Variations sur les solos

Exploring Variations in the Solo

So, yeah, we've looked at the main ideas in Winespodiode.

• We've examined:
  • The introduction
  • The main groove
  • The bass line in the solos

Again, it's all similar stuff to In A Whole Lot of Shaking.

We've also explored the solo's repeated notes with the sort of Pine Top Smith idea.

Let's Look at Some Variations

Let's analyze the actual material he's using in the solo and find ways to develop it.

• The solo starts with the repeated notes on the fifth and the seventh notes of the scale.
• Why not add a little crushed note?
• Vary the rhythm of that crush note; it doesn't have to be just a regular rhythm.
• Why not create something where that comes to give a bit of excitement and unpredictability to the solo?

Experiment with Notes

• Why not make that crushed note two notes instead of just one?
• Consider adding a little C in there too. This can lead into the next chord.

Here's a little idea for you:

• Add some notes below; you don't have to stick to the exact thing that Jerry Lee used.
• Feel free to experiment!

Variations on the Rundown

There's that little rundown leading into chord four that he plays in the solo.

• We could create some different variations of that.
• Why not start on a different note or maybe play it as a triad?
• Perhaps try playing it as a different interval rather than just a fourth with the tonic at the top.

You might even consider doing the rundown in fourths instead; it has a slightly different tonal quality. This can help you create variation, so you don't use the same thing all the time.

Alternate Ideas and Extensions

Maybe in a set, you'll play a couple of songs that have a similar feel in a similar key, and you just want to do something a little different.

• Rather than using a familiar idea, why not explore this:
  • You could play around with ascending phrases.

It kind of feels natural to come down, but there's no reason why you shouldn't go up!

• If you're taking two solos:
  • For the first one, you could use an idea that comes down.
  • For the second one, use an idea that goes up.

Why not extend that run? Make it longer.

• Instead of one bar of run, you could use two bars:
  • Something like [insert your musical example here].

In doing so, you might find yourself repeating that D halfway down with a crushed note.

Final Thoughts

There are some other little variations you could explore, which I think are really hip, so have fun playing around with those.

• Why not try using a whole chord?

Sorry, just a couple of other ideas in there if you want to pick those up!