David's Tip of the Day: Band Training, Part 3 - Handing off Solos

One of the most common errors on the bandstand is poor signaling from soloist to soloist. It's not uncommon to see a musician finish their solo and go back to rhythm work without making any movement that would signal they were done. This commonly leads to a chorus of what sounds like a twelve bar blues jam track (no solos or vocals). At the very least, the next musician's solo starts a couple bars late (that sucks by the way, starting your solo without a proper pickup).

So, to avoid this, think about follow these steps...

1) When you're done with your solo, look to the next musician when you START your turnaround (beginning of Bar 11), and nod your head so that they get a visual confirmation that you're handing the solo to them. They should look up to you and nod their head back, confirming that they understand that they're next. If they take a couple steps forward on the stage without giving you the reassuring nod back, no worries, they got the signal and they're about to solo (stepping forward is the sign of someone about to play). If they give no visual confirmation that they're to solo next, say their name to get their attention, or say loudly "let's hear some guitar," or something of that nature. A good rule of thumb is if a visual cue is not seen, make it audible.

2) Doing the same as 1 above, but playing no turnaround leading into their solo. This is a great way to leave the new soloist space to play a pickup.

3) If you took a couple steps forward when you began to solo, by your walking back at the end of your solo is an additional signal to the other band members that you're finishing your solo. Put this walking back, looking to the next soloist and nodding your head together and you're a real easy musician to play with!