When, where and how did you play your best ever solo?

[emanresu]

... or three?
More curious about the how. Could be helpful even for others maybe.

[Christian Miller]

... or three?
More curious about the how. Could be helpful even for others maybe.

You’re assuming that we are reliable evaluators of our own performances. Which I don’t really buy.

From a subjective perspective if I’m not actively sabotaging myself I’m happy enough. This is easiest when I haven’t slept for several days although sometimes that can complicate the actually being able to play aspect.

[emanresu]

You’re assuming that we are reliable evaluators of our own performances. Which I don’t really buy.

Fair point.
But absolutely subjective then. Best solo when you felt like "that was it".

[Christian Miller]

Fair point.
But absolutely subjective then. Best solo when you felt like "that was it".

and then I listen to a recording two months later and think ‘no it wasn’t’ :-)

[Christian Miller]

I think the thing this taught me is that I haven’t a clue, and to not worry too much. Practicing the guitar seems to make things better over time.

[rpjazzguitar]

The best solos I ever played were with the best musicians I ever played with. Being with great players can elevate you like nothing else.

[mr. beaumont]

I got a break on a country gig once and I fucking tore shit up. Chicken picking, open string cascades, even busted out some altered bebop shit on the V. I owned it. I got a standing ovation and felt great about myself.

On the next tune, I fucked up the easy intro.

Because life is like that.

[NewNewcastleBud]

If you've already played your best solo ever, what's the point?
????

[John A.]

I couldn't possibly answer this question. I've never scored and ranked my solos, and have never had any thought along the lines of "that's the best solo I've ever played."

I have had moments where everything clicked and the playing felt especially fluid and unencumbered. Those have mainly come when I'm playing music I really know inside out, with people I've played with a lot, during a period of practicing and playing a ton. Or 2 out of those 3, anyway. So the "how" is "by getting your shit really together."

[kris]

My best solo is yet to be played in the future, but I don't know exactly when it will be.

[Victor Saumarez]

In my bedroom, late at night, when nobody was listening except maybe a few bed bugs, cockroaches, and mice. They’re still there so I guess I must have done something right.

[citizenk74]

July 4th, 2006 (?). Private pool party for family and friends held by one of our biggest fans. Bass, drums, guitar. Penultimate song of our show, and a crowd pleaser. Just some porch pickin'....

[emanresu]

I think the singing is better than the original.

[citizenk74]

I think the singing is better than the original.

Aw, shucks. Thank you very much!

[Lionelsax]

When nobody cares.

When I'm trying things.

I've got no recordings of jam sessions or when people cared and said it was kind of good.

I am not a good example.