Session Solos Presents

Fretboard DNA

In the Style of Marc Diglio
Inside 5 solos, what makes this style sound like Marc Diglio and how to learn it
4
Go-To Tones
11-15
Home Zone
5
Core Licks
15m
Daily Plan
The Bottom Line

Marc Diglio's sound is built on the minor pentatonic with Dorian extensions (the 2nd and 6th). Jazzier and more open than straight minor. Home base: frets 12–15. A mix of smooth runs and interval leaps. Melodic but with surprises. Start with your minor pentatonic and add the 2, 3, 6. That gets you most of the way to this sound.

Technique Focus In This Pack

You will train tapping, bends, slides, legato inside real licks. Follow the tab articulation marks exactly (h, p, /, \, ^, ~, T) before chasing speed.

How to Use This Report
Quick Start (10 min) Begin at Section 04, then jump to Section 07. That gets your hands moving fastest.
Deep Dive (35 min) Read Sections 01–06 in order if you want the full why behind the note choices.
Practice Path (15 min) Go straight to Section 08 for the routine, then keep Section 09 open on your stand.

01 The Personal Scale

Which notes does Marc Diglio actually reach for? This is the melodic fingerprint. Use it to choose safe landing tones first, then color tones.

Lesson Setup
Estimated Time5 min
You NeedGuitar helpful | One quiet minute to hear the note colors
OutcomeYou know the notes that feel like home in Marc Diglio's sound.
What You Will Learn
  • Which notes Marc Diglio lands on when a phrase needs to feel finished
  • Which notes are color, not resting points
  • How to hear the difference before you read the chart
Skip IfYou want to jump straight to Section 07 and learn a lick first.

Start Here: The Notes That Sound Like Home

Marc Diglio builds phrases around R, 5, b7, 4. If you play nothing else today, land there first. Use 2, 6 after the landing tones feel automatic.

Pentatonic base with additions (2, 3, 6). A personal flavor shape. The charts below are the proof, not the starting point.

Try This Now
1) On the A string play frets 12 then 14. On the D string play frets 12 then 14.
2) Hear the sound: 4 -> 5 -> b7 -> Root. That is a safe Marc-style landing pocket in E minor.
3) Loop those four notes before you read the chart below.
Play Along
Use the E Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Keep the line simple. Hear the landing tone before you move on.
Quick Vocabulary
Root (R)The home note. It sounds finished.
b3 / b5 / b7Flat 3rd = minor color. Flat 5th = blue note tension. Flat 7th = bluesy pull.
PentatonicThe 5-note scale most rock and blues players already know by feel.
Dorian / MixolydianDorian = minor with a brighter 6th. Mixolydian = major with a bluesy b7.

Play first: R, b3, 4, 5, b7, 6, b5. Park for later: b2, 2, 3, b6, 7. Core reminder: Land on R, 5, b7, 4. Add 6, 2, b3 once the core feels solid. Keep b5, b6, b2 and the other rare tones as passing color.

Root (R)    Pentatonic (b3, 4, 5, b7)    Extension (2, 3, 6)    Blue Note (b5)    Chromatic (b2, b6, 7)
Anchor Tones: always reaches for these
Root
R
Core
5th
5
Core
b7th
b7
Core
4th
4
Core
6th
6
Core
2nd
2
Core
Regular Vocabulary: frequent tools in the kit
b3rd
b3
Support
Color Tones: used for flavor and tension
Maj 3rd
3
Support
b5 / #4
b5
Color
b6 / #5
b6
Color
b2nd
b2
Color
Maj 7th
7
Color
Open 12-note map (optional teacher detail)
Personal Scale on the Chromatic Scale
Degree
R
b2
2
b3
3
4
b5
5
b6
6
b7
7
Priority
Core
Color
Core
Support
Support
Core
Color
Core
Color
Core
Core
Color
Role
Go-to
Color
Go-to
Regular
Regular
Go-to
Regular
Go-to
Color
Go-to
Go-to
Regular

In Short

Start by landing on R, 5, b7, 4. Save 2, 6 for passing color once the phrase already feels stable. Next: Section 02 shows where those landing tones live on the neck.

Now that you know what Marc Diglio plays, let's see where on the neck.

02 Fretboard Heat Map

Where Marc Diglio lives on the neck. Brighter spots = higher priority practice zones.

Lesson Setup
Estimated Time3 min
You NeedGuitar in hand | Fretboard heat map on screen
OutcomeYou know where Marc Diglio physically lives on the neck before learning any lick.
What You Will Learn
  • Which 5-fret window should become your default practice lane
  • Which strings give this style its thicker center-of-neck sound
Skip IfYou already know the home zone and middle-string focus.

Where to Start

Marc Diglio's home base is frets 11–15. Start here when learning this style. Secondary zone: frets 5–9 for higher-register contrast.

Quick Win

Learn the shape at frets 11–15. This is the home lane for Marc Diglio's phrasing. Start every practice cycle here before moving anywhere else.

Try This Now
1) Put your hand at frets 11-15.
2) Stay mostly on 3rd (G) and 2nd (B). Play short phrases there before moving higher or lower.
3) End each phrase on R, 5, b7, or 4 so the zone sounds musical instead of random.
Play Along
Use the E Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.

In Short

The first home lane is frets 11-15. Start there and let the hotter strings tell your hands where to stay. Next: Section 03 turns that hot zone into real song-by-song fretboard shapes.

The hot zones show you where. These position shapes show you exactly how.

03 Position Shapes by Song

Instead of blending all solos together (which smears different keys into noise), here are Marc Diglio's actual shapes from individual songs. Each diagram is one key, one position. These are pitch maps only; rhythm and bend depth are handled in Section 07.

Tuning Translation (Important)

Several songs in this pack are in Eb tuning (half-step down). That means fretboard shapes can look one fret higher than standard-tuned shape names. Example: a line analyzed in F# minor may sit in a G-shape area on an Eb-tuned guitar. If your guitar is standard E, play every fret one lower to match the same concert key.

