Soloing Masterclass
What Makes a Strong Solo?
About this masterclass
Juan Dhas opens his series "What Makes A Strong Solo?", which addresses the core parts of what strong and dynamic soloists have dialed in with regards to their sound and soloing concept. Part 1 introduces his three pillars — melodic clarity, rhythm, and phrasing — and then dives deep into the first: melodic clarity, the fundamental ability to clearly state the harmony in simple melodies.
What's covered
- An overview of the three pillars of a strong solo: melodic clarity, rhythm, and phrasing
- Why "playing the changes" correctly isn't enough — communicating the harmony so the listener hears every chord change
- Common trouble spots: playing that sounds unintentionally angular, floaty, or lacking conviction
- Demonstrations in a blues context so the concepts apply at any level of development
- Practice exercises for connecting technical work to real, musical application
This course suits beginning improvisers through more advanced players reviewing practice techniques that strengthen fundamentals. It includes the recorded video plus a PDF with perspectives on the topic and notated examples of ways to use the exercises in your practice routine.
Lessons in this masterclass
Lessons
- 1What Makes a Strong Solo? - Full Class22m 18s
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About the instructor
Juan Dhas →
Juan Dhas is constantly seeking to push his limits and abilities as a guitarist, a composer and an improviser. Born on May 4th, 1994 in Dubai, UAE to a Colombian mother and Indian father, Juan began playing Guitar at the age of 12, after having taken several years of classical Piano studies. Eventually, Juan would find himself attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he was accepted on a scholarship in 2011. While there, he had the opportunity to study with musicians such as Tim Miller, Bret Willmott, Dave Fiuczynski, Freddie Bryant, Leo Blanco and Scott DeOgburn, among many others. Juan further honed his skills in improvisation, composition and arranging at Berklee, ultimately graduating at 20 years old with Summa Cum Laude honours. Before graduating in 2014, Juan released his debut album Embracing Clarity, which introduced many listeners to his thoughtful, deliberate and intense guitar playing, in addition to his lyrical, yet intricate compositional style. Embracing Clarity was described as “very impressive in that Dhas exhibits a distinct musical personality at such an early stage of development” (All About Jazz).