Jamming could mean a lot of things to different people. I mean it in an organic sense, like live jazz or some 'jam bands'. One could call it playing from the soul or by ear and muscle memory but compared to musicians who practice every note of their songs to a T, organic seems like a better fitting term. Playing organically allows for ANYTHING to happen- I think. Im not wording this very well. Lately I've seen quite a few local bands play their music with NO improvisation(or very tasteless improvisation) and every show they sound just about the same. Its very boring. Other bands on the otherhand have a unique performance every time and they certainly dont play their solos note for note the same way each time....
My jazz trio plays "organically" I guess. We frequently mount the stage with no set list beyond agreeing what we'll open with. After that it is a free for all. Last gig we played included improvs on sweet Georgia Brown, Lucky Man and Wear Your Love Like Heaven.
Does your concept of jam include making mistakes and then trying to not look bothered while you try to figure out where the song is? Getting out of a jam? Seriously though many of us are still working on being able to execute songs rather than making songs as we go along. I think its a reflection maybe on you that you are advancing along the curve?
Wes Montgomery did too. Even the great Andres Segovia missed a note now and again. The totality of the performance (experience) is what counts.
I've turned inability and laziness into an art since I was 13 when I started playing lol. I keep cover songs recognizable with the key notes and phrases but I do go off the rails (or, beyond the strict goalposts) when playing them for the most part. I'd like to say it's a matter of creative genius but it's more a matter of either forgetting certain parts, not having the technical proficiency or simply getting bored playing the same exact notes for a recorded song.
When I play out I improvise regularly. I played in one band that, after playing an intro song, played requests only the rest of the night. You can bet most of the solos there were improv. In the studio I am often called upon to supply a solo and of course I have to improv there as well. I suppose it is all to be expected because as I was learning and lpaying in my first bands, every guitarist was expected to be able to solo. It is a regular part of my rehearsal routine to choose a song and improv over it. I also regularly rehearse "dropping into the zone" so that it isn't a challenge. I wrote up an article about the philosophy behind soling and improv. It is HERE. Bob
Read your article in its entirety, Mr. Womack......truly enjoyed your perspectives on the art of soloing. I'm too early into my guitar journey to fully understand your concepts, but have now a much better understanding between my usual linear scale noodling within a song's key and what constitutes a true solo.
Excellent article Mr. Womack. I have 56 years in this game and have never seen a better explanation of what goes into a guitar solo. Thank you.
Ive only read the first two paragraphs because Ive been working but I look forward to readong rhe rest when I get time. Thank you for sharing that with everyone!