Lesson Setup
Estimated Time12 min
You NeedGuitar | Metronome | Backing track in song key
OutcomeYou can find the exact lane on the neck where each song idea lives.
What You Will Learn
  • Which fret window belongs to each real song
  • Which notes are confirmed in that box before you improvise
Skip IfYou already know which song box you want to live in today.
Root (R)Pentatonic (b3, 4, 5, b7)Extension (2, 3, 6)Blue Note (b5)Chromatic (b2, b6, 7)
Ringed blue dot = b5 used in this songBlue dot = same b5 at another position in this box
H.H. Boogie · F# Minor · Song lane overview
ADD NEXT: Box 1 (0-5)START HERE: Box 2 (10-15)

Start in Box 2 (frets 10-15). Then drop to Box 1 (0-5) for the lower-register answer.

Green ring = the first box to learn in this song.
H.H. Boogie · full-lane view e B G D A E 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 6 R b3 4 b5 5 b7 R R 2 b3 4 3 4 5 6 b7 R 2 5 2 b3 4 5 b7 R b2 2 b3 2 3 4 5 5 b7 R
Play Along
Use the F# Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Use the slow track first. Stay in the green-ringed start box until your endings feel resolved.
H.H. Boogie · F# Minor · Fret area 0-5
ADD NEXT

Lower answer lane. Drop here after the main box feels solid.

Marc Diglio in H.H. Boogie (F# Minor) e B G D A E 1 2 3 4 5 6 R b3 4 b5 5 b7 R R 2 b3 4 3 4 5 6 b7 R 2 b5

Play this map as a note palette, not as a strict exercise. Land on orange/green tones first, then touch color tones as passing notes.

H.H. Boogie · F# Minor · Fret area 10-15
START HERE

Most-used lane in this song. Learn this shape first.

Marc Diglio in H.H. Boogie (F# Minor) e B G D A E 10 11 12 13 14 15 5 2 b3 4 5 b7 R b2 2 b3 2 3 4 5 5 b7 R b5 b5

Play this map as a note palette, not as a strict exercise. Land on orange/green tones first, then touch color tones as passing notes.

H.H. Boogie (F# Minor)

Song tuning: Eb. Song tuning is Eb (half-step down). If your guitar is in standard tuning, play every fret one lower to match the same concert pitch/key.

Main lane: frets 0–5, frets 10–15. Landing tones: 5, R, b7, 4. Flavor tones: b2, 2 + others.

Blue dots show the full b5 lane in this box. Ringed blue dots are the exact b5 hits from the solo.

Dorian-blues hybrid. Pentatonic plus the 2nd, 6th, and b5. Blues grit with extra color notes that keep lines moving.

Practice this shape slowly. Start from the Root (orange) and work through each degree in order. Then use the track buttons above and keep your first 3 minutes inside the start-here box only.

Don't Say No · B Major · Song lane overview
ADD NEXT: Box 1 (7-12)START HERE: Box 2 (14-19)

Start in Box 2 (frets 14-19). Then drop to Box 1 (7-12) for the lower-register answer.

Green ring = the first box to learn in this song.
Don't Say No · full-lane view e B G D A E 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 3 4 5 b7 2 3 4 5 5 b7 6 R 2 4 b5 5 6 7
Play Along
Use the B Major backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Use the slow track first. Stay in the green-ringed start box until your endings feel resolved.
Don't Say No · B Major · Fret area 7-12
ADD NEXT

Lower answer lane. Drop here after the main box feels solid.

Marc Diglio in Don't Say No (B Major) e B G D A E 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 b7 2 3 4 5 5 b7 b5 b5 b5

Play this map as a note palette, not as a strict exercise. Land on orange/green tones first, then touch color tones as passing notes.

Don't Say No · B Major · Fret area 14-19
START HERE

Most-used lane in this song. Learn this shape first.

Marc Diglio in Don't Say No (B Major) e B G D A E 14 15 16 17 18 19 6 R 2 4 b5 5 6 7 b5 b5 b5

Play this map as a note palette, not as a strict exercise. Land on orange/green tones first, then touch color tones as passing notes.

Don't Say No (B Major)

Song tuning: Eb. Song tuning is Eb (half-step down). If your guitar is in standard tuning, play every fret one lower to match the same concert pitch/key.

Main lane: frets 7–12, frets 14–19. Landing tones: 6, 5, 3, 4. Flavor tones: R, 2 + others.

Blue dots show the full b5 lane in this box. Ringed blue dots are the exact b5 hits from the solo.

Major Pentatonic base with additions: 4, b5, b7, 7.

Practice this shape slowly. Start from the Root (orange) and work through each degree in order. Then use the track buttons above and keep your first 3 minutes inside the start-here box only.

Face Down In The Gutter · F# Minor · Song lane overview
ADD NEXT: Box 1 (5-10)START HERE: Box 2 (15-20)

Start in Box 2 (frets 15-20). Then drop to Box 1 (5-10) for the lower-register answer.

Green ring = the first box to learn in this song.
Face Down In The Gutter · full-lane view e B G D A E 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 5 6 R R 2 4 b5 5 6 b7 6 R 2 4 b5 5 5 b3 4 b5 5 b6 5 6 b7 R R b3 4
Play Along
Use the F# Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Use the slow track first. Stay in the green-ringed start box until your endings feel resolved.
Face Down In The Gutter · F# Minor · Fret area 5-10
ADD NEXT

Lower answer lane. Drop here after the main box feels solid.

Marc Diglio in Face Down In The Gutter (F# Minor) e B G D A E 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 5 6 R R 2 4 b5 5 6 b7 6 R 2 4 b5 5 b5

Play this map as a note palette, not as a strict exercise. Land on orange/green tones first, then touch color tones as passing notes.

Face Down In The Gutter · F# Minor · Fret area 15-20
START HERE

Most-used lane in this song. Learn this shape first.

Marc Diglio in Face Down In The Gutter (F# Minor) e B G D A E 15 16 17 18 19 20 5 b3 4 b5 5 b6 5 6 b7 R R b3 4 b5

Play this map as a note palette, not as a strict exercise. Land on orange/green tones first, then touch color tones as passing notes.

Face Down In The Gutter (F# Minor)

Song tuning: Eb. Song tuning is Eb (half-step down). If your guitar is in standard tuning, play every fret one lower to match the same concert pitch/key.

