There’s no better way to put your skills to work and improve as a guitarist than jamming with other players.  When you’re comping for another soloist, you not only improving your rhythm chops, you’re also picking up on new licks and ideas from their solos.  When they comp for you, it’s a great opportunity to try out your own improvisational ideas inspired by the groove that the rhythm section is laying down.

In this edition of trading solos with Mike Zito, you’ll jam together over 5 blues rock backing tracks in a variety of keys and feels.  Mike will share gear tips, techniques, and approaches to help you get a great blues rock sound. For each of the five grooves, Mike will also teach you a handful of licks and comping approaches that you can use. Then you’ll take turns applying those ideas, by soloing and comping for each other over the backing tracks.

”We guitarists spend a lot of time working on new licks and chords trying to work out our phrasing and comping chops, but nothing makes it all come together better than jamming with other musicians - especially when you can work with another guitarist. When we jam, we get the real feel of these licks and chords and how they work best in an actual musical setting. In this course, we'll jam together over 5 different blues rock grooves and different keys. I'll show you my rhythm ideas and my lead approach, and then we can take turns backing each other up with the backing tracks. You'll get the chance to play rhythm behind my licks and then I'll do the same for you. Grab your axe and let's jam!”

Track 1: Texas Blues in E
”Here is a Texas shuffle in the key of E. We'll be looking at some rhythm approaches and get a feel for this must know blues. I’ll also show you a few licks that I’ll use in my solo, which you can also use, modify, and make them your own. After I demo them here, we'll put them to use in the trading solos playalong, with either you or me playing rhythm while the other takes a solo!”

Track 2: Groovin' in G
”Our second track is in the key of G. First, let's look at the rhythm approach. After I demo them for you, I’ll show 3 licks that I would use over this idea - Jeff Beck comes to mind. Get these down, and when it's your turn to solo in the playalong, test them out!”

Track 3: Laid Back in Bb
”The third track is in the key of Bb. We've got a funky rhythm here. Let's start out by looking at the chords I would play and my rhythm approach. I’ll then show you a few licks with a bit of a BB King influence. The song form is a little different on this one. Get these down, and when it's your turn to solo in the playalong give them a go!”

Track 4: A Minor Blues
”Here's a slow blues in A minor based on my song "Road Dog". Let's look at the rhythm approach first, going over the chords in the progression and some of the techniques I used in the song. I’ll show you a handful of licks here as well that you incorporate into your own solos over the playalong.”

Track 5: In Yo' Face Funky C
”This is the final Trading Solo's track in the key of C. I always like the funky side of the Blues Rock. Different feels really help shape some phrasing and comping. Like the previous backing tracks, I’ll show you some comping approaches and a few licks to try out in your own solos.”

Mike will explain and demonstrate all of the key concepts and approaches along the way.  You’ll get standard notation and tabs and Mike includes all of the rhythm tracks for you to work with on your own. In addition, you’ll be able to loop or slow down any of the videos so that you can work with the lessons at your own pace.

Grab your guitar and let’s trade solos with Mike Zito!