@LievenDV pretty much bang on I think.
I’m probably only at the point in my guitar journey where I’ve started to build layers above rhythm. I’ve started doing the following 2:
- Simplify where needed (a solo can be replaced with just the chord progression that is played under the solo.
- a certain picking pattern (or like I do; make up a picking pattern on the spot)
They are an easy (well much easier than learning a solo note for note and playing it effectively) and low risk way of being able to take a solo. I’m not sure if I’d read it here 1st, or come to the conclusion myself, but for sure it removes one of the concerns about being the lead instrument in a band.
I’ve played keys / piano for much longer than I’ve played guitar (or bass). I’ve added a few embellishments recently to a song that I’ve played for about 30 years. It helps to keep it fresh for me, and hopefully it is a better experience for the listener.
Make it YOUR version; recognizeable enough but no carbon copy of the original
I agree. I can only recall 2 songs that I learned note for note on the piano / keys - both were at the request of the band leader.
I can only think of 4 on bass: “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen ( you kind of have to know the bass line); “Message in a bottle” by the Police (there are 3 distinct sections to the song - it helps to have them all nailed down); Holiday by Green Day (my daughter bought me the sheet music for most of the Green Day songs so I decided to learn one of them note for note); Jump by Van Halen (a lot of effort for no real benefit - I recorded it, but have never gigged it)
Some people (at least in the bass world) claim you will improve your playing if you learn lines of the great players note for note. They may well be correct, but I think you can get pretty close with “in the style of” and your time can be spent learning more songs, rather than perfecting a note for note copy.