Joe Bonamassa has shared his top tip for players looking to supercharge their blues guitar solos, and it has nothing to do with studying the greats.
In his latest Guitar World interview, he was asked if budding blues players should learn a classic solo to truly understand the blues. He dismissed that idea, but said there is one particular area that can help sharpen your chops which shouldn’t be ignored.
“If you truly want to understand the blues, you do it through experience and getting up there on open-mic nights,” he states. “It all starts there.”
It’s about putting yourself in the firing line, he stresses. It’s about survival.
“When I was a kid, a band called me up and said, ‘Okay, kid, we’ll give you a shot. Here’s one song.’ So you need to learn quickly how to communicate with the instrument and to get people’s attention and draw them in,” Bonamassa relays.
“Once you learn how to do that, any blues solo will fly. There’s not a series of notes you can point to, like, ‘If you complete this solo, you’ll have the Rosetta Stone of the blues.’ That’s not quite the case. It’s how you communicate through the instrument.”
It follows a string of gear-centric advice from the bluesman on how to avoid buyer’s remorse when shopping for your next electric guitar, and how to pick the right amp for guest spots.
He’s also revealed the game-changing advice he got from the late Leslie West.
Bonamassa released his latest Epiphone signature guitar earlier this week, a recreation of his “extremely rare” 1959 ‘Black Beauty’ Les Paul Custom for under $1K.
Bonamassa’s full interview features in the latest issue of Guitar World with Guns N’ Roses on the cover. Head to Magazines Direct to pick up a copy.
“once you Learn How to Do That, Any Blues Solo Will Fly”: Joe Bonamassa shares His Top Tip
Why Learning more Solos Isn’t the Real Key to Leveling Up
For aspiring blues guitar players, the common advice is often to learn more solos and licks from the masters. while studying these solos can be helpful, blues rock legend Joe Bonamassa offers a refreshing viewpoint: the secret to making any blues solo soar isn’t in accumulating more licks, but something deeper.
Joe’s insight challenges the typical practice routines of many blues players, urging them to shift their focus away from mindlessly memorizing more notes to cultivating something far more essential: expressive phrasing and connection with the music.
Joe Bonamassa’s Top Tip for Blues Soloists
“Once you learn how to do that, any blues solo will fly.” – joe Bonamassa
But what exactly does “that” mean? Joe emphasizes the art of listening, feeling, and playing with intention. Simply put, instead of learning more memorized solos, players should focus on:
- Understanding blues phrasing – crafting solos that breathe and tell a story.
- Mastering call and response techniques within a solo.
- Using dynamic control – balancing soft and loud playing for emotional impact.
- Developing deep knowledge of scales and modes to improvise freely instead of copying notes.
- Connecting with the rhythm section to create grooves that lift the solo.
Focus on Phrasing – More Than Just Notes
Rather of learning new solos note-for-note, Joe advises blues players to work on their phrasing. Think of phrasing as the way a vocalist sings lyrics – the pauses, emphasis, vibrato, and timing all come together to form a compelling story. The same goes for blues guitar solos:
- Pause to let notes breathe.
- Add dynamics by varying pick attack and volume.
- Implement vibrato and bends creatively to evoke emotion.
- Use space strategically rather than playing nonstop.
How to Practice Joe Bonamassa’s tip: Practical Steps
Here’s a step-by-step approach for blues players eager to apply Joe’s advice and truly level up soloing skills:
| Step | Focus Area | Practice Technique |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active Listening | Listen carefully to Joe’s solos and other blues legends; focus on phrasing and emotional delivery rather than just the notes. |
| 2 | Slow Improvisation | Improvise slowly over a 12-bar blues backing track, emphasizing note choice and timing over speed or complexity. |
| 3 | call & Response | Practice playing a simple phrase and then “answering” it with a complementary phrase, mimicking conversational rhythm. |
| 4 | Dynamic Control | Experiment with varying volumes and picking strength within the same solo to express different emotions. |
| 5 | Record & Review | Record solo sessions and listen back to identify areas to improve phrasing and emotional feel. |
Why Slowing Down Your Playing Matters
Playing slower helps blues guitarists connect with each note and phrase, allowing genuine emotion to come thru. Joe Bonamassa often stresses that faster playing isn’t the goal-expressing the story behind the notes is. Practicing at a slower tempo nurtures:
- Better timing and groove understanding.
- Enhanced control over dynamics and articulation.
- A deeper emotional connection to the music.
Benefits of Adopting Joe Bonamassa’s Approach
- Improved Blues Expression: Your solos start telling stories rather than just showcasing technical skills.
- Greater musicality: You develop a natural sense of dynamics and phrasing that resonates with listeners.
- creative Freedom: Understanding phrasing and emotion allows more spontaneous and personal improvisation.
- Stronger Connection with Bandmates: Playing with intention helps you lock in with the rhythm section for a fuller sound.
Case study: Joe Bonamassa’s Style and Soloing Philosophy
Joe Bonamassa is renowned for his soulful and expressive playing rather than flashy technical tricks. His solos breathe with life,mixing precise note choices with tasteful vibrato and masterful dynamics.
One iconic moment is his live rendition of “Sloe Gin,” where Joe’s solo evolves organically,using pauses and varying intensity that emotionally captivate the audience. This is a perfect example of applying his philosophy that learning how to make solos “fly” has less to do with licks and more with soulful phrasing.
Firsthand Experience: Applying Joe’s Tip
Many blues guitarists who have shifted their practice from memorizing solos to focusing on phrasing report dramatic improvements in their playing. The common reflection is:
“I stopped chasing more licks and started to breathe life into the few notes I played. Suddenly, my solos had personality and felt effortless.” – Blues guitarist
Additional Recommendations to Level Up Your Blues Soloing
- Experiment With Space: let silence speak volumes between phrases.
- Study Vocalists: Listen to blues singers and mimic their phrasing on guitar.
- Use Backing Tracks: Jam over 12-bar blues progressions with varied tempos to build feel.
- Learn Music Theory Basics: Understand blues scales, modes, and the role of tension and release.
- Record Yourself Frequently enough: Self-review is essential to track progress and emotional delivery.
Summary Table: Conventional vs Joe Bonamassa’s Approach to Blues soloing
| Aspect | Conventional Advice | Joe Bonamassa’s Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Style | Memorize as many solos and licks as possible | Focus on phrasing, feeling, and soulful expression |
| Practice Focus | Speed and technical accuracy | Dynamic control, timing, and melodic storytelling |
| Goal | Show technical skill and repertoire | Communicate emotion and connect with listeners |
| Result | Impressive but sometimes mechanical solos | Solos that truly “fly” and resonate on an emotional level |
