Guitar Lick vs Riff: What Is The Difference? (2024)
The best guitar riffs have a life of their own. They are recognizable beyond the song itself.
If you’re a guitarist or you’re learning guitar, you’ll most likely come across these two common terms: lick and riff. Understanding their differences is crucial in honing your skills.
Guitar lick vs riff: This article will cover the main distinguishing factors between a guitar lick and a guitar riff.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I started playing guitar when I was 12, and one of the first riffs I wanted to learn was Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Chile. Since then, I’ve studied and written thousands of guitar riffs and licks. I use them regularly in my job as a music producer.
Guitar playing has evolved a lot since the 60’s where it really became mainstream. Today there are many innovative artists showcasing their latest techniques. But one thing hasn’t changed! Guitar licks and riffs are still very much an important part of music.
A guitar riff is a memorable musical phrase that serves as a hook, capturing the essence of a song. It is designed to be memorable and catchy, often repeated throughout a piece.
A guitar lick is a musical idea that can be a part of a riff but is incomplete on its own. Licks are typically short patterns or phrases of music that embellish a song with more subtle melodic lines.
Now that you have a basic idea of the differences between guitar licks and riffs, let’s look deeper into their roles in music and how you can use them to enhance your playing and songwriting abilities.
Guitar Licks vs Riffs: Definitions
Guitar Lick
A guitar lick is a short series of notes that serves as a building block for a larger musical idea. It is an incomplete musical idea often used to embellish a song.
Licks can be found in various musical genres and are usually small, creative phrases of music that add flavor and interest to a song.
In guitar playing, you might encounter licks more frequently during solos or as fill-ins between chords and riffs. They are like a collection of notes that, when combined, create interesting musical patterns. The main difference between a lick and a riff lies in their purpose within a song.
Guitar Riff
A guitar riff is a repeating pattern of notes or chords that forms the foundation of a song. It is a clearly defined set of melodic and rhythmic elements that create a specific atmosphere, giving a song its recognizable identity.
Riffs are typically quite memorable and can serve as the main theme of a song, creating a strong hook that listeners can easily remember.
They are designed to be more prominent than licks, often driving the rhythm and harmony of a song. Mastering various riffs can expand your repertoire and enhance your musicianship as a guitarist.
Famous Riffs and Licks
Let’s check out some of the most famous guitar riffs and licks. These powerful melodies and embellishments have left an indelible mark on music history and continue to inspire both seasoned and aspiring guitarists.
Iconic Guitar Riffs
Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” features one of the all-time greatest guitar riffs with its heavy, blues-driven groove. This enduring classic remains an essential lesson for any rock guitarist.
Another iconic riff comes from The Rolling Stones in their song “Satisfaction,” showcasing Keith Richards’ mastery of combining simple, catchy riffs with a timeless sound.
No discussion of great riffs is complete without mentioning the legendary Jimi Hendrix. His “Purple Haze” incorporates an unforgettable riff that encapsulates Hendrix-style psychedelic rock.
The hard rock anthem “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple has arguably one of the most recognizable riffs in history, a must-know for any guitarist.
Classic Guitar Licks
When talking about classic guitar licks, Eric Clapton stands out with his signature licks in “Wonderful Tonight.” Clapton’s expressive use of bends and slides gives his playing a bluesy and emotional feel.
Stevie Ray Vaughan is another influential blues guitarist with a treasure trove of iconic licks. In songs like “Pride and Joy,” Vaughan demonstrated his unique style of blues licks combined with an aggressive attack on the strings.
Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler has a distinctive fingerpicking style, showcased in songs like “Sultans of Swing.” His melodic licks and dynamic rhythm playing create an unforgettable sound, making him a highly influential guitarist among his peers.
You can see that these famous guitar riffs and licks have shaped the sound of rock and blues music across generations. Learning these iconic pieces will enhance your repertoire and provide invaluable insights into the styles of some of the greatest guitarists ever.
If you’re a left-handed guitarist and you’re learning riffs from right-handed guitar players, follow their playing technique but in a mirror image.
Creating Your Own Licks and Riffs
Developing Licks
Creating your own licks is a great way to add originality to your playing.
Start by choosing a chord progression or backing track you enjoy playing over. Experiment with the notes from the scale corresponding to the song’s key.
For example, if you’re playing in E minor, use the E minor pentatonic scale, which contains the notes A, B, G, E, and D.
