Just imagine - you are on stage, the drums are beating and you're on for that iconic guitar solo. All eyes are on you! This is your chance to shine. This has been your dream for many years. All the hard work, blood sweat and tears come down to this moment. The crowd go wild...

In order for you to have reached this moment you will have dedicated many hours to your art and to learn guitar solo perfectly. You are probably in a rock band where these solos are waited with baited breath by your fans. However, guitar solos are also a key part to jazz, blues and even classical. This solo is basically a number of improvisations. You are prepared.

To play a solo with confidence you must get the basics right. Firstly you need to learn your scales - pentatonic, major and minor. Scales are placed into solos and form an integral part of the solo. So practice them. Once you have mastered them you can then start to add your own improvisations. Maybe combine one scale with another, but start by practicing the scales going froward and backwards - use alternate picking. Experiment, have fun and see what works!

There are some techniques to be learnt that will add to your solo - such as vibrato. You could use it at the beginning of a solo but try delaying it and just play naturally and effortlessly at the start of your solo, then incorporate some vibrato.

To add further dimension to your play try bending whilst playing arpeggio and scales. Try double picking for something more unusual. Basically try everything - there are no rules. The more creative you get and the more unique and individual you can be the more the audience will love it.

Technique is key. You must have a good one. Sometimes less is more. If you play a simple solo but play it incredibly well that can be far more impressive than a harder solo which isn't delivered well. Improvisation lets you approach in two ways - the vertical or horizontal approach.

The horizontal approach, the guitarist will follow the scale currently being played whist in the vertical approach; the guitarist will follow the chord being played.

To learn guitar solos and become a legend requires dedication and constant practice. Teach yourself as many tricks as possible. Practice tabs from your idol and inspirational guitarists, but also listen carefully to music, copy things you've heard and mimic their tricks and ideas, then throw some of your own in.
Above all get creative, use your imagination and have fun!

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