Virtuoso Guitarist Reveals Creative Soloing Methods

In his online resource, Hess talks about why so many guitarists are unable to easily express emotion throughout their guitar solos.

Hess says, “Most guitar players believe that playing great guitar solos is all about mastering technique or playing fast. These things can only get you so far. Fact is, all the best guitar solos you’ve ever heard may have contained these elements, but for sure were played in a way that felt highly emotional. THIS is the key to playing killer solos. Fortunately, playing emotional guitar solos is not as difficult as it might seem.”

He continues:

“The secret to playing emotional guitar solos is understanding how a particular note ‘functions’ over a particular chord, then combining different notes together to create a specific type of emotion. For example, an E note ‘functions’ (and feels) totally different when played over a C# minor chord versus an A minor chord. When the E note is played above the A minor chord, it acts as the fifth of that chord. However, over the C# minor chord, it functions as the third of that chord. Thirds and fifths sound completely different. Even though the same note is played over both chords, the way the note ‘feels’ emotionally is massively different when its function is changed. By using this outlook in your guitar soloing approach, you will massively improve your skills for self-expression in your lead guitar playing. Of course, this is just ONE way to play great solos. To master guitar soloing, you must make your audience feel the emotions you want them to whenever you play guitar.”

Hess’s online resource about playing emotional guitar solos can be found on his website tomhess.net.

Learn more about becoming a better guitarist and musician. Get free guitar playing tips on the Tom Hess Facebook Page and Tom Hess Twitter page.