Difference between revisions of "Soloing"
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| + | A ''solo'' is a section of a song that focuses on a single instrument. It is the ''lead'' instrument in the arrangement; hence solo'ing is often called playing ''lead'' (as opposed to ''rhythm''). An instrument may "solo" over other parts of the song, such as the chorus; or multiple instruments can "solo" at the same time - "solo'ing" is more about a style of play that is emphasized during solo sections. For guitar, this is usually playing single note melodies, scale iterations, or arpeggios, in higher registers than commonly found in rhythm playing. | ||
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| + | A solo section is often designed to showcase the performer's ability and personal style. It often features distinctive speed, techniques, phrasing, accents, and tone. | ||
== Goals == | == Goals == | ||
Revision as of 15:55, 24 September 2014
A solo is a section of a song that focuses on a single instrument. It is the lead instrument in the arrangement; hence solo'ing is often called playing lead (as opposed to rhythm). An instrument may "solo" over other parts of the song, such as the chorus; or multiple instruments can "solo" at the same time - "solo'ing" is more about a style of play that is emphasized during solo sections. For guitar, this is usually playing single note melodies, scale iterations, or arpeggios, in higher registers than commonly found in rhythm playing.
A solo section is often designed to showcase the performer's ability and personal style. It often features distinctive speed, techniques, phrasing, accents, and tone.
Contents
Goals
Your main goal in solo'ing should always be to enhance the song. Within those bounds, you can do anything you want; however, you have to be aware of the solo's context within the song to understand what is appropriate. For instance, if you are solo'ing on a soft ballad, it's not appropriate to come in guns blazing shredding at warp speed. Similarly, if the song has a sad tone, it's inappropriate to make your solo sound festive or goofy.
Things to be aware of:
- The overall mood of the song
- The solo's context inside the song (during a soft part, or the climax)
- The mood of the song as it enters and exits the solo (should the solo build or reduce energy?)
Energy is correlated to speed and pitch - faster and higher are generally considered to add energy.