Phrasing for Shred Guitar: Making Shred more conversational since 1892
“Give each phrase some breathing room so that the listener has time to soak in the melodies. Tell a story with your phrases or imagine a conversation by playing around with some call and response phrases…”
SUBHEADING
Give a Voice to your Shred Solos
Phrasing is the art of giving a voice to your solos and, while it’s not talked about enough, you can and absolutely should utilize phrasing for Shred Guitar.
But how does one go about achieving this elusive art? Well, my friend, let me give you some tips.
First and foremost, you’ve got to feel the music. Don’t just play the notes on the page, feel them in your soul. Let the music move you, and let that movement guide your fingers as they dance across the fretboard.
Next, pay attention to the rhythm. A solo without a solid rhythm is like a boat without a paddle, adrift in a sea of mediocrity. Make sure each note lands where it’s supposed to, and that your phrasing follows the beat of the music.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a well phrased solo is the downright opposite of “noodling.” Try singing a melody over the track you’re practicing with. Notice anything different? Well, your guitar doesn’t have to stop to take breaths but you do!
Give each phrase some breathing room so that the listener has time to soak in the melodies. Tell a story with your phrases or imagine a conversation by playing around with some call and response phrases.
And, while we’re on the subject, don’t be afraid to let the guitar sing. Use vibrato to add expression to your playing, and bend those strings to make the notes cry out. This will add character and emotion to your solos, and make them truly stand out.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds well and good, but how do I put it all together?”
Well, the key is practice. Sit down with your guitar, crank up your amp, get to feeling that music and then let those fingers fly. Experiment with different phrasing techniques, and see what feels right.
You can also get creative with it by incorporating techniques such as legato or sweep picking into your phrasing. It might take some time, but trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end.
So there you have it, folks. The art of shred guitar phrasing. It’s not quite as easy as the greats make it sound, but with a little practice and a lot of soul, you too can give a voice to your solos and take your guitar playing to the next level.
Shred on!
-Anton