Guitar Licks: Learn how to use these patterns/phrases in solos, melodic lines and accompaniment.
Being able to play a number of licks & riffs gives the impression that you are a pro. However, you need to play those with confidence.
That is why most beginners & intermediate players are always on the lookout for these patterns, so that they can show-off or perform on-stage.
Difference Between Licks & Riffs
In most popular music genres, a lick is basically a pattern or phrase, consisting of a short series of notes, which is used in solos, melodic lines and even while accompanying.
Is it same as a Riff?
Though the intention might be the same, there is a small difference.
However, both have been used by musicians to form the basis of entire songs.
Single-line riffs or licks are also known as Ostinatos.
Why Use Them?
Guitarists use these as they can make the song stand out, and most of the popular ones have become popular because they catch the ear of the listener.
Remember the Lick used in the hugely popular sitcom “Friends”?
It stays forever etched in the minds of the listener.
Most good guitarists may not give out the secret immediately, just prod them a little, and they will let you know the secret. The fact is that these guys have a huge set of guitar licks up their sleeves.
And though you might feel they are excellent at improvisations, the fact is that only about 25 to 30 percent are improvisations and the rest are licks that they have learnt before. But then as an audience, you don’t care. However, as a performer that’s the only way to ensure you have lots to show.
How to Use Them?
A good way to start with is to use a backing track, a looper pedal or even a buddy who could jam with you, and try to mix in licks that you already know.
In case you want to learn a new lick, the only way is to imitate how it is done; that’s what most guitar players do.
Once you get a hang of it, try to use it in other situations or songs. This is the creative, and also the fun part.
You can always play around with the dynamics, phrasing, and other things, to come up with your own cool stuff.
Most musicians blend variants of simple, stock ideas while playing the solo (or an improvised solo).
You may use it during an accompanied solo chorus or during an unaccompanied solo break.
Blues Guitar
It’s important to know several blues licks for guitar if you want to start learning guitar soloing.
After all, they are the essence of any guitar solo.
Here are a few steps that you could follow to build a list:
So start learning as many of them at the earliest.
Here are few blues licks for guitar that you can start using right away:
Minor Pentatonic Scale
These are in the key of A (minor pentatonic scale) and can be played over an A blues chord progression or a static A7 chord.
Here are a few more sample guitar licks for your practice:
To Conclude
This is beyond beginner stuff; however you can give it a try if you have learnt the basics and your fingers are well developed to play fast phrases. As you can see, having a repertoire of Guitar Licks & Riffs at your disposal will really help your guitar playing stand out.
External Links
Best Blues Licks
Best Blues licks on justinguitar.com
Best Country Licks
Best Country licks on guitarworld.com
Best Rock Licks
Best Rock guitar licks on musicradar.com
Best Jazz Licks
Best Jazz guitar licks on mattwarnockguitar.com
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