Soloing Secrets - Larry Carlton

Hey everyone! Here's the next episode of Soloing Secrets with Larry Carlton. I've had a number of requests to feature more of Larry's music, and aside from a Three-For-All episode hitting some of his licks, not to mention a Steely Dan Chordplay episode where some of his music came into play - this time we're doing a deep-dive into his timeless music and the treasure trove of slick licks, melodic phrases, and dizzy-fingered ideas at his disposal.
The ideas shared in this lesson include a number of ideas pulled from Larry's solo albums, along with a handful of licks/phrases from his session days recording with the legendary Steely Dan, Tom Scott & The LA Express, and many others. Larry's interesting approaches and jazz-minded ideas in a rock/blues setting are inspiring/interesting to tackle for any guitarist - regardless of what style of music you play or prefer.
Starting with some sample phrases to help you get some of those smooth sounds that Larry conjures under your fingers, the lesson continues into a few bluesy smeared bending ideas shifted around the neck, a bluesy bending phrase from Larry's timeless 'Hill Street Blues' solo, a number of intervallic exercises and phrases, an overview of Larry's jazzy pentatonic substitutions, his trademark "Super Arpeggio," and much more!
Needless to say, if you're a Larry Carlton fan, a jazz-rock player, or a guitarist searching for some new ideas for using jazz-approved ideas in a rock/blues style - this lesson is totally for you! Give this episode a view, leave some comments/feedback, and please subscribe to Late Night Lessons - THANK YOU!
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[@markrobinson8410]

Larry's solos on steely dan are some of the best ever recorded.

[@esteban1487]

I think Larry said as much in an interview but in a modest way as is his nature.

[@dougshankle7946]

That Kid Charlemagne solo gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

[@ishko108]

hell yeah.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Larry is a master, plain and simple, but he is not just technically accomplished he is able to produce authentic feeling, his musical soul is the most dazzling part of his playing.

[@mdc58]

Define technically accomplished. IMO, he one of the most technically accomplished players. If you're referring to fast picking technique he can, but you'll rarely hear him do it. I saw a video once, (don't remember the setting), where he came out and did crazy super fast chops for a minute or two then stopped and said, " now that I've got out of the way..." ;-)

[@midrider335]

Great lesson David- my favorite album by Larry Carlton is “Sapphire Blue”, especially the title track. I really believe that is at the heart of what Larry loves!

[@frankjones3057]

Very nice! Little bite size pieces that are easy to pick up on and will keep me busy for a while working them into my style! Thanks!!

[@AlexYoel]

You've introduced me to some amazing guitarists I wasn't really familiar with on this channel, Larry might be my favorite so far!

[@danielweissel2366]

sick lesson dude - that jazz substitution pentatonic idea was killer!! thanks

[@MeinFiesesEgo999]

Larry is a Legend, a true Master. He never waste any Note..Thanks for this great Lesson!

[@dougstubbs4351]

Thank you for this extremely important lesson. This is one all guitar players and stylists should watch. Well played as well sir

[@tallpaul1020]

Another great lesson. Loved the examples. Especially the arpeggios. Thx David. Keep up the great work 🎸👍

[@glguitarman]

Excellent overview lesson. This is how people (like Larry) learn to improvise, by listening intently to, and learning from the phrases from their favorite players.

[@macdad159]

Another great soloist that is currently playing with Maze with Frankie Beverly is Jubu Smith.

[@davidsummerville351]

The chords of Maze would be a great episode!

[@omarks]

@@davidsummerville351 agree!!

[@adamchafetz2986]

Jubu, is the best kept secret in the world!

[@arceneaux777]

Heck Yes!

[@strat0871]

Larry is a genius, saw him live in'96. His contribution on the album of the band "Eye to eye" in 1983 is great; listen to " Falling for a funny one" delicious guitar parts.

[@noahbryanmccutcheon7625]

Great episode David Brewster!!

[@joebalusikiii5811]

What a sweet surprise! Larry Carlton is one of my favorite guitarists! "Smiles and Smiles To Go" is money. Thanks Dave!

[@GPLP335]

Fantastic video, thank you!!!!

