A guitar lick is a short, memorable phrase of notes, often used in solos, improvisations, or as part of a song.
It’s like a catchy sentence in the language of music—expressive, fun, and versatile. Unlike riffs, licks are usually not repeated in a song but serve as a building block for creative expression.
What Makes a Guitar Lick?
A guitar lick typically has these features:
Musical Flow: It’s a cohesive string of notes that fit well together.
Expression: Techniques like bends, slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs add personality.
Flexibility: Licks can stand alone or blend seamlessly into solos.
Style-Specific: Blues, rock, metal, and jazz licks each have their unique flair.
A lick is like a mini-story—it’s complete on its own but often becomes part of a larger narrative, such as a solo or jam session.
How Long is a Guitar Lick?
Licks are usually short, spanning a couple of measures or even just a few beats. They’re compact and designed to deliver maximum impact in minimal time, making them ideal for quick improvisations or flashy moments in solos.
What is the Most Famous Guitar Lick?
There are countless iconic guitar licks, but one of the most recognizable is the opening of “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple. While technically a riff, its opening notes are often referred to as a “lick” due to their iconic and standalone nature. Other famous licks include:
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (intro melody).
Jimi Hendrix’s bends in “Purple Haze.”
Eric Clapton’s blues licks in “Crossroads.”
What is the Difference Between a Riff and a Lick?
A riff is a repeated pattern that forms the backbone of a song, often defining its rhythm or theme (e.g., the main riff in “Smoke on the Water”).
A lick is a short, non-repeating phrase that adds flair or emotion, typically found in solos or improvisations.
Think of a riff as the foundation of a house, while a lick is the decorative trim that makes it unique.
Summary
A guitar lick is a short, expressive phrase of notes, perfect for solos and improvisations.
Unlike riffs, licks aren’t repeated but instead add personality and flair to your playing.
Whether it’s a bluesy bend or a flashy shred, a great lick packs a punch in just a few notes.