Main lane: frets 5–10, frets 15–20. Landing tones: R, 5, b7, 2. Flavor tones: b3, 4 + others.

Blue dots show the full b5 lane in this box. Ringed blue dots are the exact b5 hits from the solo.

Dorian-blues hybrid. Pentatonic plus the 2nd, 6th, and b5. Blues grit with extra color notes that keep lines moving.

Practice this shape slowly. Start from the Root (orange) and work through each degree in order. Then use the track buttons above and keep your first 3 minutes inside the start-here box only.

Try This Now
1) Open H.H. Boogie and stay only in the start-here box: frets 10-15.
2) Start on the orange Root, then play only confirmed notes from that one box for 2 minutes.
3) Do not leave the lane until you can end three phrases cleanly on a go-to tone.
Play Along
Use the F# Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.

In Short

Pick one song lane only. Stay in that fret window for 3 minutes and end every phrase on a go-to tone before changing position. Next: Section 04 shows which extra notes to add to that same box without losing your pentatonic foundation.

These shapes come from the pentatonic foundation. Here's what Marc Diglio adds to it.

04 Your Pentatonic + Marc Diglio's Additions

You already know your pentatonic boxes. This section shows what Marc Diglio actually uses in each box, plus the b5 lane. Ringed dots = notes confirmed in the song. Solid dots = available color targets in the same box. Rhythm and expressive timing are applied in the lick studies.

Lesson Setup
Estimated Time10 min
You NeedGuitar | One pentatonic shape you already know | Slow backing track
OutcomeYou can add Marc Diglio flavor notes without losing your pentatonic foundation.
What You Will Learn
  • Which 2-3 notes change the sound fastest
  • How to hear those notes on piano first, then on one string, then in the full box
Skip IfYou already hear Dorian and Mixolydian color naturally over your pentatonic shapes.
Pentatonic (confirmed) Addition (personal) b5 lane (same note, other positions) b5 used in this song
H.H. Boogie · F# Minor · Pent+ fret area 0-5
SINGLE-STRING FIRST · 5th (A)
STRING FOCUS: Play this lane on the 5th (A string) only.
1) See it on piano2) Play one string3) Open the full box
Use open through fret 5 on this string, then open the full box.
b means flat. Example: b3 = flat 3rd, b5 = flat 5th.
Full shape also contains: 2, 3, 6, R, b7. Play this lane first, then add the extra dots.
PIANO BRIDGE (same target notes)
Cb5
D
E
F
G
Ab3
B4
C#5
Eb
F#
Ab
Bb
Fret 1
A
b3
flat 3rd
Finger 1
W
Fret 3
B
4
4th
Finger 3
H
Fret 4
C
b5
flat 5th
Finger 4
H
Fret 5
C#
5
5th
Finger 4
F# Minor Pentatonic + Marc Diglio's Additions e B G D A E 1 2 3 4 5 b5 b5 6 R b3 4 b5 5 b7 R R 2 b3 4 3 4 5 6 b7 R 2

Step 1: play ringed pentatonic notes only. Step 2: add one gold note. Step 3: blend the blue note as passing tension and resolve.

Add These to Your Minor Pentatonic

Song tuning: Eb. Song tuning is Eb (half-step down). If your guitar is in standard tuning, play every fret one lower to match the same concert pitch/key.

Dorian-blues hybrid. Pentatonic plus the 2nd, 6th, and b5. Blues grit with extra color notes that keep lines moving.

Marc Diglio adds 2, 3, b5, 6 at frets 0–5. Specifically: the 2nd (2): slide into it from the Root for a Dorian color; the major 3rd (3): bend the b3 up to hit this for the classic blues curl; the b5 (b5): the blue note. Never rest on it. Let it resolve to the 4th or 5th; the 6th (6): brightens the minor sound, use it as a passing tone between 5th and b7.

Blue-note map in this box: B2, A4.

Start with your normal minor pentatonic pattern. Add one new note at a time until the shape feels natural under your fingers.

Play Along
Use the F# Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Play the ringed pentatonic notes first, then sneak in one gold note per phrase.
H.H. Boogie · F# Minor · Pent+ fret area 10-15
SINGLE-STRING FIRST · 3rd (G)
STRING FOCUS: Play this lane on the 3rd (G string) only.
1) See it on piano2) Play one string3) Open the full box
Use frets 10 through 15 on this string, then open the full box.
b means flat. Example: b3 = flat 3rd, b5 = flat 5th.
Full shape also contains: 3, 4, 5. Play this lane first, then add the extra dots.
PIANO BRIDGE (same target notes)
C
D
Eb7
F
Gb2
Ab3
B
C#
Eb
F#R
Ab2
Bb
Fret 10
E
b7
flat 7th
Finger 1
W
Fret 12
F#
R
root
Finger 3
H
Fret 13
G
b2
flat 2nd
Finger 4
H
Fret 14
Ab
2
2nd
Finger 4
H
Fret 15
A
b3
flat 3rd
Finger 4
F# Minor Pentatonic + Marc Diglio's Additions e B G D A E 10 11 12 13 14 15 b5 b5 5 2 b3 4 5 b7 R b2 2 b3 2 3 4 5 5 b7 R

Step 1: play ringed pentatonic notes only. Step 2: add one gold note. Step 3: blend the blue note as passing tension and resolve.

Add These to Your Minor Pentatonic

Song tuning: Eb. Song tuning is Eb (half-step down). If your guitar is in standard tuning, play every fret one lower to match the same concert pitch/key.

Minor Pentatonic base with additions: b2, 2, 3.

Marc Diglio adds b2, 2, 3 at frets 10–15. Specifically: the b2nd (b2); the 2nd (2): slide into it from the Root for a Dorian color; the major 3rd (3): bend the b3 up to hit this for the classic blues curl.

Blue-note map in this box: D11, B14.

Start with your normal minor pentatonic pattern. Add one new note at a time until the shape feels natural under your fingers.

