Solo acoustic gig advice

Tnfiddler · #1 09-03-2018, 05:13 PM

I just got asked today to play my first Solo acoustic gig on the 22nd of this month. I've played onstage many times before BUT it's always been as part of our band or a duet. I'm a strict rhythm player and not a fancy one either. So my question to all of you is this. What should I do in songs where the lead guitar or solo takes place? I know this may be a silly question, but I've always had a lead guitar or another instrument to take a run and now it's just me and my guitar. I'm doing classic country, bluegrass and gospel songs and they're songs I've sung a lot, so I'm not worried about vocals, I just need guitar advice. I've wanted to learn to do solo gigs, but I've never jumped out there and tried.

L20A · #2 09-03-2018, 05:25 PM

You can do away with most lead parts and do a simple turn around.
Some songs will sound good with you humming during the break.
Other songs can sound nice by playing straight through with no break.

You will need to practice your songs and find what works best for you.
It can be a lot of fun.

Methos1979 · #3 09-03-2018, 05:33 PM

I will often do fingerpicking chord progressions/arpeggios in those places and sometimes if it fits have my wife (vocalist) scat some melody similar to the solo/lead line if it's very much a recognisable part of the song or just really go for something soulful if not.

roylor4 · #4 09-03-2018, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L20A

You can do away with most lead parts and do a simple turn around.
Some songs will sound good with you humming during the break.
Other songs can sound nice by playing straight through with no break.

You will need to practice your songs and find what works best for you.
It can be a lot of fun.

Good advice. I play in a duo and solo capacity. In songs that I am strong in the solo dept i usually do a simple solo. On others i just embellish the rhythm chords with a lot of hammer- ons and other rhythm stuff. As long as your rhythm is strong and your vocals are good you'll do fine.

eyesore · #5 09-03-2018, 05:37 PM

i do solo all the time. fingerstyle while singing[if thats what ya call] . i never play single string leads. nobody will care .just concentrate on playing the right chords and especailly your VOCALS. you' ll do great!!

semolinapilcher · #6 09-03-2018, 05:50 PM

I know how you feel: more of a collaborator than a loner.

Harmonica, whistle, hum. Strum louder. Skip the solo section. Cut the solo section in half. Play the intro chords as the solo section (this happens in El Paso).

When you’re by yourself, that’s a lotta youyouyou, so the more variety the better. Pick songs that are higher, lower, faster, slower, louder, softer, swingin’, straight ahead.

Tnfiddler · #7 09-03-2018, 06:06 PM

I'm really looking forward to playing this gig. I'm glad it's a small one for a young man I've played music with, on and off, for several years. It's gonna be real informal and low-key and I think it'll be a perfect platform to debut as a solo act. I've got all of my songs in a playlist on my iPhone and I just play them through a Bluetooth speaker and sing and play along to them for practice. Hopefully, this will give me the courage to get out and play some real solo gigs!! I'm working on little licks to put in turnarounds, but I don't know if i'll be ready to do them by the 22nd.

rokdog49 · #8 09-03-2018, 06:48 PM

Don't worry about it. Have fun. Focus on your vocals. Put your heart into it and enjoy the opportunity to solo.

Tnfiddler · #9 09-03-2018, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rokdog49

Don't worry about it. Have fun. Focus on your vocals. Put your heart into it and enjoy the opportunity to solo.

I think this is the main thing I need to do! If I put too much focus on my guitar playing, I know I'm gonna mess up my vocals!

leew3 · #10 09-03-2018, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tnfiddler

I think this is the main thing I need to do! If I put too much focus on my guitar playing, I know I'm gonna mess up my vocals!

Rokdog's right on the money. He and I play together as an acoustic duo and I've learned that while the solos we work on are a part of what a duo can accomplish, we get WAY more compliments on our vocals. I think that maybe the solos are fun for us, and the audience enjoys the vocals! Have fun and relax as much as you can. You'll do a great job.

1Charlie · #11 09-03-2018, 07:53 PM

When I play solo, I bring several totally different guitars, so that the audience doesn't get bored with one tone. Different tunings, different keys, different tempos, different styles.

I will usually pick out the melody within the chord structure during the instrumental. Nothing fancy.

frankmcr · #12 09-03-2018, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tnfiddler

I'm a strict rhythm player and not a fancy one either. So my question to all of you is this. What should I do in songs where the lead guitar or solo takes place?

If In Doubt Play The Melody.

Vinnie Boombatz · #13 09-03-2018, 08:16 PM

Just do your thing and don't overthink it and don't try to be something you're not, otherwise it wont sound right. Don't worry about not having a lead player with you or not knowing how to play lead licks/lines.

The Bard Rocks · #14 09-03-2018, 08:23 PM

Short turn arounds, the first phrase of a melody can make the audience feel they have experienced a solo. You could also try whistling if you are good at it, or nonsense syllables - just don't try these on every song. A little goes a long way.

Tnfiddler · #15 09-04-2018, 05:08 AM

Thanks so much for the replies! Time to get serious about practicing!!