This Guitar Solo is SO EASY Part: 1

As guitar players, we all have certain solos that we LOVE to listen to, play, etc. There are also those solos that we are scared to DEATH of. I am talking about the ones that challenge your self esteem because you’ve listened to it and convinced yourself that it just isn’t possible. NOT TRUE my friends.

Any solo is attainable with the right kind of practice method, and of course… practice IN GENERAL. If you’re the type of player that moves on after trying something a handful of times, then let’s come to a harsh reality… you have given up before you even really began. This instrument takes HARD work, and diligent practice. So c’mon… show up for yourself. I DARE YOU. ;)

Before we begin, let me explain what a “hammer-on” and “pull-off” are.

A “hammer-on” is when you pluck a note, and then use your strength from another finger to slam it down onto a higher fret to achieve a second note. (The pick only plucks the first note, the second note is achieved when you slam that finger down hard enough that it makes a second pitch.)

For example: look at the “2-h-3” part of the image below. The first finger holds the 2nd fret on the B string, while the second finger slams down on the 3rd fret to create the sound of the 2nd pitch. (In this case, a Bb/A#)

A “pull-off” is when one of your fingers (say the middle finger) holds down on a fret, you pluck the string, and then you release that finger while another (say the first finger) holds down the note you want to come next (unless you’re pulling to an open string).

In the example below, the middle finger holds down fret 3, is plucked, then the middle finger pulls down on the B string as it releases to the first finger that is holding down the 2nd fret. Then, the first finger pulls down on the B string to release it open.

The first part of this guitar solo is all a combination of hammer-ons, and pull-offs. Review the image below and notice the similarities between each passage.

The rhythm for this passage should be counted as follows:
“1 e + a - 2 e + a - 3 e + a - 4 e + a”
Begin slowly, with a metronome if you can, and then work up your speed.

Good luck, and happy practicing!

OH… do you know what song this solo is from???