I work around a melody... not necessarily the one used for the vocals, but if I sit back and listen to the chord progression for a while, something always suggests itself. Use your band practices to get loose and experimental. You're among friends, right? Later, on your own, play back the tapes and pick out the best bits from your sessions. [u]But don't over-analyze![/u]

I've been at this for long enough to believe that not every song has to have a solo. I find that a few deft phrases, sometimes between vocal lines, can get your point across in a memorable way. To paraphrase one of our member's sign-off, sometimes its what you don't play that makes you stand out from the crowd.