In this episode of Steal Some Licks, we dive into a gorgeous solo by Lari Basilio during her performance of “Kiss From a Rose” with the Martin Miller Session Band. 🎸🌹
This solo is a masterclass in melodic phrasing done right. Lari has a way of making the guitar sing. Instead of filling every bar with fast runs or flashy tricks, she chooses her notes with care, weaving in expressive bends, smart note targeting, and subtle rhythmic twists that make every phrase feel like a vocal line.
The beauty of studying this solo is that it shows us how to go beyond playing scales and start crafting solos that connect emotionally with the listener. In this breakdown, I’ll show you the key ideas that make Lari’s solo so special — and how you can steal them to transform your own playing.
Why Lari Basilio’s Solo Works So Well
When you hear Lari play, it almost feels like the guitar is singing the words Seal originally sang. That’s no accident. She’s deliberately shaping her phrases to mirror the contours of the melody instead of just running through scale patterns.
This is a huge lesson for any guitarist: if you want your solos to resonate, think like a singer. Lari constantly asks herself: What notes actually matter here? Where does the melody want to go?
By focusing on that, she creates lines that are memorable and lyrical rather than mechanical.
Key Ideas to Steal
✅ Using Groups of Five for Rhythmic Interest
Most of us default to even groupings like fours or sixes, but Lari spices things up with groups of five. This creates a push-and-pull effect that feels fresh without sounding forced. Try playing a simple phrase but count it in fives — you’ll instantly hear how the rhythm feels less predictable.
✅ Playing with the Melody Instead of around It
Instead of ignoring the vocal melody, Lari leans into it. She paraphrases bits of it, embellishes certain phrases, and answers others. This keeps the solo connected to the song rather than feeling like a random jam dropped on top.
✅ Targeting 9ths, 3rds, and 7ths
These “color notes” add richness to any line. The 3rd defines whether a chord is major or minor, the 7th adds sophistication, and the 9th gives that soaring, emotional quality. Lari nails these tones with precision, which is why her phrases feel so emotionally charged.
✅ Making It Lyrical
It’s not just what notes she plays — it’s how she plays them. Vibrato, slides, and breathing space between phrases make her lines feel like they’re being sung. If you want your solos to sound more lyrical, focus on your articulation and dynamics as much as your note choice.
Who This Lesson Is For
🎯 Perfect for:
- Players who want to sound more melodic and intentional
- Guitarists looking to move beyond the pentatonic “box”
- Anyone who wants to borrow some seriously elegant phrasing
- Whether you’re into pop, fusion, or melodic soloing of any style — this one’s worth stealing.
Even if you don’t normally listen to fusion or session-style guitar, studying a solo like this is eye-opening. It gives you tools you can apply anywhere: blues, pop, worship, jazz, or even rock ballads.
How to Practice These Concepts
Don’t just copy Lari’s solo note-for-note. Use it as inspiration. Here’s how:
- Isolate the Concepts. Try making up your own line that uses a group of five, or one that targets the 9th.
- Imitate the Feel. Play the same lick in different positions or keys, but keep the phrasing intact.
- Sing Before You Play. Hum or sing the melody you want, then find it on the fretboard. This keeps your playing lyrical instead of mechanical.
- Record Yourself. Play along with the track and listen back. Do your phrases feel connected to the song, or do they feel like scale exercises?
Final Thoughts
Lari Basilio’s solo on “Kiss From a Rose” is a beautiful reminder that the best solos aren’t always the fastest or flashiest. They’re the ones that feel like they’re saying something.
By borrowing these ideas — groups of five, melodic targeting, and lyrical phrasing — you’ll not only sound more musical, but you’ll also connect with your listeners on a deeper level.
So grab your guitar, cue up the Martin Miller Session Band performance, and start stealing some of these licks for yourself. Who knows? The next time you solo, someone might say your guitar sounds like it’s singing. 🎶
👇 What other solos or live sessions should we break down next?
