Learn How To BUILD A GUITAR SOLO With A Little Theory

In todays solo lesson, I hope to give you more understanding on how to build a guitar solo. Taking you step by step, showing how the chord scale connection is so important in creating a sense of melody in your guitar solo's! This will be a fun simple lesson that you won't forget! Your guitar solo's will start improving once you work through this lesson. This is an intermediate guitar solo lesson but, a beginner will gain knowledge here also! Here is a link for the backing track that I used in the video. • Guitar backing track i... Let me know if the lesson was helpful.
Video Contents
0:00 How to build a guitar solo intro.
0:44 D chord breakdown.
1:30 D major pentatonic scale with blue note. Start to create movement to the target notes.
2:44 Using chord tones of the D chord.
4:11 How to solo over the D-Bm-G-A chords. Chord tone soloing.
7:39 Demo solo over the chord changes, using the chord tones.
8:23 How to use the D major scale in a linear fashion.
10:26 Understanding How to build a guitar solo last words.

[@rustysguitar1]

Good day, everyone! Make sure you check out the great way to use the D major scale over this chord progression! I appreciate your support👌

[@arthurrollins9234]

Hi Rusty, Would you help me with a Chord progression And solo in the key of E major?

[@rustysguitar1]

Yeah man! What you got?

[@BeatlesGirlKaren]

I'm loving that neon logo wall sign up there Rusty! Ahh, the blue notes!

[@rustysguitar1]

It was a gift from my son and his wife! I love it. And I really do live for those blue notes! Glad you stopped by Karen! Enjoy your weekend👍

[@mandooparker426]

Hey Rusty, Doug from Aussie, mate I'm 62 years old and you have taught me so much in the last few weeks and I just want to thank you.

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Doug, Greetings from the USA! Glad to hear you are learning from the lessons. I appreciate your comment! Cheers mate 👍

[@DOBacousticguitar]

Best lesson anywhere on this subject!!! Succinct, clear and thoughtful. Thankyou.

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad to hear it DOB! Thanks a lot 👍

[@georgecanady5143]

Love it all Brother.. You are helping more than you will every know. Thanks and God Bless.

[@rustysguitar1]

Cool! Glad to hear it George! Blessings to you also and have a great weekend 👍

[@fenderbender3478]

Never a dull moment here. Thanks Rusty

[@rustysguitar1]

Happy to hear it bro 😎 Thanks 👍

[@chuckbarwick7949]

I hear something I like every time you teach. Awesome. thank you!

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad to hear it Chuck! Thanks for the kind words buddy 👍

[@mikeopdenaker5573]

FANTASTIC! Another great lesson!

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks so much Mike! Happy jamming buddy 👍

[@bmrbca3658]

Great video. I especially liked the last part where you focused on the movement. Chord tones are great, but without phrasing and embellishments it still sounds like playing the scale.

[@rustysguitar1]

You are so right! This video was just a starting point. Glad you got something out of the lesson! Thanks 👍

[@johndevinenjsongwriter6011]

Very helpful video Rusty! I learned pentatonic scales years ago, but just recently learned where the major versus the minor pentatonic scales are on the fretboard. The way I think of it; the major pentatonic starts a step and a half down from the root on the sixth string, just like you showed. I also just started using pieces of the chord along with the pentatonic scales while playing along with backing tracks on KZbin. I've been trying to incorporate more than just fingerpicking into my playing. The best tip though, was adding the major scale itself to move up the fretboard on one string!

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks John! You definitely know what to work on. Glad you got something from the lesson. Keep rockin man 👍

[@57RickH]

This lesson, as with all your videos, make me feel like I need to watch multiple times because I know this is great stuff to learn. Btw, the little riff at 8:15 is impressive 👍🏻

[@rustysguitar1]

Sounds like the lessons are useful! That makes me feel good! I always appreciate your kind words and support! Thanks so much buddy👌

[@brianhannaway7590]

Rusty: Your lessons are really excellent. I have learned more from you in how to actually PLAY the guitar than from any other source. Keep up the really good work !! Brian

[@rustysguitar1]

That’s exciting to hear! Sounds like you’re moving forward! Keep rockin Brian👌

[@johnweldin4633]

Thanks Rusty. Your teaching is much appreciated.

