Shapes

Start with the shape of a line. Plot that line on staff paper and check how it sounds. Choose a scale and a rhythm to go along with it and use your shape to create a melody.

Thinking about melodies and solos this way can change how you look at, play, and write lines because you’re thinking about the shape rather than the notes.

It forces you to make lines that make sense, rather than just throwing notes together.

It also forces you to simplify in a lot of ways. You’re not thinking of rhythms or scales as the focus. You’re looking at the overall shape of the line.

Use shapes to create a solo.

Doing this with a 4 bar solo can make a really well thought out solo. Draw four different shapes as your four bars. Then plot them on staff paper and add your notes and rhythms.

Test it out.

ISJ