Lead playing application for jam tracks
Listed on the pages below is an outline of each track on all three Jam Track CDs followed by a
breakdown of the chords, progressions, key signature, and beats per minute (BPM). Following
each track is a list of suggestions on what you can try soloing and improvisation-wise over the
chords and progressions.
KEY POINT: Use the track listings below as a template to follow when analyzing a song
or jam to determine soloing options. This will give you the lead guitar confidence to
determine soloing options over any song or any jam that you may encounter.On each jam track below notice how I first take the time to analyze the rhythm and chords of
the track. This is an absolutely crucial step that you want to get down cold. The rhythm and
chords will unlock the soloing and improvisation possibilities.
Work on what you know best at first and then move into the more advanced techniques. Don’t
overwhelm yourself. Remember with major key blues there are many lead avenues to choose
from, so why not explore them all, get creative, and see what sounds best to your ears.
KEY POINT: As soon as you hear that very identifiable I-IV-V blues, swing, or shuffle,
it’s wide open and there will be many different soloing avenues to try.Get creative and challenge yourself to try new things and eventually come up with other lead
guitar avenues within your personal playing style. Use these jams as examples to practice and
learn what works over what so you will be well prepared to jam over any progression. Use
these jams as vehicles to get your playing to the next level.
Use the jam tracks on the CDs to get comfortable soloing in different keys and over different
grooves. You may also want to consider purchasing a looper pedal or getting some computer
software that will allow you to create your own jam tracks.
KEY POINT: Analyze the chords to determine what solo avenues to take – it’s the
chords that give the roadmap to the various soloing avenues – the key signature is only
part of the equation – always analyze the chords!