Master Solos Like The Gods of Rock

About the Course

Unlock the secrets of 70s rock lead guitar with our course, "Master Solos Like The Gods of Rock." This course is designed to help you decode the legendary techniques of guitar icons like Jimmy Page, whose influence shaped the sound of rock during the 1970s. Whether you're an intermediate player looking to push your skills or a beginner eager to dive into the world of rock solos, this course offers a pathway to mastering the art of expressive lead guitar.

Inside the Gibson App, you'll find a comprehensive journey through blues scale patterns, iconic licks, and solo construction. Chapter 1 is just the beginning, laying the foundation for your exploration of rock guitar mastery. By the end of this course, you'll not only understand the techniques but also feel them as part of your own musical expression. Dive in and discover how these timeless solos can become a part of your sound.

Chapter 1

Introduction

The Influence of Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page, the mastermind behind Led Zeppelin's iconic sound, is celebrated as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. His lead guitar style ranges from melodic solos to fast, dynamic riffs, creating a sound that is both recognizable and energetic. This course aims to decode the multiple facets of Page's style, offering insights into his approach to constructing and performing solos.

Decoding Iconic Solos

Throughout this course, you'll explore various concepts and ideas that Page employed in his solos. By borrowing elements from his best-loved solos, you'll learn to construct a Jimmy Page-style solo to perform over a Led Zeppelin-inspired backing track. Each lick presented is level-specific, aimed at intermediate players, and designed to challenge and enhance your skills.

Blues Scale Patterns

Exploring the Fretboard

Begin your journey by exploring blues scale patterns on the top four strings. While learning all five shapes of the minor pentatonic scale, you'll add the blues note to expand your soloing areas. These patterns interlink, creating pathways for bending licks and extending solos. Understanding how these shapes dovetail is crucial for traversing different positions and finding your unique sound.

Tension and Release

The blues scale, an extension of the pentatonic scale, adds a flat five note, creating a dissonant yet bluesy sound. This tension and release are key to the bluesy feel. As you practice these patterns, focus on ascending and descending each position before linking them together. This exercise will help you recognize the interconnections between shapes, enhancing your soloing capabilities.

The Full Course

Chapter 1: Blues Scale Patterns

Chapter 1 introduces you to the foundational blues scale patterns, focusing on fretboard navigation and the integration of the blues note. You'll learn to recognize interlinking shapes, setting the stage for more complex licks and solos.

Chapter 2: Blues Lick 1

In Chapter 2, you'll dive into a classic blues lick based on pattern one. This section emphasizes bending techniques and rhythmic precision, drawing inspiration from Chuck Berry's style. You'll learn to execute clean bends and master the timing of this iconic lick.

Chapter 3: Blues Lick 2

Chapter 3 explores a blues lick based on pattern two, focusing on tone and a half stretches and resolving to root notes. This chapter enhances your understanding of timing and phrasing, crucial for expressive playing.

Chapter 4: Blues Lick 3

Building on previous lessons, Chapter 4 presents a blues lick based on pattern three, featuring stuttering phrases and tone and a half bends. This section highlights the importance of strength and precision in bending techniques.

Chapter 5: Blues Lick 4

Chapter 5 introduces a blues lick based on pattern four, emphasizing the intensity of higher neck positions. You'll learn to build excitement and intensity in your solos, gradually ascending the fretboard.

Chapter 6: Filling The Gaps

Learn to incorporate notes outside the scale shapes in Chapter 6, drawing inspiration from Page's improvisational style. This chapter encourages breaking musical rules to add flavor and complexity to your solos.

Chapter 7: Pentatonic String Bending

Chapter 7 focuses on identifying bendable notes within the minor pentatonic scale. You'll master whole tone and tone and a half bends, enhancing your control and expression.

Chapter 8: Position Shifts

In Chapter 8, you'll explore position shifts, a key element of Page's style. This section teaches you to connect different scale shapes, enabling fluid movement across the fretboard.

Chapter 9: Loop Patterns

Chapter 9 introduces loop patterns, repeating fragments of scales to build speed and aggression. You'll learn five loop patterns, enhancing your technical proficiency.

Chapter 10: Open String Pull-off

Discover the technique of open string pull-offs in Chapter 10, adding excitement and speed to your solos. This chapter explores Page's use of open strings to create dynamic licks.

Chapter 11: Solo 1

Combine Blues Licks 1 to 4 in Chapter 11 to create your first solo. This section emphasizes continuity and timing, challenging you to link licks seamlessly.

Chapter 12: Solo 2

Chapter 12 combines all remaining licks into a second solo, performed over a chorus chord progression. This epic solo draws inspiration from Stairway to Heaven, testing your stamina and fluidity.

Chapter 13: Play The Full Solo

Finally, Chapter 13 invites you to combine Solo 1 and 2, creating a full Led Zeppelin-inspired solo. This chapter celebrates your journey through the course, culminating in a powerful performance.

By the end of this course, you'll have a deep understanding of 70s rock lead techniques, capable of crafting solos that echo the spirit of rock legends. Each chapter builds upon the last, guiding you toward mastery and musical expression.