I can noodle around endlessly to backing tracks using mostly the blues scale. It's pretty mediocre stuff, but I enjoy it and sometimes the improv throws out something that I really like and surprise myself with. However, I'm trying to sort out a couple of solo breaks for tracks that I'm recording at the moment, and all my attempted improv is totally turgid and horrible, there's just nothing going on at all.
Anyone got any tips on writing solos or breaking out of your box a bit on the improv?
Note: I have no grasp of theory and do not play technically impressive stuff!
Comments
Random thoughts:
1) Repeat phrases
2) Echo the song melody somewhat
3) Play wrong notes on purpose / ignore the scale sometimes and go daft
4) Start gentle and build to a crescendo
5) Sing what you are playing
6) think about the phrasing and gaps as well as the notes. No need to put a note in every slot
Bandcamp
Spotify, Apple et al
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
A lot of my solos are improv at rehersal that we record and I re-learn afterwards. Most of the time I'll improv a bit and hear where I want to go next and sit and work it out. Depends what the song needs. Listen to "Money" by Pink Floyd and hear how the solo reacts or even leads the band, the release on the high bend is sublime.