Slash hoping to record seven songs this week

The legendary guitarist Slash is working full steam ahead in a Los Angeles studio until Christmas, laying down tracks for his second solo album, hoping to double the amount of songs he has already completed.

He tweeted yesterday: "Back in the studio tomorrow to do song #7. This is our last week before Xmas/NY, then resume recording on the 2nd (sic).

A few hours later he added: "1 song down, getting drums set up for song #2 for the day. Is it possible to get 7 more done before Xmas? Who knows. Iii|; ) (sic)'

Slash also joked about the use of the cowbell drum – a fixture associated with disco and 70s rock - on the record, adding: "The 70's called & asked for their cowbell back. We said 'screw u, we're keeping it.'"

The former Guns N' Roses musician has been blasting out the tracks while recording with his band - which includes singer Myles Kennedy, rhythm guitarist Bobby Schneck, bassist Todd Kerns and drummer Brent Fitz – and they have had the studio dog, Elsie, running scared.

Slash added: "Elsie is one serious R & R mfn' dog. She is going to get a rude awakening I fear. She got trapped in the bass iso for the duration of a song. She is permanently shell shocked. Probably won't see her tomorrow."

Tracks which may appear on the album include 'Halo', 'Standing in the Sun' and 'Bad Rain'.