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{{Advanced Lesson Crumbs|6}}
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. While rhythm-playing is more associated with repetitive riffs or chord progressions, solo'ing usually features non-repeating phrases.
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 that differentiate it from the rest of the song.
Improvisation can be much more difficult for a novice player; however, it has its own set of benefits. It allows the player to adapt, adding or extending phrases for instance when the band's energy seems higher than usual. It can also be considered more reflective of the current emotional state of the performer. And it guarantees each performance is unique, adding novelty value to each performance. Improvising regularly helps builds one's understanding of the instrument and music in general.
Often, the writing process takes advantage of improv, by trying a few improv runs to harvest ideas that will , which can then be refined and written down.
== Phrasing ==
Some players practice technique extensively and can fly through scales and arpeggios. However, '''without good phrasing, even incredible technique and speed can seem dull and "wandering" or "lost"'''. Thus, phrasing is key to developing good solos.
Beyond a note, the most basic unit of a solo is a '''phrase'''. Just as in a sentence a phrase is a fragment of a thought, musically a phrase can be complete or incomplete - it can create or relieve tension, or do both. Unlike a formal language, musical phrases aren't as clearly identifiable and dissectable. Phrases are generally recognizable based on some pattern they create, whether that be rhythmic or pitch-oriented or both.
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