 mark ( ua-cam.com/video/cY2fz5RBgvQ/v-deo.html ) is a master-class in solo construction, brevity, and deep awareness of where it needs to go. Amos Garrett's classic solo on Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis" is another example of thoughtful construction that plans out where it needs to go, builds appropriately, in a manner that complements the chord changes, and clearly declares "Yep, job's done" before leaving. And it's not just Tele-slingers. Many of Neil Schon's screaming solos on Journey tunes are thoughtfully constructed, with clear destinations.
As for tip #5, I refer you to Martin Mull's now classic "Licks Off of Records" ( ua-cam.com/video/gH0kj3derPQ/v-deo.html ). :-)
Great info Zac! You had me at Tom Petty!
Awesome! Thank you!
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) has given many interviews over the years in which he explains how “singing” his guitar solos to tape before picking up the guitar lead to many of his best solos
More Barney than Fred, thanks man!
I'd like to hear more thoughts on if playing along with records is a good thing or if it eventually becomes a limiting factor to creative playing
Playing with records is fantastic
@@AskZac Thanks, love your videos!
@@skrewflanders Thank you
@@AskZac You should do a tutorial on that intro its so good
@@skrewflanders Do you mean the Ask Zac Theme, or what I played after the AZ theme with the looper?
Did you ever see a guitarist from a band called the Mother Truckers... He's a good guitar player.. He's like you, in that he does country guitar... That, to me, seems in mostly a major key
Trem-O-lo!
you could just get a boss rc3 that has built in drum programs to keep your timing in check.
Great idea
Great video as always. Questions I have a chance to buy a fender 1962/63 brown face concert amp curious about the sound I always have a tweed baseman
I love the brown Fender amps. They brown amps have more mids than the BF. Is it the 6G12-A version with the harmonic trem?
Ask Zac yup it is, are they better mine does says 6g12 then A is writing with a marker
@@nickwilson9210 Does the trem sound very 3D, almost phase-like?
Ask Zac havnt player it yet just bought it I can send you pics if you like to see
“Guitar tinkerer”. That’s good. I often tell folks I’m a “owner operator”
I'll confess here to having used 'private contractor.'
Its funny, I try to play guitar like I'm singing... but then when I'm singing, I try to sing like I'm playing guitar
When I started playing there was no loop stations . We had to rely on a real good friend to play til his fingers got numb. Lol
Ha!
Was this video up before? It looks very familiar, like I've seen it before? Maybe the C-19 thing is finally making me nuts? LOL 8) --gary
I mentioned singing in a past episode. But nothing else had been touched on before. Guthrie Trapp mentioned using a looper in his episode released over the weekend
@@AskZac Thanks Zac! My bad 8( I was also changing strings on some of my guitars this afternoon and did the same LesPaul twice!! Oi!! Must be that Covid-21 thingie! 8) --gary
Yes ,yes. Looper and singing. You don't have to have a good voice to hit the pitch .Even though its a lot of work, especially for me ,singing is essential.
Well said!
Spot On Zac ! 'Keep it Musical', Too Many Guitarist have turn it in to a sport, I blame Eddie Van Halen. The Singing idea is Interesting, I’m a big fan of Oscar Peterson and when I turn the volume up on his records you can just about hear him mumbling and sorts of shit.
The best tip for MY solos, was to turn all the way down ... The crowds seemed to appreciate that ...
Ha!
My best creative work comes from grunting and humming
The solo in Nick Lowe’s “Cruel To Be Kind” is my favorite example of the kind of solo you described. I believe it’s played by Dave Edmunds, I’m not 100% sure.
Great solo for sure. Also the tone is amazing..very bell like!.. i wonder how that was recorded?
One of the greatest songs for sure. Another amazing guitar solo is found in the Squeeze song Another Nail in My Heart!
@@kevdean9967 totally. a study in how to play a solo for sure.. Glenn Tillbrook is a criminally overlooked guitarist...not overlooked as a songwriter though.
Zak some reason I have a trust in you .
I am really interested in you taking a stab in co writing this number im working on .
I sat down at the bottle
( to drink away your memory ) .there are things im blocked on .
You may be able to fill in the blanks. And I still plenk at the Guitar .. if my G mother 3rd cousin heard me he'd beat me , Harold jenkens . You know how I mean lol no joke
Conway Twitty was awesome