Play Along
Use the F# Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Play the ringed pentatonic notes first, then sneak in one gold note per phrase.
Don't Say No · B Major · Pent+ fret area 7-12
SINGLE-STRING FIRST · 3rd (G)
STRING FOCUS: Play this lane on the 3rd (G string) only.
1) See it on piano2) Play one string3) Open the full box
Use frets 7 through 12 on this string, then open the full box.
b means flat. Example: b3 = flat 3rd, b5 = flat 5th.
Full shape also contains: b7. Play this lane first, then add the extra dots.
PIANO BRIDGE (same target notes)
C
D
E4
F
G
A
B
C#2
Eb3
F#5
Ab
Bb
Fret 7
C#
2
2nd
Finger 1
W
Fret 9
Eb
3
3rd
Finger 3
H
Fret 10
E
4
4th
Finger 4
W
Fret 12
F#
5
5th
Finger 4
B Major Pentatonic + Marc Diglio's Additions e B G D A E 7 8 9 10 11 12 b5 b5 b5 3 4 5 b7 2 3 4 5 5 b7

Step 1: play ringed pentatonic notes only. Step 2: add one gold note. Step 3: blend the blue note as passing tension and resolve.

Add These to Your Major Pentatonic

Song tuning: Eb. Song tuning is Eb (half-step down). If your guitar is in standard tuning, play every fret one lower to match the same concert pitch/key.

Major Pentatonic base with additions: 4, b7.

Marc Diglio adds 4, b7 at frets 7–12. Specifically: the 4th (4); the b7th (b7).

Blue-note map in this box: B7, A9, G11.

Start with your normal major pentatonic pattern. Add one new note at a time until the shape feels natural under your fingers.

Play Along
Use the B Major backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Play the ringed pentatonic notes first, then sneak in one gold note per phrase.
Don't Say No · B Major · Pent+ fret area 14-19
SINGLE-STRING FIRST · 2nd (B)
STRING FOCUS: Play this lane on the 2nd (B string) only.
1) See it on piano2) Play one string3) Open the full box
Use frets 14 through 19 on this string, then open the full box.
b means flat. Example: b3 = flat 3rd, b5 = flat 5th.
Full shape also contains: 5, 6, 7, R. Play this lane first, then add the extra dots.
PIANO BRIDGE (same target notes)
C
D
E4
Fb5
G
A
B
C#2
Eb
F#
Ab
Bb
Fret 15
C#
2
2nd
Finger 1
m3
Fret 18
E
4
4th
Finger 4
H
Fret 19
F
b5
flat 5th
Finger 4
B Major Pentatonic + Marc Diglio's Additions e B G D A E 14 15 16 17 18 19 b5 b5 b5 b5 6 R 2 4 b5 5 6 7

Step 1: play ringed pentatonic notes only. Step 2: add one gold note. Step 3: blend the blue note as passing tension and resolve.

Add These to Your Major Pentatonic

Song tuning: Eb. Song tuning is Eb (half-step down). If your guitar is in standard tuning, play every fret one lower to match the same concert pitch/key.

Major Pentatonic base with additions: 4, b5, 7.

Marc Diglio adds 4, b5, 7 at frets 14–19. Specifically: the 4th (4); the b5 (b5): the blue note. Never rest on it. Let it resolve to the 4th or 5th; the Maj 7th (7).

Blue-note map in this box: E14, e14, D16, B19.

Start with your normal major pentatonic pattern. Add one new note at a time until the shape feels natural under your fingers.

Play Along
Use the B Major backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Play the ringed pentatonic notes first, then sneak in one gold note per phrase.
Try This Now
1) Choose one familiar F# Minor pentatonic box and play only ringed notes for one minute.
2) Add one gold note on beat 3 of bar 2, then resolve back to a ringed note.
3) If the added note sounds lost, remove it and try again slower. The color note should sound chosen, not accidental.
Play Along
Use the F# Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.

In Short

Keep the pentatonic box fixed. Add only one gold or blue note at a time until you can hear the color before you play it. Next: Section 05 shows how to move those notes in a way that sounds like Marc instead of a scale exercise.

You know the notes and shapes. Now let's look at how Marc Diglio strings them together.

05 Phrasing & Movement

This section answers one question: how should your lines move to sound like Marc Diglio? Use the cards below as phrase rules, not stats.

Lesson Setup
Estimated Time5 min
You NeedGuitar helpful | One quiet backing track loop
OutcomeYou know how Marc Diglio moves between notes, not just which notes appear.
What You Will Learn
  • How to climb with small moves and release with a bigger jump
  • How to turn interval ideas into one 2-bar phrase right away
Skip IfYou only want fixed lick content today. Skip to Section 07.

What This Means For Your Playing

Marc Diglio mixes smooth runs with interval leaps. Practice both: scale runs for the smooth parts, then practice skipping strings and jumping intervals for the angular moments.

5 MOVEMENT IDEAS TO PRACTICE TODAY

Two-Fret Connector

Do: Move two frets to connect boxes, then land on R, b3, 5, or b7.

Avoid: Treat this as a connector, not a final destination.

Start here

Blues Drop

Do: From b7 or 5, drop a minor 3rd, then resolve to Root or b3.

Avoid: Do not chain this repeatedly without a resolution target.

Start here

Blues Jump

Do: Jump up a minor 3rd, then answer with a short descending run.

Avoid: If you leap up, do not stay hanging there. Answer the phrase.

Add next

Pedal Anchor

Do: Repeat one anchor tone while moving upper notes around it.

Avoid: Avoid robotic repetition. Change rhythm or surrounding notes.

Add next

Half-Step Color

Do: Use half-step motion as passing color into a stable landing tone.

Avoid: Do not park on the half-step note unless tension is intentional.

Color option

Try This Now (2 Bars)

Bar 1: start with Two-Fret Connector. Bar 2: answer with Blues Drop and resolve to R, b3, 5, or b7. Repeat at 60 BPM until the transition feels natural.

In Short

Use the movement cards as phrase rules: climb in small moves, answer with one jump, then resolve cleanly. Next: Section 06 shows which songs use the inside lane first and which ones add more color.

Let's see how each solo uses these ideas differently, and which one to practice first.

06 Solo Breakdown

Use these song cards as your practice order. Start with the easiest “inside” solo, then add color and tension songs.