[@rustysguitar1]

You’re welcome John! Much appreciated 🤛

[@timehasbeenkind]

Excellent share Rusty! Enjoyed this!

[@rustysguitar1]

Good to hear from you, Mark! Glad you stopped by. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.🙏

[@foobar4763]

Just wow! This video really helped me improve soloing with a lot of great ideas. Thank you !

[@rustysguitar1]

I’m glad that the lesson was helpful! Have a great weekend 👍

[@deborahporter2767]

Yep really helpful look forward to working on it, thanks Rusty👌

[@rustysguitar1]

Sounds great Deborah! Let me know how it goes. Have a great weekend.❤️

[@rpatt1828]

Thank you so much Rusty! Your channel is helping me so much. I'm slowly getting it. But it's still progress. Please keep the lessons coming 👍

[@rustysguitar1]

Happy to hear that you are getting something from the lessons! I think we are all a work in progress! But it is fun! Thanks for stopping by and have a great rest of your Sunday🙏

[@joannaliese8101]

I love this fantastic teacher.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you for that Johanna! Glad you like the lessons! Talk to you soon❤️

[@paulkelly6853]

Great lesson Rusty..........really comprehensive.............fantastic blueprint for creating solos that sound meaningful and melodic..........thanks again.........Paul from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@rustysguitar1]

So glad you liked the lesson Paul! Important stuff that we should’ve been doing years ago. But late than never. Greetings from the USA my friend. Enjoy your weekend buddy.👍

[@paulkelly6853]

You enjoy yours too Rusty...........my solos have improved so much already since I started using your tutorials........I can just see things more clearly now..........I've only been using your tutorials for a couple of months but I am secure in the knowledge that this time next year I will sound really really good............thats not me being big headed by the way that's just my confidence in your teachings

[@rustysguitar1]

@@paulkelly6853 I’m excited for your Paul! Thanks man👍

[@f81456]

Thanks Rusty

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you, Frank! Happy Jamming 🎸

[@EllySpace]

Great lesson! Well explained and shown! Best wishes from Elly 🎸🎸🎸

[@rustysguitar1]

Much appreciated Elly! Thank you 👌

[@MusicMichelleDeGroot]

Really interesting, Rusty! A great explanation. Much enjoyed. Have a nice day ❤

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you Michelle! Enjoy your weekend❤️

[@doitoichiyeumotlandung9206]

Your clips are so useful for me , b/c i'm now 55 so i can't play fastly like young ones or pro ones. Thanks alot

[@rustysguitar1]

That’s cool 😎 Sounds like you’re having fun! Thanks man 👍

[@rayross997]

Thanks Rusty. I have found studying modes like Dorian and Mixolydian helps. It is not as complicated as many think. One can make some great music with the major and minor pentatonics. Have a great weekend.

[@rustysguitar1]

You are totally right Ray. I never learned that way, but it’s a great skill to learn. Yes, mixing the major and minor pentatonic Scales together are hinting at modal playing, but just scratching the surface. There are many players that make either method sound Awesome! Thanks so much for the comment Ray! Enjoy your weekend buddy👍

[@philipcampion386]

Just found you Rusty. You've a big new fan. Fantastic. Very well built lesson. Very melodic. Congratulations.

[@rustysguitar1]

Really glad to have you onboard! I’m happy you got something from the lesson Philip! Have a great weekend buddy 👍

[@wjewell63]

Yes very helpful..👍✌️

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you WJ! Really glad it was helpful!👍

[@Randy-dh9zr]

thanks for the great lesson...love your site

[@rustysguitar1]

Happy to hear it Randy! Thanks buddy ✌️

[@clapperxz-_-8276]

Love u' mate ... You really changes everything ❤️🎸🤘

[@rustysguitar1]

So glad to hear it mate! Happy that you got some ideas from the lesson! Enjoy the rest of your week buddy👍

[@1963murf]

Fantastic ! Love your work 😄

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you CM! Greatly appreciated 👍

[@MrArtist1971]

Great lesson Rusty. Thanks!

