Mastering Blues Solo Composition: A Deep Dive with Jared James Nichols
Explore the world of blues solo composition with Jared James Nichols in this masterclass. In his previous lesson, he delved into soloing over the song "Hard Wired" from his self-titled album. Starting with simple lines over a chord progression, he then introduced a heavy D minor pentatonic-based riff as the main solo theme.
Moving on from the riff, Jared incorporates Jimi Hendrix-inspired dominant 7 triads into the solo, creating a dynamic and expressive sound. He then transitions into utilizing unison bends, drawing inspiration from guitarists like Ted Nugent, Pat Travers, and Johnny Winter.
Demonstrated in Figure 1, Jared showcases a series of unison bends on the B and G strings, creating a harmonious and melodic effect. These bends add depth and emotion to the solo, enhancing the overall musicality of the composition.
Following the unison bends, Jared delves into sequences that ascend and descend the fretboard, adding a sense of movement and fluidity to the solo. By incorporating hammer-ons, pull-offs, and finger slides, he creates a dynamic and engaging phrasing that captivates the listener.
In Figures 2 and 3, Jared demonstrates how he navigates the D minor pentatonic scale with the inclusion of the 2nd or 9th note, E. By playing these sequences in a rhythmic pattern of 16th notes, he elevates the intensity of the solo, adding a sense of urgency and energy.
To further enhance the solo, Jared employs palm muting to clean up the articulation and ensure each note stands out. By jumping up an octave and playing the same phrase, he adds variation and depth to the composition, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist.
Drawing inspiration from Johnny Winter, Jared emphasizes the importance of specific melodic contours in his phrases. By playing with precision and intention, he creates a cohesive and engaging solo that captivates the audience and keeps them on the edge of their seats.
Incorporating country-style sounds and utilizing the drop D tuning, Jared adds a raunchy flavor to the solo with two-note figures and subtle bends. These licks infuse the composition with a bluesy undertone, adding depth and character to the overall sound.
In conclusion, Jared James Nichols' masterclass in blues solo composition offers a comprehensive guide to crafting expressive and dynamic solos. By exploring techniques such as unison bends, sequences, and specific melodic contours, guitarists can elevate their playing and create captivating musical experiences for themselves and their audience.