Lesson Setup
Estimated Time3 min
You NeedNo guitar needed | Pick one song to study next
OutcomeYou can choose the right solo based on sound and difficulty, not guesswork.
What You Will Learn
  • Which solo stays closest to the core pentatonic lane
  • Which solo adds brighter color or blues tension
Skip IfYou already know which song you want to work on next.
START HERE

Can't Get Over You

Eb Major | Eb tuning
Mostly pentatonic with tasteful extensions.
Mixolydian = major with a bluesy b7.
Start here. The tightest pentatonic playing. Great for learning the core shapes.
Need the fret map first? Jump to Section 03.
Optional teacher note
Inside lane: Maj Pent (Medium).
Color lane: Mixolydian (High).
Blues option: Blues (Light).
ADD NEXT

H.H. Boogie

F# Minor | Eb tuning
Mostly pentatonic with tasteful extensions.
Dorian = minor with a brighter 6th.
A mix of inside and outside. Practice the extensions over a F# Minor backing track.
Need the fret map first? Jump to Section 03.
Optional teacher note
Inside lane: Min Pent (Medium).
Color lane: Dorian (High).
Blues option: Blues (Medium).
ADD NEXT

What Keeps Me Loving You

E Minor | Standard tuning
Mostly pentatonic with tasteful extensions.
Dorian = minor with a brighter 6th.
A mix of inside and outside. Practice the extensions over a E Minor backing track.
Need the fret map first? Jump to Section 03.
Optional teacher note
Inside lane: Min Pent (Medium).
Color lane: Dorian (High).
Blues option: Blues (Medium).
COLOR/STRETCH

Don't Say No

B Major | Eb tuning
Regularly reaches beyond the pentatonic.
Mixolydian = major with a bluesy b7.
A mix of inside and outside. Practice the extensions over a B Major backing track.
Need the fret map first? Jump to Section 03.
Optional teacher note
Inside lane: Maj Pent (Medium).
Color lane: Mixolydian (High).
Blues option: Blues (Light).
COLOR/STRETCH

Face Down In The Gutter

F# Minor | Eb tuning
Regularly reaches beyond the pentatonic.
Dorian = minor with a brighter 6th.
Most adventurous solo. Tackle this once you have the pentatonic shapes down.
Need the fret map first? Jump to Section 03.
Optional teacher note
Inside lane: Min Pent (Medium).
Color lane: Dorian (High).
Blues option: Blues (Medium).

In Short

Start with the most inside solo, then add the brighter or bluesier songs after the core lane feels natural. Next: Section 07 turns those song choices into playable phrase chunks.

Ready to play? Here are actual licks you can learn today.

07 Signature Licks + Box Connections

Real phrases extracted from the solos. Lick 1 is open by default so you can start immediately. Open the rest as needed.

Lesson Setup
Estimated Time20 min
You NeedGuitar | Metronome | Section 03 lane map | Section 04 add-note map
OutcomeYou can play complete phrases with the right timing and expression, then make your own variation.
What You Will Learn
  • How to start each lick in 30 seconds without losing your place
  • How to match articulation before speed
  • How to move one lick idea into your own 2-bar answer
  • How to connect nearby boxes without breaking phrase flow
Skip IfYou can already play all 5 licks cleanly at pass tempo in 2 keys.
START IN 30 SECONDS
1Open Lick 3 and hit Play Cue once.
2Match articulation marks first (h, p, /, \, ^, ~, T), not speed.
3After 3 clean reps, open lesson notes and add the backing track.

What You Build In This Section

You will practice bends, slides, legato in real musical context. Lock the articulation first, then increase tempo.

SIGNATURE LICKS

Before You Play

Start here first: Lick 3. It is the cleanest first win in this pack.

Core first: Lick 1, Lick 2, Lick 3. Then add: Lick 4. Color last: Lick 5. Read each tab column left to right. Hear it once, copy it exactly, then answer with your own 2-bar phrase.

Root (R)Pentatonic (b3, 4, 5, b7)Extension (2, 3, 6)Blue Note (b5)Chromatic (b2, b6, 7)
Tab symbols: h hammer-on, p pull-off, / slide up, \ slide down, ^ bend, ~ vibrato, T tap.

Lick 1: What Keeps Me Loving You

Level Hard Key E Minor Frets 4-9 Tempo 71->90 BPM Land b3 Feel Flow
E Minor | Standard tuning | Frets 4-9 | Bars 13 | Core Vocabulary | Slide, Legato | Articulation focus: Legato (hammer-ons, pull-offs), Slides
PLAY FIRST (30 SECONDS)
1) Hear once at source feel (~98 BPM).
2) Play 3 clean reps at 71 BPM.
3) Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on b3.
Play Along
Use the E Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Loop the lick three times before changing speed. The track should feel like a band, not a timer.
FULL SOLO VIEW (GUITAR PRO + PDF)

This lick is one chunk of the full solo. Open the exact chart below and hear what comes before and after it.

Lick 1What Keeps Me Loving You · Bar 13
Watch once in source feel. Listen for the ending note.
Imitate at start tempo. Match every hammer-on, pull-off, slide, and bend mark.
Apply by writing a 2-bar answer with the same contour.

Why This Lick

Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on b3 (Resolve). Feel: Flow.

TAB (Read Columns Left to Right)
e B G D A E 5 b6 32t 7 h b7 32t 5 p b6 32t 4 p 5 1/32 7 4 1/32 4 5 1/32 5 b6 1/32 7 / b7 32t
e B G D A E 8 / 7 32t 9 / R 32t 7 2 32t 8 h b3 32t
Ready
More controls
Now: -- Next: --
Open lane map (position snapshot)
POSITION SNAPSHOT (reference only; play the tab above)
Lick 1 Position: What Keeps Me Loving You e B G D A E 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 b6 b7 5 4 7 R 2 b3
Sound: Upward line with moderate string crossing.
Use: Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on b3 (Resolve).
Open lesson notes (rhythm, count, articulation, tempo)
Rhythm: Primarily very fast triplet burst.
Count: Start in 32nd-note triplets, then follow the stem lengths in order.
Articulation: legato flow: mix hammer-ons + pull-offs; slides connect positions; do not re-pick arrivals
Pick-hand rule: Pick only the attack notes. Let hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides carry the line.
Tempo: start at 71 BPM, pass at 90 BPM.

