Before I always tend to throw in all the licks I know and hope it will fit the song. So whenever I’m in solo mode my way of thinking is “eto Hendrix, tapos sundan ko ng mala-SRV pag di bumagay tapping, at tapusin ko ng ala Kirk Hammet with matching wah wah at paiyakin ko sa huli”. And surprisingly it works during my high school days.
Going to college, a friend of mine thought me to practice the following:
- Improvise using 1 to 4 notes and play with its octaves.
- Sing the notes verbally or mentally when practicing.
- Try practicing different approach using same rhythm pattern.
- Try visualizing a start, climax and ending of a solo.
- Don’t just memorize licks, study its mood and feel.
I’m not a technical player but in my experience studying these made me a better player.
Hope this Help.