Creativity is at the heart of great guitar solos. While technical skill and speed are important, it’s the ability to think outside the box and play expressively that makes a solo truly memorable. If you’ve ever found yourself playing the same patterns over and over, this practice circuit is for you. It’s designed to help you develop your musical creativity and unlock fresh ideas by systematically transforming any guitar lick into a world of variations.
Here’s how to do it:
The Practice Circuit
This circuit is structured as a sequence of steps that you perform one after the other without stopping. The goal is to keep the creative energy flowing and to push yourself to explore new ideas.
Step 1: Select a Guitar Lick, Scale Sequence, or Arpeggio Pattern That You Know Well
Start by choosing something simple: a favorite lick, a scale sequence, or an arpeggio pattern. Keep it manageable so you can focus on creativity, not complexity.
Step 2: Play the Lick in Its Original Form
Spend 30 seconds to one minute playing the lick as it is. Don’t use a metronome—just focus on getting the notes into your ears and fingers. This step sets the foundation for all the variations that follow.
Step 3: Create Four Phrasing Variations
Now, it’s time to modify the lick by altering how you play it. Here are some ways to create phrasing variations:
- Change the rhythm of the notes. Experiment with syncopation or lengthen/shorten certain notes.
- Add articulation like hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends, or vibrato. Try combining these techniques to add complexity.
- Vary the picking technique: play some notes legato and others picked, or alternate between the two.
Spend one minute exploring these options. Feel free to mix and match techniques for added variety.
Step 4: Use Rubato to Add Drama
Play the lick or one of your variations, but intentionally speed up and slow down certain parts. This technique, called rubato, adds expressiveness and can make a simple lick sound more dynamic. Don’t worry about keeping strict time—this step is about emotional interpretation.
Step 5: Change the First 3-4 Notes
Take the original lick and modify just the first 3-4 notes. Keep the rest of the lick the same. Create four different variations by experimenting with note choice, rhythm, and phrasing.
Step 6: Change the Middle 3-4 Notes
Using the same approach as in Step 5, alter the middle section of the lick while keeping the beginning and end intact. Again, create four variations.
Step 7: Change the Last 3-4 Notes
Finally, modify the ending of the lick. Play around with how you resolve the phrase or add unexpected twists. Create four unique endings.
Step 8: Create New Licks Using the Rhythm of the Original
Take the rhythm of your original lick and compose four entirely new licks using different notes. This step encourages you to think melodically while retaining rhythmic structure.
Putting It All Together
Once you’ve gone through Steps 2-8 with your first lick, spend about 10-15 minutes repeating the process to explore new variations. Afterward, choose a new lick and start the circuit again. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your creativity develops.
Why This Circuit Works
- Encourages Focus: By working on a single lick in multiple ways, you train yourself to dig deeper into its potential.
- Develops Vocabulary: The variations you create will naturally expand your library of licks and ideas.
- Improves Expression: Techniques like rubato, articulation, and phrasing teach you how to inject emotion into your playing.
- Enhances Musicality: By breaking down and rebuilding licks, you develop a stronger sense of rhythm, melody, and improvisation.
Final Tips
- Record Yourself:Capture your practice sessions to identify ideas you like and refine them later.
- Stay Relaxed:Creativity flows best when you’re not overthinking or pressuring yourself.
- Experiment Daily:Consistency is key to developing your creative muscles.
By incorporating this practice circuit into your routine, you’ll not only become a more inventive guitarist but also find new ways to express yourself through your music. So grab your guitar, choose a lick, and start exploring!
About The Author
Brian Fish is a professional guitarist who has been dedicated to helping other guitar players in Northeast Ohio pursue their musical dreams since 1994. He’s passionate about guiding others on their musical journey! He is the Guitar Playing Transformation Specialist, instructor, mentor, trainer, and coach at
Guitar Lessons Geauga.
Brian has also assisted people from around the globe in developing a solid sense of timing and enhancing their creativity through the fantastic rhythm course, “Ultimate Rhythm Mastery,” available at MusicTheoryForGuitar.com.
If you live in Geauga County / North East Ohio, Guitar Lessons Geauga can help you become the player you’ve always wanted to be.