Lick 2: Face Down In The Gutter

Level Medium Key F# Minor Frets 3-10 Tempo 87->109 BPM Land 2 Feel Hybrid
F# Minor | Eb tuning (standard guitars: -1 fret) | Frets 3-10 | Bars 5 | Core Vocabulary | Legato | Articulation: Use hammer-ons
PLAY FIRST (30 SECONDS)
1) Hear once at source feel (~124 BPM).
2) Play 3 clean reps at 87 BPM.
3) Add color inside a phrase. Land on 2.
Play Along
Use the F# Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Loop the lick three times before changing speed. The track should feel like a band, not a timer.
FULL SOLO VIEW (GUITAR PRO + PDF)

This lick is one chunk of the full solo. Open the exact chart below and hear what comes before and after it.

Lick 2Face Down In The Gutter · Bar 5
Watch once in source feel. Listen for the ending note.
Imitate at start tempo. Match every hammer-on, pull-off, slide, and bend mark.
Apply by writing a 2-bar answer with the same contour.

Why This Lick

Add color inside a phrase. Land on 2 (Color). Feel: Hybrid.

TAB (Read Columns Left to Right)
e B G D A E 3 R 1/16 5 h 2 1/16 4 b5 1/16 5 h 5 1/16 7 h 6 1/16 5 R 1/16 7 h 2 1/16 6 b5 1/16
e B G D A E 7 h 5 1/16 9 h 6 1/16 8 R 1/16 10 h 2 1/16
Ready
More controls
Now: -- Next: --
Open lane map (position snapshot)
POSITION SNAPSHOT (reference only; play the tab above)
Lick 2 Position: Face Down In The Gutter e B G D A E 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 R 2 b5 5 6 R 2 b5 5 6 R 2
Sound: Hook idea: R→2→b5→5→6 repeats twice.
Use: Add color inside a phrase. Land on 2 (Color).
Open lesson notes (rhythm, count, articulation, tempo)
Rhythm: Primarily sixteenth-note run.
Count: Keep a steady flow of sixteenths.
Articulation: hammer-ons drive the ascending notes
Pick-hand rule: Pick only the attack notes. Let hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides carry the line.
Tempo: start at 87 BPM, pass at 109 BPM.
START HERE FIRST

Lick 3: H.H. Boogie

Level Easy Key F# Minor Frets 1-5 Tempo 62->79 BPM Land R Feel Angular
F# Minor | Eb tuning (standard guitars: -1 fret) | Frets 1-5 | Bars 16 | Core Vocabulary | Slide
PLAY FIRST (30 SECONDS)
1) Hear once at source feel (~96 BPM).
2) Play 3 clean reps at 62 BPM.
3) Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on R.
Play Along
Use the F# Minor backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Loop the lick three times before changing speed. The track should feel like a band, not a timer.
FULL SOLO VIEW (GUITAR PRO + PDF)

This lick is one chunk of the full solo. Open the exact chart below and hear what comes before and after it.

Lick 3H.H. Boogie · Bar 16
Watch once in source feel. Listen for the ending note.
Imitate at start tempo. Match every hammer-on, pull-off, slide, and bend mark.
Apply by writing a 2-bar answer with the same contour.

Why This Lick

Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on R (Resolve). Feel: Angular.

TAB (Read Columns Left to Right)
e B G D A E 5 4 1/8 3 b7 1/8 5 5 1/8 4 b5 1/8 3 4 1/8 1 b3 1/8 3 R d8
Ready
More controls
Now: -- Next: --
Open lane map (position snapshot)
POSITION SNAPSHOT (reference only; play the tab above)
Lick 3 Position: H.H. Boogie e B G D A E 1 2 3 4 5 6 4 b7 5 b5 4 b3 R
Sound: Downward line with moderate string crossing.
Use: Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on R (Resolve).
Open lesson notes (rhythm, count, articulation, tempo)
Rhythm: Primarily steady eighth-note flow.
Count: Start in eighths, then follow the stem lengths in order.
Articulation: Use only the articulation marks shown above.
Pick-hand rule: Pick only the attack notes. Let hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides carry the line.
Tempo: start at 62 BPM, pass at 79 BPM.

Lick 4: Can't Get Over You

Level Medium Key Eb Major Frets 12-15 Tempo 69->86 BPM Land R Feel Hybrid
Eb Major | Eb tuning (standard guitars: -1 fret) | Frets 12-15 | Bars 5 | Strong Vocabulary | Bend | Articulation focus: Vibrato
PLAY FIRST (30 SECONDS)
1) Hear once at source feel (~98 BPM).
2) Play 3 clean reps at 69 BPM.
3) Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on R.
Play Along
Use the Eb Major backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Loop the lick three times before changing speed. The track should feel like a band, not a timer.
FULL SOLO VIEW (GUITAR PRO + PDF)

This lick is one chunk of the full solo. Open the exact chart below and hear what comes before and after it.

Lick 4Can't Get Over You · Bar 5
Watch once in source feel. Listen for the ending note.
Imitate at start tempo. Match every hammer-on, pull-off, slide, and bend mark.
Apply by writing a 2-bar answer with the same contour.

Why This Lick

Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on R (Resolve). Feel: Hybrid.

TAB (Read Columns Left to Right)
e B G D A E 14~ ~ R 1/8 12 b3 8t 14 R 8t 12 b7 8t 14 5 1/16 13 b5 1/16 15^ bend 1/2 ^ b3 1/8 12~ ~ R 1440
Ready
More controls
Now: -- Next: --
Open lane map (position snapshot)
POSITION SNAPSHOT (reference only; play the tab above)
Lick 4 Position: Can't Get Over You e B G D A E 11 12 13 14 15 16 R b3 b7 5 b5 b3 R
Sound: Pedal-tone sound: hold onto R while b3, b7, 5, b5 move around it.
Use: Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on R (Resolve).
Open lesson notes (rhythm, count, articulation, tempo)
Rhythm: Starts with steady eighth-note flow, then accelerates into sixteenth-note run.
Count: Hold the first note as eighths, then switch to eighth-note triplets.
Articulation: bend to pitch, then release in time; add vibrato only on held punctuation notes
Bend theory: b3 bend (1/2): blues curl toward the next note above
Pick-hand rule: Pick the attack note, then focus on bend pitch and release timing.
Tempo: start at 69 BPM, pass at 86 BPM.

