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Step 1
First learn the basics of the upright bass guitar through private instruction or formal instruction. Practice the basics of properly holding the instrument, fingerings, caring for the instrument and basic scales, arpeggios and chords. Pay attention to perfecting your tone because it will be a central issue once you begin practicing for solos.
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Step 2
Determine what kind of solo will be played. Decide whether you'd rather play a written solo or use an improvisation method, and what kind of style is to be used given the overall piece the solo is played in. With improvisation, it will still be pertinent to know the written part of the piece, so take some time going over the music of the whole piece and familiarize yourself with other instrument parts for guidance.
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Step 3
Practice major and minor scales, and then integrate diminished, augmented and chromatic scales into your practice regime to give more variety to your solo. Listen to upright bass solos to give you an idea of the kind of sound you want to create during your solo. Search for the sheet music online or other music sources and transpose the solo for bass.
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Step 4
Record yourself playing the solo and listen to it to get an objective understanding of what you sound like. Notice things like your phrasing and the feeling that your solo gives while you're playing it and be prepared to augment it or change it to better suit the mood of the piece. Play your solo in front of a mirror to give you a visual perspective of your playing and determine what about your body position and hand positioning can be improved.
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Step 5
Play your solo for as many people as possible prior to the final performance. Get accustomed to the spotlight, which will showcase you. Ask for honest feedback from trusted friends and peers so you can improve overlooked parts of your performance.
