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Melodic Solos: What Does It Mean to Play with Feeling?
“You need to play with more feeling…”
It's advice every guitarist has heard, but what does it actually mean?
Playing with feeling isn't some mystical talent, it's a skill you can develop just like any other aspect of guitar playing…
Beyond the Notes
Playing with feeling means more than hitting the right notes. It's about how you play those notes – variations in timing, dynamics, vibrato and phrasing that create emotion. Think of it like human speech - we don't talk in a monotone voice, but naturally vary our volume, pace and tone to express meaning.
Dynamics Matter
One of the most powerful tools is dynamics, varying how hard or soft you play. Try playing the same lick with different intensities and notice how the emotional impact changes. Great players often start phrases softly and build intensity, creating natural musical expression without changing the notes themselves.
The Power of Space
What you don't play is just as important as what you do play. The spaces between notes let your phrases breathe and give listeners time to feel the emotional impact. Try adding small pauses, especially at the end of phrases. These silences create anticipation and expression.
Key Techniques for Expression
Vibrato
Different speeds and widths convey different emotions. A slow, wide vibrato feels bluesy and emotional, while faster vibrato creates urgency.
Bending
Subtle bends, even just quarter-tones, add voice-like qualities to your playing. Listen to B.B. King to hear this mastered.
Articulation
How you attack the string matters. Try playing the same note gently, then more forcefully – the emotional quality changes dramatically.
Connect with the Music
Before soloing, ask yourself what mood the song creates and what story it's telling. Let these answers guide your playing choices. A melancholy song might call for slower, more deliberate phrasing, while a joyful one might benefit from more rhythmic, energetic playing.
Remember: playing with feeling isn't about complexity. Some of the most emotional guitar moments in music history have been incredibly simple. Study players known for emotional playing like David Gilmour or Mark Knopfler, focusing not just on what they play, but how they play it.
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