Re: [Harp-L] Building solos, Another Perspective..

["Mark Wilson" <markwilson53@xxxxxxx>]

From: "Chris Michalek" <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

> > Never start a solo on the root of the
> > > chord.

> > So don't start a solo on a 12bar in G on G?  Why?

> Because it's not hip.  If the song is in G try starting your solo on
> a Bb or F.  You could even start it on D or E.  Stay away from G
> unless you're ending a solo and even then you want to avoid it.  Some
> players never use the root.  That's the bass player's job!
>
> The same thing applies when you move to the IV and V chords.

Maybe for you, but not for everyone.  Anyone playing for less than 3 years 
that doesn't  make a deep
connection with the root notes will be in about the same boat as a blind man 
walking alone in heavy traffic. From years 1-3  the root notes are your 
friends, without question.  If you're into jazz, and have been around for a 
loooong time, that may be a different story.

Now...., if you move to a blues context the statement begins to lose water 
again.  Take Jimmy Reeds version of Honest I do.  He connects perfectly with 
the root notes on just about every chord change. It sounds sweet, it sounds 
right, and it sounds perfect.  How can you argue with that.  If I were to 
take your statement literally, I'd have to trash 75% of my CD collection.

I'm off to Phoenix in the early a.m tomorrow.  If everything lays down, I 
may make the Ricci - Michalek gig on Monday night.  We can start this up 
again Chris if I'm still in town..

Cheers
Mark