I'm lost... what do I do now? Part 9 (Help! = Guitar Solo)
Okay, you're now on the bandstand. I want to point this out first... it may help you to feel less nervous. If you get hopelessly lost, look to another soloist... commonly the guitarist or pianist... and nod your head for them to solo. It won't be in the right spot, but look over, nod your head, close your eyes and smile as you listen for the anticipated solo, thus forcing a solo onto them.
As they solo a couple of choruses, this gives you a chance to regain your composure and start at the next chorus of where you left off and continue on. If you've completely forgotten the song (it happens), go to the last chorus, which is commonly a return of the head, and end the song... the audience won't know the difference.
So, the tip... if you get hopelessly lost, look to someone to solo so you can gather yourself and get back in after their solo.