***Note: You may have to click "Play" twice on some systems.***

General Comments & Suggestions
You should strive to be able to use any guitar technique on any string at any position of the fretboard; then you will be able to smoothly transition from one technique to another; this is the basis for a long lead solo that doesn't become boring. Practice instills what has been called "finger memory." With practice you will find that your fingers become accustomed to the patterns and know what to do; all you have to do is think of the general idea of the type of pattern and/or technique that you want to do and your fingers just know what to do.

All of the guitar techniques are numerically derived from the basic number pattern of whatever scale type you are using. Expand upon the ideas presented on this website and come up with your own unique number sequences. Experiment!

Putting it all together
This next audio example demonstrates utilizing all of the techniques discussed on this website to create a long lead solo. See if you can identify the various techniques being used:

The Art
An outstanding lead part has to be more than just technically, mathematically correct; it has to be moving, somehow it has to convey feeling. Certain playing techniques can help with this such as adding vibrato, string bending, whammy bar techniques, and purposefully playing fast or slow. Also, muting the string with the palm of your picking hand as you pick the string can create a kind of tension or anticipation. Electronic effects can help establish a feeling or atmosphere: distortion or fuzz for creating that rocking out growl; chorus, flange, or phase shifters for creating a romantic, mystical, or theatrical atmosphere; reverb and echo for creating a concert hall atmosphere. I think the key to making a lead part emotionally moving is that you have to make it sing. The lead part has to literally sing. B. B. King's playing style is an example; you will notice something he does is that he will sing along with what he's playing and the guitar will be hitting the exact same notes that he's singing. The guitar acts as a voice. The guitar literally sings. In your mind, as you play lead, think of the words, lyrics, or just the pure emotion of what the lead part is trying to express and have your guitar find the matching tones. In this way you can break away from strictly scale-based playing and enter the world of melodies. In my opinion, what makes an outstanding lead part is when the guitar sings while at the same time adhering to the scientific principles of music theory discussed in the text - a blending of science and art.