Lick 5: Don't Say No

Level Easy Key B Major Frets 12-17 Tempo 92->116 BPM Land R Feel Angular
B Major | Eb tuning (standard guitars: -1 fret) | Frets 12-17 | Bars 3 | Advanced Color | Legato | Articulation: Use hammer-ons + pull-offs
PLAY FIRST (30 SECONDS)
1) Hear once at source feel (~142 BPM).
2) Play 3 clean reps at 92 BPM.
3) Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on R.
Play Along
Use the B Major backing track so the note colors make musical sense right away.
Loop the lick three times before changing speed. The track should feel like a band, not a timer.
FULL SOLO VIEW (GUITAR PRO + PDF)

This lick is one chunk of the full solo. Open the exact chart below and hear what comes before and after it.

Lick 5Don't Say No · Bar 3
Watch once in source feel. Listen for the ending note.
Imitate at start tempo. Match every hammer-on, pull-off, slide, and bend mark.
Apply by writing a 2-bar answer with the same contour.

Why This Lick

Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on R (Resolve). Feel: Angular.

TAB (Read Columns Left to Right)
e B G D A E 14 6 1/8 12 p 5 1/8 17 h R 1/8 14 p 6 1/4 15 2 1/8 13 p R 1/4
Ready
More controls
Now: -- Next: --
Open lane map (position snapshot)
POSITION SNAPSHOT (reference only; play the tab above)
Lick 5 Position: Don't Say No e B G D A E 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 6 5 R 2 R
Sound: Pedal-tone sound: hold onto 6 while 5, R, 2 move around it.
Use: Finish a phrase and land clearly. Land on R (Resolve).
Open lesson notes (rhythm, count, articulation, tempo)
Rhythm: Primarily steady eighth-note flow.
Count: Start in eighths, then follow the stem lengths in order.
Articulation: legato flow: mix hammer-ons + pull-offs
Pick-hand rule: Pick only the attack notes. Let hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides carry the line.
Tempo: start at 92 BPM, pass at 116 BPM.

CONNECTING THE BOXES

Marc Diglio does not stay locked in one position. Here are phrases that move between positions. Important: a box label shows the full fret window (for example, Box 1 = frets 4-9), while one phrase may only use part of that window.

What Keeps Me Loving You: Box 1 (frets 4-9) → Box 2 (frets 10-15)

Bars 13
SESSION SOLOS ROUTE MAP
FROM BOXTO BOXPHRASE SPAN
Window 4-15Phrase 7-10
Box 1 (frets 4-9)
Box 2 (frets 10-15)
Phrase span 7-10
4791015
TAB (Read Columns Left to Right)
e B G D A E 7 2 1/32 9 R 1/32 7 2 32t 8 h b3 32t 10 h 4 32t 8 p b3 32t 7 p 2 32t 8 h b3 32t
e B G D A E 10 4 32t 7 5 32t 8 h b6 32t 10 h b7 32t
This specific phrase uses frets 7-10. This phrase starts in Box 1 (frets 4-9) and ends in Box 2 (frets 10-15). Practice moving between these two positions until the transition feels natural. Core Vocabulary transition.

Section 07 Recap + Assignment

Choose one lick. Play it in source feel, then in a second key. Finally write a 2-bar answer using the same contour and articulation marks.

In Short

Play first: Start with Lick 1 and lock articulation before tempo. Hear it in real music: You hear this vocabulary in What Keeps Me Loving You (E Minor), Face Down In The Gutter (F# Minor). Transfer rule: Move one lick to a second key before learning another lick.

Jargon Guide

Contour: the shape of your line as it rises and falls. Resolve: landing on a note that sounds settled (often R, b3, 5, b7). Articulation: how notes are connected or attacked (h, p, /, \, ^, ~, T).

Practice Checkpoint

Pass this section when you can play one lick cleanly at pass tempo in two keys, keep the original articulation, and record one 2-bar answer that lands cleanly on a target note.

Now put it all together with a structured practice routine.

08 Practice Patterns + DNA Summary

A structured practice routine to absorb Marc Diglio's vocabulary, plus the key findings from this analysis.

Lesson Setup
Estimated Time20 min per session
You NeedMetronome | One lick from Section 07 | Backing track in target key
OutcomeYou can take one idea from Marc and turn it into your own usable phrase.
What You Will Learn
  • How to run a 10-minute quick-start practice when time is tight
  • How to pick the right lick for the sound job you need
  • How to track start BPM and pass BPM with one clear target
  • How to convert one learned lick into your own phrase
Skip IfYou already run this routine cleanly 3 sessions in a row without losing time or form.

PRACTICE SYSTEM (LESS THEORY, MORE PLAYING)

This is your action plan. Follow it with guitar in hand and keep moving.

10-MIN QUICK START

0-4 min

Run L1 at 71 BPM until 3 clean reps.

4-7 min

Move the same contour to a second key. Keep articulation identical.

7-10 min

Finish a phrase and land clearly. End on b3.

WHEN A LICK CLICKS, OPEN THE FULL SOLO

You just learned a chunk. Now place it in the whole song so your phrasing sounds musical, not isolated. Use the bar tag on the lick card to jump to the exact spot fast.

What Keeps Me Loving You
Face Down In The Gutter
What Keeps Me Loving YouFace Down In The GutterH.H. Boogie
SESSION SCORECARD (PRINT + CHECK OFF)
3 clean reps at start tempo
Same lick moved to second key
Target note landed cleanly
2-bar answer recorded

5-MIN EMERGENCY SESSION

Only have 5 minutes? Open L1, set the trainer to 71 BPM, and loop it 10 times.
Goal: match articulation and land on b3 every time. Done is better than skipped.
5-STAR PLAY TEST (PREMIUM STANDARD)
Timing stays locked to click or backing track.
Articulation matches source marks (h, p, /, ^, ~, T).
Target note lands cleanly with no rushed ending.
Same lick works in a second key at start tempo.
You can place it inside the full solo and hear bars before/after.
Pass rule: clear all 5 boxes in two sessions before adding the next lick.

