This article is written by Toru Hoshino, a jazz bassist and instructor based in Japan who teaches online lessons to students worldwide. In this article, he shares a simple approach for when you blank on what to play in a solo.
In a free one-on-one bass consultation, I got this question: “I just end up going back and forth across scales, and my solos never really lock in.” One approach I suggested as a fix was something called “motif development.”
Here’s roughly what that looks like:
- ① C–E♭–C–B♭
- ② C–E♭–F–E♭
- ③ C–B♭–G–F–E♭–F–E♭
The rests in each motif are circled above — the rhythm stays consistent across all three, while the notes shift slightly each time.
Play one rhythmic idea, then repeat a similar rhythm with slightly different notes, then on the third pass, stretch it into a slightly longer phrase. Doing this gives your solo a sense of consistency while still keeping it moving forward — and you never run out of ideas. This is sometimes called a “motif development phrase.”
If you tend to run out of ideas mid-solo, this is well worth trying out in your own playing.
Running out of ideas mid-solo is exactly the kind of moment where a teacher’s input pays off — they can point you toward the next move in real time.
Want Personalized Feedback on Your Playing?
This is exactly the kind of thing that’s hard to fix alone — and where having a teacher makes all the difference.
At Line on Bass, I offer an online lesson service where you send me a video of your playing, and I give you specific, detailed feedback — every single day if you want.
Students from around the world are using this to fix exactly these kinds of issues and steadily improve their jazz bass skills.