Question: How do I write a solo? I've been trying but I just end up with a scale run. :/
Answer
Learning how to write solos is something you have to break down step by step. It's all about phrasing your scale's tones using defined starting and ending notes.
Begin by learning how to create phrases over single chords. See the Soloing Over Chords lesson. This is a logical step to take before you learn how to solo over chord progressions.
The below video I uploaded covers the basics on scale phrasing.
See the text/diagram version in the Scale Phrasing lesson.
I'm going to be expanding on this series with more advanced phrasing techniques and don't forget also how lead guitar techniques help to "punctuate" your soloing phrases.
In a nutshell, you should be jumping around the scale rather than relying on linear movements (e.g. 1 6 3 5 2 1 instead of 6 5 4 3 2 1).
Of course, there's nothing wrong with injecting the occasional linear movement into your solo, but exploring different ways in which you can use scale runs will help keep them interesting.
String skipping is also an effective way to break out of that straight run rut.
