I find those to be two different - and very related - processes. In Practice Mode, we have to 'overly think' about each note. Then when Performing, whether it be recording, on stage, in rehearsal with a band, or even just jamming out - the scrutiny that went into Practice allows more free-flowing access to just Playing. "Just soloing smoothly" has a LOT of components. They have to all be easily accessible when improvising, in a sort of body/brain muscle memory. Fingerboard knowledge, harmonic understanding, Bag 'O Tricks of riffs to play over certain chords to spark a motif you can develop freely, solid technique for ease of fingering with a pleasing tone, functional knowledge of the genre of music you're playing - all this has to be cooking steady on the back burner so you can LISTEN and respond to what's going on around you. I find that's the beauty of jamming, sitting in, working with others - every time you walk away, you know exACTly what you need to work on when you get back to Practice Time.
This is perfect
Thanks for this drill, Sean.
How do I liberate myself from overly thinking about the notes to hit, and just soloing smoothly?
I find those to be two different - and very related - processes. In Practice Mode, we have to 'overly think' about each note. Then when Performing, whether it be recording, on stage, in rehearsal with a band, or even just jamming out - the scrutiny that went into Practice allows more free-flowing access to just Playing. "Just soloing smoothly" has a LOT of components. They have to all be easily accessible when improvising, in a sort of body/brain muscle memory. Fingerboard knowledge, harmonic understanding, Bag 'O Tricks of riffs to play over certain chords to spark a motif you can develop freely, solid technique for ease of fingering with a pleasing tone, functional knowledge of the genre of music you're playing - all this has to be cooking steady on the back burner so you can LISTEN and respond to what's going on around you. I find that's the beauty of jamming, sitting in, working with others - every time you walk away, you know exACTly what you need to work on when you get back to Practice Time.