From Groove to Changes to Soloing: Damian Erskine’s Practice Routine



Lately, it has been a few areas of focus:

  1. Grooving both harder and with a better use of space
  2. Playing through changes
  3. Soloing more melodically


Focusing on the Groove




Focusing on Changes


  1. Voice leading chords through changes
  3. Exploring different scales to play over any given chord

Focusing on Melodic Solos









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  1. Great stuff! Your third area is what I have been really working on. I go back to The beatles and ask why did I alwaYs remember a George harrison solo? Then when I recoRd with the band I will work out a solo from singing ideas always trying to make sure it does not get too technical, flashy or outside, just trying to make it memorable and “sing”. That initial solo will be the basis from where I get my ideas in subsequent solos on that tune.
    When I transcribe either guitar/sax solos I like (like check out how simple Jimmy Page’s solo is in What Is and What SHould Never Be)they are incredibly simple but fit the song so well. I figure out note wise and timing wise and strength wise why they work. Fascinating stuff.