Play around with different note combinations and phrasing until you develop a small melodic idea you like. Remember that licks are short musical ideas, so focus on creating something that can be used to enhance a guitar solo or fill the space between riffs.
Once you have your lick, practice it regularly and make small changes to the phrasing and rhythm to develop your style.
Building Riffs
Creating new riffs is an essential skill for guitarists who want to write their own songs or add their own flair to existing songs.
To build your guitar riffs, focus on constructing a chord progression or picking a pattern with a strong, memorable rhythm and melody.
Once you have a solid riff, the drummer and bass player will be able to learn the rhytmic pattern and support it in their parts. It’s important to have a solid sense and control over rhytm in your playing and I recommend pratciting regularly with a metronome. This is comparable to how drummers often practice their rhytm and control on drum parctice pads.
One good idea is to experiment with different chord shapes and voicings. Try playing a few chords you know well, then add notes or change the fingering to create a unique sound. Once you have a basic progression or picking pattern, experiment with the rhythm and timing of your riff.
Keep in mind that the best riffs are often simple yet catchy. Don’t be afraid to repeat certain elements or vary them slightly to keep them interesting. As you become more comfortable building new riffs, try incorporating your own licks into your creations to further develop your personal style.
By following these tips and developing your own licks and riffs, you’ll soon be able to expand your musical vocabulary and stand out as a unique guitarist.
Using Licks and Riffs in Songs
Incorporating Licks into Lead Guitar
As a lead guitarist, incorporating licks into your playing can add flavor and interest to your performances. You can practice incorporating licks into your lead playing by learning some popular licks in different genres, such as blues or rock music.
Once you’re comfortable playing these licks, try adding them to your solos over chord changes, as doing so can bring depth and emotion to your playing.
Learning licks from various genres can help you develop your unique style, allowing you to create your own original licks that can be incorporated into different songs or compositions.
Applying Riffs as Main Themes
Riffs are repeated musical phrases that give the listener a strong sense of the song’s main theme. They often form the foundation of a popular song, creating a distinctive and easily recognizable identity for the track. As a rule, riffs are more complex than licks. A main riff is a recognizable melodic and rhythmic pattern essential to a song.
To use riffs effectively, focus on their role as central themes for your songs. They can be employed as the foundation for a rhythm guitar part or as a hook that grabs the listener’s attention. You may also use riffs to structure your chord progressions, creating a cohesive and memorable song.
Whether you’re writing a new rock anthem or a catchy pop tune, aim to create an instantly recognizable riff that stands the test of time across various interpretations and performances.
Popular Techniques and Scales
Minor Pentatonic Scale
The Minor Pentatonic Scale is popular for creating guitar licks and riffs. This five-note scale is often used in blues, rock, and other genres.
To start, find out what key your piece of music is in. For example, if you’re in the key of E minor, your scale would include the notes A, B, G, E, and D. Experiment with these notes on your fretboard to find a register you like.
This scale works great with minor chords and can be a foundation for building licks and riffs.
Melodic Ideas and Patterns
A key difference between licks and riffs relates to their melodic ideas. A guitar riff is a collection of notes or chords that form the structure of a verse or chorus in a song, functioning as the main idea.
Conversely, a guitar lick is a complementary phrase employed as an embellishment, part of a solo, or a response to a riff within a song. You can practice developing your own melodic ideas and patterns by listening to your favorite songs and understanding their structure.
Licks are often composed of short melodic lines or phrases, while riffs are more prominent and may repeat as the central theme throughout the music. Experimenting with melodic ideas and patterns will help you create an engaging and balanced sound when composing your solos, verses, and choruses.
While both licks and riffs contribute to the overall feel of a piece, they do so in distinct ways: riffs function as the primary melodic idea, while licks offer complementary accents or embellishments.
To practice these concepts, listen to your favorite songs and take note of their structures, melodic patterns, and how the elements of licks and riffs are incorporated.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Mastering Difficult Riffs
Mastering the hardest guitar riffs can be a significant challenge for many guitarists, even those with experience. One of the most common issues you might face is accurately playing short or eighth notes, especially in the open position. Here are some tips to overcome this challenge and make progress:
Break It Down
When you encounter a difficult riff for the first time, there’s a good chance it might feel overwhelming. To overcome this, break the riff down into smaller, manageable sections and practice them individually before attempting the whole thing.
Go Slow
Start by practicing the riff slowly, focusing on accuracy rather than speed. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the notes and fingerings.
