Hey there guitar enthusiasts! Every guitar player eventually wants to learn how to get better at solos. This may not be you now, but maybe one day.
Every guitar instructor has their own idea of what the best exercises are for you to work on to perfect your solo skills and they all know the best way to quickly improve your skills is by practicing.
The wonderful and talented Fender coach, Sydney Ellen, has compiled a list of what she considers to be the top 7 techniques you should focus on to obtain soloing success.
Exercises for Soloing Success
Alternate Picking
Begin by playing the G minor pentatonic scale on fret 3. On the first string, play a down pick followed by an up pick. Continue this pattern on each string and play both forwards and backward.
Half Step Slides
Play the first fret G string with the 1st finger. Slide the note to fret 2 while holding pressure. Continue up the fretboard.
Whole Step Bends
Start with a bend on the 5th fret G string. Push the bend upward with all 3 fingers for a whole step bend. Pick the 7th fret G string to check the intonation of the bend. Continue up the neck of the guitar.
Half-Step Bends
Play a 3-finger bend on the G string frets 3, 4, and 5. Push the string upward for a half-step bend. Play the 6th fret, a half step up, to check the intonation of the bend. Continue up the neck.
Pull-Offs Across the Neck
Start with a pull-off from fret 2 to 1 on the D string with the 2nd finger. While keeping your 1st finger as an anchor, continue the pull-offs across the neck.
Hammer Ons Across the Neck
Play the 1st fret D string with the 1st finger. Hammer on to the 2nd fret D string with the 2nd finger. Move to fret 2 and continue up the fretboard.
Vibrato
Use the 1st finger to play frets 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10 on the G string. Pick each note and hold pressure while adding vibrato.
Need help deciding on what to play for a solo? Check out these 10 Easy Guitar Solos to Learn for Beginners.
Learn More With Fender 1:1
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All lessons, sessions, and learning exercises are personalized to you. Fender coaches listen to your goals and help you develop a pathway to accomplishment. The Fender 1:1 partnership with Blayze requires all coaches to go through an extensive application process, so you know you are getting the best out there.
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