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Stormy Blues Solo
from Larry Carlton’s 335 Blues
Often a great solo is the result of great accompaniment, as illustrated by this month’s lesson. Based on the rhythm track developed in our previous installment of Larry Carlton’s 335 Blues, “Stormy Blues” borrows from earlier blues tunes, offering up a jazzier feel than is typical for a blues progression. This demonstrates what is possible by using chord substitutions to add flavor and create different textures and tension within familiar, I-IV-V frameworks.
Larry’s take on soloing over an inspiring rhythm track is this: “I went to the zone on this solo. I’ll admit – I started simply and waited to get inspired. I noticed as the track behind me started to grow, that I could continue to go to the zone. And by the time we got to the third chorus, that happened for me – it sent me to a place I would not have gone if that emotional [rhythm] guitar had not changed right there.”
As Larry illustrates, paying attention to what is being played as accompaniment is an excellent place to look for both direction and inspiration when soloing. Listening to the harmonic directions of the other musicians can deliver some truly inspiring ideas that can very well take you in new directions. Refer to last month’s column and learn the rhythm part cold, then lay down this tasty solo, courtesy of Mr. 335.
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