Limitation exercise on guitar while soloing

More doesn't always equal more. Sometimes less is more.

What is a limitation exercise?

A limitation exercise is a thing where a guitarist limits his choices to play.

Basically, it is when you remove some notes from the scale. So, instead of allowing yourself to play a full 8 note scale or 5 note scale, you are allowed to play only 4 notes... or 3, or 2 notes!

Another limitation exercise is when you are not allowed to play on all 6 strings but let's say on only 2 or 1 guitar string.

How is this beneficial for you?

It's very useful because it pushes you to think much more melodically instead of running down or up a 8 note scale without getting the listener's attention.

It can sound very boring when you don't play melodically.

So limiting your choices makes you think more about the tune and melody. Is the melody/ pitch going up or down? Do I outline the changes in music pitch?

Let's try it out - the limitation (playing only 4 notes)

Now let's try to improvise using only 4 notes from a scale.

The backing track we will be using is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw5rxl2c1bI

And I am using only 4 notes - E, G, B and D.

Here's the link:

Let's change things up a little now.

Only play on two strings - B and E (1st and 2nd string).

My try is here:

In summary

Are you starting to see the benefits of limiting yourself to play only 4 notes or on 2 strings?

Yes, you push yourself more to think melodically.

Okay, practice these exercises for at least 10 minutes a day for a month and I promise you will see some fruits of labor.

Bye!