PICK YOUR NEXT LICK

Choose by sound goal. Start with clear landing lines, then add color/tension lines.

L1 · What Keeps Me Loving You (13)

Use when: Finish a phrase and land clearly | End note: b3 (Resolve)
Practice move: Slide, Legato | Start 71 BPM -> Pass 90 BPM

L2 · Face Down In The Gutter (5)

Use when: Add color inside a phrase | End note: 2 (Color)
Practice move: Legato | Start 87 BPM -> Pass 109 BPM

L3 · H.H. Boogie (16)

Use when: Finish a phrase and land clearly | End note: R (Resolve)
Practice move: Slide | Start 62 BPM -> Pass 79 BPM

L4 · Can't Get Over You (5)

Use when: Finish a phrase and land clearly | End note: R (Resolve)
Practice move: Bend | Start 69 BPM -> Pass 86 BPM

L5 · Don't Say No (3)

Use when: Finish a phrase and land clearly | End note: R (Resolve)
Practice move: Legato | Start 92 BPM -> Pass 116 BPM

DAILY 20-MIN SCRIPT

1) 5 min - Lock the lane

Play only inside one Section 03 position shape.
Land every phrase on R, b3, 5, or b7.

2) 7 min - Learn one lick

Take one Section 07 lick at start tempo.
Play 5 clean reps with exact articulation marks (hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends, vibrato).

3) 5 min - Transpose it

Move the same lick to a second key.
Keep contour and articulation identical.

4) 3 min - Make your own phrase

Use first 4 notes of the lick and write a 2-bar answer.
End on a go-to tone.

4-WEEK PLAN

Week 1

Focus: Landing control and clean timing
Assignment: Play each lick at start BPM and reach pass BPM cleanly by end of week. Target lick: L1 (71 -> 90 BPM).

Week 2

Focus: Color-tone phrasing without losing groove
Assignment: Insert one color lick every 2 bars while keeping rhythm steady. Target lick: L2 (87 -> 109 BPM).

Week 3

Focus: Tension + expressive technique
Assignment: Use b5 tension once per phrase and resolve within two notes. Target lick: L3 (62 -> 79 BPM).

Week 4

Focus: Build your own 8-bar solo
Assignment: Record two takes: one conservative, one with added color and tension. Target lick: L4 (69 -> 86 BPM).
WEEKLY PRACTICE LOG (PRINT + CHECK)
WeekFocusTarget LickStartPassSessions
Week 1Landing control and clean timingL1 (What Keeps Me Loving You)7190
Week 2Color-tone phrasing without losing grooveL2 (Face Down In The Gutter)87109
Week 3Tension + expressive techniqueL3 (H.H. Boogie)6279
Week 4Build your own 8-bar soloL4 (Can't Get Over You)6986

MARC DIGLIO QUICK DNA

Go-To Tones

Root, 5th, b7th, 4th, 6th, 2nd. Resolve here when in doubt.

Blue-Note Rule

Use b5 as passing tension, then resolve to 4 or 5.

Main Application Rule

One lick, one key, one variation: learn it, transpose it, then write your own 2-bar answer.

In Short

Quick win: run the 10-minute flow first when practice time is limited. Main goal: one clean lick moved to a second key beats five sloppy new ideas. Progress marker: start BPM and pass BPM should rise without losing articulation.

Jargon Guide

Pass tempo: the BPM where you can play cleanly with full articulation. Transpose: move the same phrase shape to a new key. Target note: the note you aim to land on to end a phrase clearly.

Practice Checkpoint

Pass this section when you complete the full 20-minute script with no dropped time block, hit one pass-tempo target, and finish with a recorded 2-bar phrase in your own words.

Last step: keep this by your amp and use it every session.

09 Print + Gig Cheat Sheet

One-page quick reference you can screenshot, print, or pin to your stand.

Lesson Setup
Estimated Time2 min
You NeedPhone stand or printout | One glance between reps
OutcomeYou have the shortest possible reminder of what to play, where to start, and which lick to grab fast.
What You Will Learn
  • Core landing tones
  • Home zone on the neck
  • Which licks solve which musical jobs
Skip IfYou already know the pack and only need the quick reference.

Core Palette

Land on: R, 5, b7, 4
Color with: 2, 6

Neck Focus

Home lane: frets 11-15
Rule: start every session in this lane before moving.

Blue Note Rule

Use b5 as a passing tone. Resolve quickly to 4 or 5.

5 Licks by Job

  • L1 (What Keeps Me Loving You) - Finish a phrase and land clearly
  • L2 (Face Down In The Gutter) - Add color inside a phrase
  • L3 (H.H. Boogie) - Finish a phrase and land clearly
  • L4 (Can't Get Over You) - Finish a phrase and land clearly
  • L5 (Don't Say No) - Finish a phrase and land clearly

15-Min Reset

5 min lane tones -> 5 min one lick slow -> 5 min own 2-bar answer.

Stand Tabs

Keep these three mini tabs visible when you do not want to scroll back into Section 07.

H.H. Boogie | Finish a phrase and land clearly | 62->79 BPM
e|------------------|
B|------------------|
G|5-----------------|
D|---3--------------|
A|------5--4--3--1--|
E|------------------|
   4  b7 5  b5 4  b3
What Keeps Me Loving You | Finish a phrase and land clearly | 71->90 BPM
e|------------------|
B|------------------|
G|5--7--5--4-----4--|
D|------------7-----|
A|------------------|
E|------------------|
   b6 b7 b6 5  4  5
      h  p  p
Face Down In The Gutter | Add color inside a phrase | 87->109 BPM
e|------------------|
B|------------------|
G|------------------|
D|---------------5--|
A|------4--5--7-----|
E|3--5--------------|
   R  2  b5 5  6  R
      h     h  h

Full Solo Access

Open the exact full chart for the songs you are studying. Keep the DNA page open, then compare the lick inside the full solo.

What Keeps Me Loving You
Face Down In The Gutter

Tuning Reminder

Eb tuning songs: standard-tuned guitars shift all frets down one.

Analysis by SessionSolos.com | Powered by Fretboard DNA
Root Pentatonic (b3 4 5 b7) Extensions (2 3 6) Blue Note (b5) Chromatic (b2 b6 7)