|
Hey Reader,
If your blues solos feel like they ramble, you do not need more licks.
You need a plan.
So your solo tells a story.
This is the shift.
From hoping it goes well.
To choosing what you are going to say.
A simple Solo Map gives you that.
It is not a script.
It is a route.
When you use it, you can walk into a jam with a plan.
Even if you only know one pentatonic box.
Even if your hands get shaky when it is your turn.
The audience feels pacing.
They feel space.
They feel an ending.
They do not care how many shapes you know.
They care if your solo tells them a story.
Use this backing track:
Today’s example is a 12-bar shuffle in A.
All notes come from A minor pentatonic box 1 at the 5th fret.
Root target is A.
High e string fret 5 and D string fret 7.
Open the two attachments below:
Lead_Sheet_12-Bar_Blues_Solo_Map_A_Blues.pdf
TAB_Blues_Solo_Mapping_A_Blues.pdf
Step 0. Listen first. No playing.
Press play on the backing track.
Follow the lead sheet with your eyes only.
Do one full 12-bar pass like this.
Your job is simple.
Track where you are in the form.
Step 1. Learn the map. Still no playing.
Press play again.
This time, point to the sections as they go by.
Start.
Develop.
Peak.
Resolve.
You are training your timing brain first.
This is how you internalize the form so it becomes part of you.
Step 2. Learn the TAB phrases in isolation. No track.
Quick note.
These TAB phrases are intentionally simple and general.
That is on purpose.
You learn the concept faster when the notes are not the hard part.
Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Work one section at a time.
Start.
Develop.
Peak.
Resolve.
Goal.
Get off the page as fast as possible.
Do this loop for each section.
Look.
Play it once.
Look away.
Play it from memory.
If you miss a note, do not grind it.
Look again and try once more.
Then move on.
Step 3. Start recording
Set your phone up and record video if you can.
Video shows you timing and body tension fast.
Hit record first.
Then press play on the backing track.
Play two full 12-bar passes without stopping.
Two passes.
One take.
Step 4. The two-pass rule
Pass 1
Play your best interpretation of the example.
Do not chase perfect.
Pass 2
Same map.
Change one thing only.
Pick one.
Rhythm.
Ending note.
Octave.
Easiest first change
Keep the notes.
Change the rhythm.
Step 5. Quick story check
After you record, watch it once.
Ask:
Did I start simple.
Did I repeat an idea before changing it.
Did I end on purpose.
You are not recording to judge yourself.
You are recording to build proof.
Once you have tried this, hit reply with a single number.
- I rushed the start.
- My develop felt random.
- My peak went nowhere.
- My ending felt weak.
I will send you one tight next step for tomorrow’s two passes.
Talk soon,
Ty
|