[@rustysguitar1]

Right on man! Thanks for checking it out👍

[@bonjongokid5468]

Great teacher! Always hitting the Like button for his great work. He really means well for all us trying to learn.

[@rustysguitar1]

I really appreciate that bro😎 thanks so much for your kind words! Enjoy your weekend👍

[@josealbaposse]

Great lesson! Thanks Rusty

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks so much Jose! Much appreciated buddy 👍

[@ColourfulEnergy]

Super tutorial, I enjoyed listening to you, Rusty. 🎸You are a great teacher!🌟 Very nice video, I like the lamp, looks like a half moon, just in a weird position.😂🌓

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks Colourful Girl! Yes, had to change it up. Have a wonderful Sunday 🙏

[@thatshaneguy546]

Heck yes rusty awesome video. Thanks brother

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Shane, great to hear from you, man! Glad you checked out the video. Thanks so much and have an awesome weekend bro 😎

[@mamaassam3044]

Hello my friend thanks for sharing👍❤🙏

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you bro 😎

[@BertfromBelgium]

i learned something, so i guess i start following, the movement towards these notes makes the music, otherwise its like talking only using the last letter of each word

[@rustysguitar1]

That’s a great way to put it Bert! We need to hear the first letter of each word! A little movement to the target notes does make a big difference. Thanks so much Bert. Enjoy your week ahead 😎

[@PatrickFBMusic]

Another great video my friend! Always relevant and informative.I wish you the best for 2023 my friend!

[@rustysguitar1]

Happy New Year Patrick! Glad you stopped by bro 😎 Thanks, talk to you soon 👍

[@Dany12156]

9:16 idea , what i was missing in my knowledge. WIll practice that ! Many thanks!

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad it was helpful! Fun to make new connections! Good day to you 👍

[@trevorhansbury]

I've said it before Rusty I really wish I'd had access to lessons like these when I was learning guitar in my younger days, wonderful playing and tutorial well done my friend 🎸👏👏🙏🏻

[@rustysguitar1]

You’re right Trevor! Early on we just had to figure it out. Thanks for stopping by bro 😎 Enjoy your week Trevor 👍

[@rexbenemerito1943]

Excellent lesson and great tips. God Bless you Brother for sharing your guitar talent.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you Rex! And you’re welcome 🙏

[@gnawbabygnaw]

Great stuff Rusty! 🤙🤙

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you Gerry! I appreciate it bud 👍

[@shailendranathgospelguitar]

Great lesson Rusty....Make more like this.

[@rustysguitar1]

More to come bro 😎 Thank you ✌️

[@shailendranathgospelguitar]

@@rustysguitar1 waiting bro...thankyou

[@sticksplektrumlivemusikfur4948]

klingt richtig gut - klasse erklärt !!!!

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks bro 😎

[@SonicGrace]

Rusty , Fantastic lesson Brotherman :)

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you Daniel! Enjoy your Sunday 🙏

[@aajees1887]

Thank you so much sir 💖

[@rustysguitar1]

Hope you got something out of it! Thanks for checking out the video! Talk to you soon👍

[@waynecadbury821]

Good lesson, makes sense and simple to use after some practice

[@rustysguitar1]

Happy to hear it Wayne! Thanks and have a great weekend👍

[@dieselman7453]

Thanks rusty your a legend chat soon love the videos!! Brian Ireland

[@rustysguitar1]

Always happy when you stop by Brian! Thank you and have a wonderful Sunday 🙏

[@tbone2451]

Good stuff !

