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To the edge of infinity...

Improv all the way!!

I don't pre-conceive them at all; if that was the case, then they would then become written solos......besides, it's more fun to improv =) I don't come up with licks and save them for later use either. I just play what I hear in my head, and it always comes out sounding great. I use a lot of arpeggios and chord tones in my improv as well, and I absolutely love to use the half-tone whole-tone diminished scale....

Improvised solos and just solos are different.

For me, when I have a solo it is usually 'pre-thought'. Obviously I think about the key, chord changes, and things like that. Not enough that I have to actually stop and think about it. But I do think about it.
I rarely already have a solo made up. In fact, the only time I have, is in cover bands, and for exams with AMEB.
I do think, however, that all great solos are pre-thought to an extent. Whether it be that they will base it off the head, or if thy will follow certain chord changes.



Having a solo in your head is a great start. A lot of good improvisers, would be able to sing what they are improvising as they play it. I find this extremely hard, but I think it is a worth while thing to be able to do.

I practice soloing over the accompaniment, but I wouldn't say that my solos are memorized or pre-conceived. I tend to keep and use general licks I come up with during practice, but when performance time comes around they are generally on the spot.