How To Be A Great Guitar Player Without Being An Obnoxious Soloist

By Mark Grove

This is a repost that just had to be put back up. I see so many guitar players that think the be all end all is the solo. Even the top players know when to stop soloing and serve the band and the song. But some just don't get it unfortunately. It's great to be able to just kill it on a good solo, but getting a feel for when to pull the solo phrasing back and and let the rest of band inject their style is what's important. Don't be an asshole cherry picker of a player.

Okay, now learn something.



Being a great soloist has it's place as you being one of music's foremost guitarist's.But once you learn how to do extended solos that mesmerize your fans and other musicians,it's not essential to be the next Hendrix or Zakk Wylde. Nor do you need to "Cut heads" with other guitarist's trying to out do others all the time. Some competition is warranted to humble you and to teach others. Not just to show up others.

Where you want to go as far as being a great player is taking your original songs and making them a reflection of who you are,not just being a great player.

Trying to play like one of the greats of blues or rock is noble, but does you no good as far as taking your playing farther.

If you play heavy music it's important to learn the textural aspect of playing,and how that plays into your composing,recording and live gigs. Not just being able to play major power chords. As your song and album catalog grow,along with your ability to write and play more progressive compositions you should use less effects and use notes and chords more effectively.

Blues players use sustain and vibrato better than most, and playing at Blues jams will help you become better players.If you do use other great progressive rock guitarist's material, do it your way!


If you've been using fast moving riffs and licks that just use odd timing,slow it down and use a more bass or percussive feel and texture.Apply your bassist or drummers technique. Different tunings for old tracks in your arsenal may just be the thing your playing needs to come alive.Using more sustain,or holding the note will give your playing more emotion and feel.

Power movements are great but pale in comparison to gaining texture and simplicity in your playing. By taking notes farther, with sustain you become a virtuoso that plays without playing constant solos, and your mastery as a player will evolve.

Mark G