[@rustysguitar1]

Happy to hear it Tbone! Thanks bro 😎

[@awkipintee]

Very interesting lesson Rusty. Your knowledge and enthusiasm for how it works together make these videos a lot of fun to watch. Learn something really useful every time. Cheers 😎

[@rustysguitar1]

Many thanks buddy! Glad you enjoyed the lesson. Have a great rest of your weekend! Cheers mate 👍

[@maombimumbarhi6849]

Your thé most melodic on yutube sir

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you 👍

[@CaChuaTV380]

Thanks share guitar player

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you 👍

[@Kempojujutsu]

Rusty, Great video. I learn something everytime I watch one of your videos. I knew you could use the blue note in the minor pentonic scale but didn’t know you could use it in the major scale. I know what I’m practicing tomorrow. Bob

[@rustysguitar1]

I’m really happy to read your comment Bob! It makes me feel good that you are getting something from the lessons! I appreciate your support and have a great weekend👍

[@etbiged03]

Awesome lesson brother

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you, Edward!👍

[@TommySG1]

Very cool, I needed this. I'm usually playing in E, A or C and I really need to get comfortable with every key. As the old saying goes, brick by brick :) Thanks again Rusty!

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Thomas, yes we all have something to learn! Glad you took away some ideas from the video. Keep ROCKIN BRO 😎 Talk to you soon 👍

[@TommySG1]

@@rustysguitar1 you bet. Each time you load a video it’s right there when I log in here, it’s great 👍 Thanks again!

[@rustysguitar1]

@@TommySG1 Thanks buddy 👍

[@BadassBrutusGuitar]

Where would we be without the blue note Rusty :) Awesome tutorial my friend! Bert

[@rustysguitar1]

Got to love the blue note! Fun stuff. Congrats on your colab project success! Great idea! I bet it keeps you busy! Good to hear from you Bert ✌️

[@AbrahamsFamilyVlog1M]

Great 👍

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you👍

[@drutgat2]

Thank you.

[@rustysguitar1]

You’re welcome! 👍

[@drutgat2]

@@rustysguitar1 :)

[@ToonX]

you deserve more subscriber your contents are wonderful

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks 👍

[@O.D.E.GuitarSoundtracks]

i can see a wonderful rusty's logo behind you!!! great job mate! keep it up!

[@rustysguitar1]

I appreciate the comment bro 😎 Thank you 👍

[@rayfabris2512]

hey Rusty how's it going? nice lesson I was stuck in a rut on my playing until about 6 months ago and put the guitar down and watched an hour of music theory I actually watched it a couple times if you've never looked into it,it scares you off but it was the best couple of hours of Learning without my guitar it opened up the fretboard and changed the way I play in a good way it explained to what I was doing right and wrong this spring I'm going to take a music theory course at the junior college btw my football season just ended 49ers so it takes awhile for me to get over it lol I'm not just a normal? fan but now to guitar so now I watch as much theory videos I just got a real basic lesson but it helped so much so thank you and going to watch a few times just to make sure I didn't miss anything so between fishing and guitar you'll hear a lot more from me have a good day and thanks for the lesson you Rock I did see the short Led Zeppelin solo clip you did 👍it's raining today so it's a good guitar practice day stay safe my friend and looking forward to your next lesson

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Ray, theory is so important. But it is a lot of work. Most of us are lazy. HaHa! We just need to have fun along the way. Thanks for checking out my videos. Have a great weekend buddy 👍

[@rayfabris2512]

@@rustysguitar1 I'm good at lazy lol

[@bonjongokid5468]

Hello Rusty, at the 7:43 mark segment, you play that beautiful solo against a great sounding background rythm ...can you make a video to demo the chords in them? 1-4-5 in key of D major?? Still a learner...the background on which the solo is played could be another great lesson. Solos don't just stand on their own as you know...love that background track as I'd like to learn playing and looping it and practicing the solos you just taught pls. So please show us how to play the track too. Thanks!