[@stevegamiello6476]

Great lesson. Thanks. Keep it up! Love your channel. We have a lot of the same favorites!

[@ishko108]

That was a very sweet lesson man. Larry is the smoothest guitarist I've ever heard. Which is amazing in itself given how long he's been around and the range he has genre-wise. A true legend. Thank you for this video, I feel like I've learned something important!

[@turkeytits179]

That intro solo is one of the best I've ever heard

[@voronOsphere]

Thank you, David! Larry is one of the greatest of guitar minds!

[@Goodrichvp]

Great stuff David!

[@davidflint12]

Point it Up from the Larry Carlton 1978 is one of my favorites. Love all his work. Great post!! 👍👍👀

[@vincenttomazzolli3940]

Oh my!!! Wow!!! I'm at a loss for words...excellent demonstration as always. You've left me with my head spinning! LOL! Thanks again, David...you are the best!

[@caryverhalen]

"Kid Charlemagne" A solo that will always be relative.

[@nick326697]

Great lesson as always! Love these soloing secrets. Some suggestions for future soloing secrets: Steve Lukather, Joe Walsh, Neal Schon, Steve Howe, Steve Hackett...

[@GS-uy4xo]

The only thing missing from the great licks is how they relate to the cords he was playing over - that’s what separates Larry from the others, very original ideas given a set of chords. Thanks for another killer lesson👏🏼👏🏼

[@dallasahlberg7833]

Ooh David. Nice lesson. A lot of the chords made me thank of Ween. You need to look into Ween. So many variants to explore! Please do many lesson on Ween!

[@steliosmarkoulakis4242]

As soon as i heard the very first notes, i hit the like button.Way to go David!

[@MrRockinson]

Love Larry’s Late Nite album, haven’t heard it in eons. Better have a listen and be blown away again

[@paulcroce7303]

Hey David, thanks for teaching.👍😘

[@marceloamaro68]

Take my 'like' even before I watch. Amazing.

[@300gjw]

LC is awesome.

[@RH-vl2wy]

I have recently found a video of Dean Dillon. I know it’s county and you usually stay on the rock side of things, but his complexity is in his simplicity. He might be a good chord video for you.

[@gobodega5226]

Great Lesson. Thanks very much David 😀👌

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

If you want to hear a guitar get utterly dominated go and listen to Don't Give It Up. It's insane and the fact that it came out in 1978 just makes it even crazier to me.

[@greg77hot]

Thanks Dave ... love Larry...esp Steely Dan

[@esteban1487]

That opening guitar work sounded really nice David.

[@crompton5751]

Loving these soloing secrets series

[@tonychavez1733]

Fluid. Thank you Dave.

[@midiman5045]

Good Stuff David. Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather had a greet album No Substitutions: Live in Osaka. These two together was very impressive.

[@derrylgabel]

Dave, great tone man! I think Larry's Bubble Shuffle is my favorite solo of his. That whole album, "On Solid Ground" is great.

[@frankiedonofrio5438]

Great Lesson Mr. Brewster

[@ollid.5590]

Superb lesson! So much feelin‘ in your playing, wow! Would love to see your analysis and walkthrough of Christone „Kingfish“ Ingram‘s soloing. He keeps the blues alive.

[@lewisjones4158]

Great selection of the master’s ideas! That strat sounds amazing! Pickups / amp?

[@pichipachu]

you always have a great sound!

[@BluesInSeattle]

The key to playing like Larry is to find color in your phrases. Larry's playing is "smooth with colors and flavors".

[@godbyone]

Wow 15minutes in. Smoking. You had that wired. That’ is so hard

[@lovemusiceveryday]

We need some Joe bonanmassa lessons plz he's awesome 😊

[@godbyone]

Lighting strikes twice

[@lovemusiceveryday]

Steve Vai is a big fan of L C 😊

[@eradley01]

What guitar specs you using and amp?

[@esteban1487]

Larry likes triads.

[@milesemil1800]

Jehm hehehe

[@rogerweafer2179]

I knew that hill street was Larry but he gets no credit .I bought that first live album on vinyl many years ago which is just the coolest albums ever. It's all blues but he never plays a recognizable cliche lick.