solo help

[BloodXero]

i've been trying to actually make a solo with the pentatonic scales for a LONG time. i keep trying but everything i play doesnt go together and sounds like crap.

[The Fury]

It sounds like your missing something. The beauty of the pentatonic scale is practically everything sounds good, it's difficult to go wrong.

Try recording a simple 3 or 4 chord progression to tape or whatever, have it last about 2 or 3 minutes and try to make something up using the pentatonic scale whilst playing over the backing track. Try to emphasise the root note.

For example: D minor for a few measures then C major then Bb major C major and start back with D minor. Use this scale over the top and you will hear almost everthing sounds right.
el----------------------------------------------------------r10---13-----
Bl----------------------------------------------10---13------------------
Gl-----------------------------------10--12--------------------------------
Dl-----------------------10--r12-------------------------------------------
Al-------------10--12------------------------------------------------------
El--r10--13----------------------------------------------------------------

r indicates the root.

I hope this helps, sorry if I've been too basic.

[BloodXero]

well i dont have anything to record with except a 6-second play back thing on a effects proccesor (i know i should get something else) and i've heard abuncha players use pentatonic on solos but i just cant seem to get anything to flow right.

[Pezcore]

try coming up with a basic 'hook' for the solo which you can keep coming back to as a focal point, then try expanding the solo out from that. Even if its just a very simple riff it gives you something to work with.
For example, in my band version of Santana's Black Magic Women i use a wide bend slipping into vibrato on G (12 fret g string) as the focal point of the solo and i keep returning to it to help give the solo structure.

Also, are you just using the first position of the pentatonic scale? if so try and learn the other positions as these will allow you many more positions to try things on.

hmm hope this made sense, I just got up and my brain hurts lol

-Pez

[BloodXero]

k thanx, il try that. i've been using the pentatonic allover the fretboard and in a bunch of different keys. i guess it just takes practice.(like everything)

[suppaenitetere]

I too had trouble when i first started. I could sound ok just playing random notes but there was something missing. Work on your bends alot and work on your hammerons and pullofs. Those are the easiest way to make a solo flow. Also learn some of your favorite solos. Break down the licks used in them and use them in your own solos. Afterall, SRV said himself he just copied the licks of old bluesmen. The same goes true for most guitarists... they come up with a few licks of their own but most are variations on what people before them have done.