[@rustysguitar1]

I will try to do that buddy. You are on your way to being a good player. Thanks for your support 👍

[@frearpark]

Thank you for making good videos. They help me learn a lot. But sometimes, I have trouble hearing the fast parts of the music. Did you ever consider making little transcripts of the hard parts? I would pay for it. Thank you again, Marty

[@rustysguitar1]

I will definitely do that in the future Marty! Working on how to do that. But I appreciate you watching the video man. I appreciate the support and enjoy the rest your Sunday.👍

[@MarcGuitarVideos]

Nice lesson Rusty!

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Marc, thanks for stopping by! Means a lot buddy. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.🙏

[@MarcGuitarVideos]

@@rustysguitar1 Hey Rusty, I always enjoy your videos. Watch as many as I can. Your video quality has really improved. You're a real pro now. Such nice editing and things. And of course, great content!

[@rustysguitar1]

This message means a lot buddy! KZbin is a journey as you know. I’ve been yours also. I love the blues! But I’m getting a good response doing more of a rock lesson. Thanks Marc and enjoy your week 👍

[@fredblues4250]

Hi Rusty, another great lesson, thanks. While I think of it - regarding the "blue" notes in the pentatonic I just realised they function as a "blue" note whether the shape is a major pentatonic or if the same shape is used as a minor pentatonic. eg D major pentatonic or B minor

[@rustysguitar1]

I like to look at it that way for sure. That chromatic note is so powerful. Thanks for checking out the video, Fred.Enjoy your Friday ✌️

[@kenjohnson2194]

You have shown me the lite . I was stuck as you said you were.AlI I have to do now is apply it.

[@rustysguitar1]

Glad you are moving forward Ken! Just have fun and keep ROCKIN BRO 😎

[@vinnitsaburgas]

So awesome! 𝓢 𝓾 𝓹 𝒆 𝓻 ! We love your wonderful channel! 👸 Big like! 👍 245

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you 👍

[@rodapplegate2485]

Really love your instruction Rusty ! Mind if I ask your age and how long you have been playing? I have been playing since the age of 7 and am 62 years old. Nearly all of those years have been playing rhythm guitar. Now that I'm retired and have more time on my hands I really want to learn how to play lead guitar. I am really not sure if I'm going to make it or not but, I keep trying. Lol. Most of the time I feel Like I'm right on the edge of grasping it! Your instruction has helped me a lot! Hopefully it will all fall into place. Thanks again!

[@rustysguitar1]

I’m 61. Just play small phrases around the chords. Not the whole scale. And play those phrases in between the chords. I know you’re moving forward and just have fun! Thanks bud 👍

[@Chris.B.72]

Great Lessing Rusty

[@rustysguitar1]

I’m glad to hear it Chris! Thanks for checking it out and have a great week👌

[@Chris.B.72]

@@rustysguitar1 I've been studying the solo of the last video all day😂😂😂

[@rustysguitar1]

@@Chris.B.72 Nice! I hope you have fun with it! Talk to you soon Chris 🤛

[@felixuscinewicz4660]

Great one Rusty is there a trick to remembrer the notes on the board ?

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Felix, the best tip I can give you is to memorize some notes in the area where you play the most! If it’s the pentatonic scale, make sure you memorize where the root notes are within that scale. I do have a video coming out tomorrow morning and part of it is fretboard memorization. Taking a small group of notes and memorizing. Those notes in different spots on the neck is a good way also. Definitely don’t try to do it all at once. Just take it in little pieces. I appreciate the comment man. Good luck with this. You will get it man 👍

[@randytorrez6858]

RANDY JUDAH TORREZ ❤️ < Awesome 💯 👍🏼

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you Randy! Always appreciated 👍

[@aizmor2600]

👌

[@rustysguitar1]

Thank you 👍

[@650thunderbird5]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@DannyHauger]

Great conversation. Question... do you think the glue on an acoustic guitar can make a difference?

[@stevec9972]

Do You mean difference to the sound or if it will fall apart

[@kucinglaper89]

Sir and how about using modes context? Especially relatives modes can we actually start the note from outside the chords? For examples dorian modes if the chord progression starts from C major?

