P REMIERCLINIC
Larry Carlton’s 335Blues
Stormy Blues Solo
B LUES
Often a great solo is the result of great accompaniment, as illus-
trated by this month’s lesson. Based on the rhythm track devel-
oped in our previous installment of Larry Carlton’s 335 Blues,
“Stormy Blues” borrows from earlier blues tunes, offering up
a jazzier feel than is typical for a blues progression. This dem-
onstrates what is possible by using chord substitutions to add
flavor and create different textures and tension within familiar,
I-IV-V frameworks.
Larry’s take on soloing over an inspiring rhythm track is this: “I
went to the zone on this solo. I’ll admit – I started simply and
waited to get inspired. I noticed as the track behind me started
Stormy Blues, Key of A: Solo
to grow, that I could continue to go to the zone. And by the
time we got to the third chorus, that happened for me – it sent
me to a place I would not have gone if that emotional [rhythm]
guitar had not changed right there.”
As Larry illustrates, paying attention to what is being played as
accompaniment is an excellent place to look for both direction
and inspiration when soloing. Listening to the harmonic direc-
tions of the other musicians can deliver some truly inspiring
ideas that can very well take you in new directions. Refer to last
month’s column and learn the rhythm part cold, then lay down
this tasty solo, courtesy of Mr. 335.
