Modern guitar solo theory
Guitar solos can serve one of two functions within a song. They can serve a repetitive function, by reinforcing a melodic theme that has already been introduced (see most Kurt Cobain solos, which typically follow the vocal melody of the song). This type of solo, although it serves a purpose, doesn't interest me that much, as the way it works is pretty obvious. I'm more interested in the incongruous solo; that is, the solo that works by introducing a new sound to the song.
An incongruous solo can be incongruous in a number of ways. It can introduce a new melodic theme. I'm having trouble thinking of an example of this, but trust me, they exist. If done properly, this could be the most satisfying type of solo, as it could work as an addition to the song structure as opposed to being superfluous. The solo can be stylistically incongruous. For example, the heavy metal guitarists tended to base their solos off of classical themes of pomp and virtuosity, to contrast with more traditional "rock" aspects of the rest of the song. A solo can also be incongruous by means of sound; for example, a heavily processed electric guitar in a primarily acoustic song, or vice-versa. Thus we get the cliche of the guitarist frantically stepping on several effects pedals just before the solo starts, hopefully timing it so that a sudden burst of feedback or amp noise leads right into the awesomeness.
The problem with the incongruous solo is that incongruity fades. What was incongruous for one generation becomes the norm for the next. When we hear a metal solo today, we don't hear classical themes, we hear metal themes, and a metal solo in a metal song just isn't that interesting. Indie bands tended to adopt an intentionally hamfisted or incompetent soloing style. This started as an aural joke, an anticlimax, before losing its incongruity and becoming the "accepted" style.
I'm not sure what the next step for the guitar solo is. It would be naive to proclaim that the guitar solo is dead, but I'm having trouble imagining how it can stay vital.
Guitar solos for study and discussion:
Brian Eno - "The Paw-Paw Negro Blowtorch" (soloist: Adrian Belew)
Silkworm - "Miracle Mile" (soloist: Andy Cohen)
The Kinks - "You Really Got Me" (soloist: Ray Davies or Dave Davies, I can never remember which one's which)
An incongruous solo can be incongruous in a number of ways. It can introduce a new melodic theme. I'm having trouble thinking of an example of this, but trust me, they exist. If done properly, this could be the most satisfying type of solo, as it could work as an addition to the song structure as opposed to being superfluous. The solo can be stylistically incongruous. For example, the heavy metal guitarists tended to base their solos off of classical themes of pomp and virtuosity, to contrast with more traditional "rock" aspects of the rest of the song. A solo can also be incongruous by means of sound; for example, a heavily processed electric guitar in a primarily acoustic song, or vice-versa. Thus we get the cliche of the guitarist frantically stepping on several effects pedals just before the solo starts, hopefully timing it so that a sudden burst of feedback or amp noise leads right into the awesomeness.
The problem with the incongruous solo is that incongruity fades. What was incongruous for one generation becomes the norm for the next. When we hear a metal solo today, we don't hear classical themes, we hear metal themes, and a metal solo in a metal song just isn't that interesting. Indie bands tended to adopt an intentionally hamfisted or incompetent soloing style. This started as an aural joke, an anticlimax, before losing its incongruity and becoming the "accepted" style.
I'm not sure what the next step for the guitar solo is. It would be naive to proclaim that the guitar solo is dead, but I'm having trouble imagining how it can stay vital.
Guitar solos for study and discussion:
Brian Eno - "The Paw-Paw Negro Blowtorch" (soloist: Adrian Belew)
Silkworm - "Miracle Mile" (soloist: Andy Cohen)
The Kinks - "You Really Got Me" (soloist: Ray Davies or Dave Davies, I can never remember which one's which)