[@rustysguitar1]

Honestly I don’t use modes. I get the sound of modes by adding notes to the pentatonic scale. But I can definitely breakdown more Ideas to be able to do that. Thanks a lot for watching and enjoy your Sunday.🙏

[@Cowboy-e1c]

Sir, what strat series are you playing? Thank you 🙏❤️

[@rustysguitar1]

I bought it used. So I am not sure. But it’s an American made model. Has a very nice look to it! I love that guitar.🎸 Thanks lmli. Talk to you soon buddy.✌️

[@michaelyahn3125]

Love that Strat! What type is it?

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Michael, I love that guitar also! I bought a used. I don’t know the model, but it is American made with a Seymour Duncan pearly gates humbucker. Versatile guitar. I appreciate the comment man. Enjoy your weekend.👍

[@michaelyahn3125]

@@rustysguitar1 Thanks for responding! I'm 60 yo and working on improving my solo skills. You're an excellent teacher and inspiration.

[@tonyaroberts692]

Electric guitar given me - my first. Where to begin? All sounds foreign to me. Late 60s age . . . Way over the top. Looking for beginner electric lesson.

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Tonya, just search beginner electric guitar on KZbin and you will have many choices of teachers for sure. Yes my channel is more advanced. But you will find someone you can connect with for sure. Thanks for checking out the video and have a happy Sunday.🙏

[@esteban1487]

Interesting to me that the "blue note" in the major pentatonic is the b3, whereas in the minor pentatonic it's the b5.

[@rustysguitar1]

So technically the b5 is the blue note. But I still like to call it a “blue note” in the major context also. But many players just look at those notes just as chromatic passing tones also. But your statement at the beginning is definitely correct. Good to hear from you Esteban! Later bro 😎

[@albert3359]

I would like to know the difference between major scale and pantatonic scale, I'm beginner

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Albert, the major scale is a seven note scale. The major pentatonic is a five note scale. The pentatonic scale is most common to solo with because the notes work over most chord progressions. You can still sound good playing the D major pentatonic over the chords in this video. Then, as you get comfortable, you can start adding other notes to that. Happy jamming! And have a happy Sunday.🙏

[@johnweldin4633]

Hi Rusty.

[@rustysguitar1]

Thanks John 👍

[@effsixteenblock50]

I think theory should be studied and internalized to where each concept equates to a sound. Then build the solo with your heart.

[@rustysguitar1]

Well said! Great way to put it! Thanks buddy 👍

[@scoobydoo4087]

I’m still lost. I know all the chords but can’t solo with chord changes. I’m stuck using D major pentatonic scale over the other chords and it doesn’t sound good.

[@paulkelly6853]

I was the same...........just keep practicing along to the backing track ...........listen out for the other chords and practice landing on the chord tone it's on at the moment.......ie if it goes back to d land on the d note..........takes time but in a few weeks or less you will be a lot better

[@scoobydoo4087]

@@paulkelly6853 Thanks. Land on the root of the G, A, and Bm chords?

[@paulkelly6853]

Yes exactly..........daily practice at this chord tone targetting will make you a lot better after a few weeks or even less....... . Then when you get more proficient you can practice landing on the third of each chord as well............then start mixing landing on the 1st of one chord and the third of another and vice versa

[@rustysguitar1]

Hey Scooby, Paul had some great words of wisdom. A great place to start. Is the route note of each chord in one area of the neck. Take some time and locate each root note within the pentatonic scale. then you can start adding the third of each chord. You are starting to think about us so you are well on your way! I’m glad you left this comment. Thanks a lot bro.😎

[@rustysguitar1]

This is a great reply to Scooby‘s comment Paul. Sounds like you were on the same journey at one time. Thanks man.👍

[@danabiondo9243]

Ouch! That Screaching Sound just Ripped through my Nervous System. 🙃

[@rustysguitar1]

I was trying to get peoples attention. Because that’s not how we should improvise. We need to use the notes that are in the chords in a musical way. Thanks for checking out the video Dana.👍