I am a reasonably competent player but the thing I can't work out is how to develop an introduction. I can usually do it when someone else has developed it but where to start otherwise.
The things I have tried (some successful others less so):
Run through the chord sequence often with variations to the actual chords e.g. play a sus2 or sus4 for the major. These can be strummed or pattern picked.
Play the tune or variations on the tune - usually single notes.
Recently, I've been combining the single note runs with chords which seems to work for a few pieces.
I don't need to find out what to do rather, how to do it.
Any input appreciated.
Comments
"Hi. Do you come here often? My name is Bruce."
Or "G'day. Wanna dance?"
Or, of course, "Hello. Read any good books lately?"
There’s always the conventional “Waan, two, free, four”
https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/203622/best-song-intros
I know how to play but not how to work out what I should / could be playing. However, the link to the best song intros was helpful.
Yes I’ve done it shut up ....
* Notably Tenth Ave Freeze Out and Jungleland
This random approach also works for bridges.
Chord melody of one of the vocal lines. Double stops, or jazz it up with some add9s
Spoken word intro
Harmonics
Strum muted strings
Whistling?