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→Phrasing
== Phrasing ==
Some players practice technique extensively and can fly through scales and arpeggios. However, without ''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 like 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 dissectablecannot be dissected into unambiguous components with clear purposes. Phrases are generally recognizable based on some pattern they create, whether that be rhythmic or pitch-oriented or both.
A B C
--t12p4-h7-t12p4-h7-t12p4-h7-t12p5-h9-p5\4h5h7p5p4h5--
Here, phrases A, B, and C are more ambiguous, flowing directly into each other without strong rhythm changes. Phrases A and B can be considered distinguishable because they are tapping different arpeggios. Phrase C is distinguishable because it is not an arpeggio.
Phrases could also be distinguished by modulating keys, alternating techniques (legato vs. staccato, distinct notes vs. bends/whammy/slide), changing guitar tone, playing faster or slower, changing volume...really anything that can be used to noticeably create contrast between different groups of notes.
So what is "good" phrasing? Think of it the same way as writing or poetry. It should feel like each phrase is saying something, not spouting random words or rambling on and on. Each phrase from one to the next should feel connected, even though different and distinct.
=== Question/Answer Phrasing ===
* Try to make phrases different numbers of notes and durations of time.
* Question/Answer phrasing is simple and works well, but avoid multiple consecutive sequences of such, unless purposefully doing so to build tension.
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== Harmonic Context Awareness ==