Which Type of Guitar Improviser Are You?

Have you ever wondered what type of guitar improviser you are? Whether you’re all about crafting soulful melodies, locking into the groove of blues, or shredding your way through lightning-fast solos, every guitarist has a unique personality. But here’s the thing: no matter where you fit in, you can fine-tune your skills to better express yourself on the guitar.

In this post, we’ll dive into different improvisation styles and explore some actionable tips to help you improve. By the end, you’ll know how to structure your practice for your goals and level up your playing. Let’s get started!

Developing a Melodic Approach: The Power of Thirds

Melody is the heart of music. No matter how technical or flashy your playing gets, a strong melodic foundation will always make your improvisation sing. So, how can you practice being more melodic? One great technique is called “chasing thirds.”

Let’s break it down. Imagine you’re improvising over a simple chord progression like A minor, C, G, and D/F#. Instead of just playing power chords, try targeting the third of each chord. The third note is what gives a chord its unique melodic flavor. For example:

• A minor → Target the C (minor third)
• C major → Target the E (major third)
• G major → Target the B (major third)
• D/F# → Target the F# (major third)

When you land on the third for each chord, it creates a melodic framework that makes your improvisation sound intentional and musical. Try this approach the next time you’re jamming over a backing track—start by playing the thirds on the downbeat of each chord, and then build your phrasing around them. You’ll be amazed at how much more melodic your solos sound!

Adding Blues Grit with Double Stops

If you love the raw emotion of blues, double stops are a must-have in your toolkit. These are two-note combinations that add texture and grit to your playing. Let’s explore two iconic double stops that work across various styles, from blues to funk to rock:

1. Bent Thirds: Play the minor third and root of the chord together, and give the third a slight bend for that unmistakable bluesy feel. For example, in A minor, play the G and B strings at the 7th fret and bend the 7th fret of the G string slightly.
2. The Hendrix Cry: Hold the flat 7 and bend the second note up a whole step. For instance, in A minor, hold the G note on the B string (8th fret) and bend the note on the high E string (7th fret) up a step. This creates a soulful, expressive sound that instantly grabs attention.

Once you’ve practiced these double stops in isolation, try adding them to a backing track. Whether it’s a blues shuffle or a hard rock riff, these techniques will inject your solos with character and emotion.

Building Structure into Your Practice

Does your guitar playing feel like an endless loop of noodling? If so, you’re not alone. Many intermediate guitarists hit a plateau because they lack structure in their practice. The good news? There’s a simple solution: the TGT Practice Matrix.

This tool helps you break your practice into manageable chunks based on your time budget. For example, if you only have 30 minutes a day, the matrix might look something like this:

• 10 minutes: Warm-ups and scales
• 10 minutes: Focused technique (e.g., melodic thirds or double stops)
• 10 minutes: Improvisation over a backing track

Using this matrix allows you to make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed. Students who’ve used this system have achieved incredible results—like transitioning from basic strumming to gaining admission to Berklee College of Music. If you’re ready to bring clarity and purpose to your practice, give the TGT Practice Matrix a try!

Ready to finally break through your plateau? Apply for a free strategy session and let’s map out your path to guitar freedom.