Use a Metronome
A metronome can help you maintain a consistent tempo while practicing, ensuring you don’t speed up or slow down unintentionally.
Improvising with Licks
Improvising with licks can be challenging, as it requires quickly coming up with a new idea and integrating it seamlessly into your playing. Here are some strategies to help you improve your improvisation skills with licks:
Learn Similar Licks
By studying and practicing licks with a common theme or characteristic, you will better understand how they work within your solos. This will allow you to generate new ideas more easily and incorporate them into your playing differently.
Start Small
When first trying to improvise with licks, focus on just a few notes and gradually expand your phrases as you become more comfortable. This will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and allow you to develop your improvisational skills at a manageable pace.
Listen And Analyze
Listen to guitar solos from your favorite players and pay attention to their use of licks. Analyze how they integrate these licks into their solos and try to replicate their approach in your own playing.
Applying these tips and strategies will help you overcome some of the most common challenges when mastering difficult riffs and improvising with licks. Keep practicing, and your skills will continue to improve over time.
Understanding Music Genres and Styles
Influence of Guitar Legends
In guitar playing, you’ll find legends who’ve made their mark across various popular music genres. These artists, like Jimi Hendrix with his iconic sound or John Coltrane’s impact on jazz, have shaped and influenced the styles and techniques still used today.
By studying the playing styles of these legends, you can gain insight into how they utilized guitar licks and riffs to create their unique sounds.
Genre-Specific Licks and Riffs
Different music genres often employ specific guitar licks and riffs to establish their unique sound. This means that when you hear these musical elements, you can typically identify which genre the music belongs to.
For example, you may recognize the signature heavy guitar riffs in rock songs like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” or “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Different rhythms, keys, and combinations of single notes and chords contribute to these distinctions.
- Rock: Often featuring powerful electric guitar sounds and heavy guitar riffs, which make up the main melody. Some great examples of rock riffs include “Smoke on the Water” and “Whole Lotta Love.”
- Blues: Licks and riffs frequently include a variety of bends, slides, and hammer-ons, with songs often structured around a 12-bar blues progression. “Red House” and “Pride and Joy” are excellent examples of blues licks and riffs.
As you explore various musical genres, pay attention to the elements that make up the style, such as individual notes, rhythm patterns, and the combination of licks and riffs. You can also visit guitar stores and listen to different electric guitar sounds to see how these instruments adapt to different musical contexts.
You should practice regularly and experiment with new riffs and licks to help refine your playing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a guitar lick and a guitar riff?
A guitar lick is a short series of notes that serves as a building block for a larger musical idea. It is often used to embellish a song and is incomplete.
A guitar riff is a repeating pattern of notes or chords that forms the foundation of a song. It is a clearly defined set of melodic and rhythmic elements that create a specific atmosphere, giving a song its recognizable identity.
How can I create my own guitar licks and riffs?
To create your own licks, choose a chord progression or backing track you enjoy playing over. Experiment with the notes from the scale corresponding to the song’s key.
Play around with different note combinations and phrasing until you develop a small melodic idea you like. For riffs, focus on constructing a chord progression or picking a pattern with a strong, memorable rhythm and melody.
Experiment with different chord shapes and voicings, and play with the rhythm and timing of your riff.
What are some examples of famous guitar licks and riffs?
Some of the most famous guitar riffs include Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” and Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water.”
For classic guitar licks, examples include Eric Clapton’s signature licks in “Wonderful Tonight,” Stevie Ray Vaughan’s blues licks in “Pride and Joy,” and Mark Knopfler’s fingerpicking style in “Sultans of Swing.”
How can I incorporate guitar licks and riffs into my own music?
As a lead guitarist, you can incorporate licks into your playing to add flavor and interest to your performances. They can be created using blue notes, the so-called “colorful” intervals between major and minor scales.
Riffs, on the other hand, are repeated musical phrases that give the listener a strong sense of the song’s main theme. They often form the foundation of a popular song, creating a distinctive and easily recognizable identity for the track.
What are some common challenges when learning guitar licks and riffs, and how can I overcome them?
Mastering difficult riffs and improvising with licks can be challenging. Break the riff down into smaller, manageable sections for difficult riffs and practice them individually.
Start by practicing the riff slowly, focusing on accuracy rather than speed. Use a metronome to maintain a consistent tempo.
For improvising with licks, study and practice licks with a common theme or characteristic, start small and gradually expand your phrases, and listen to guitar solos from your favorite players and analyze their use of licks.
How do guitar licks and riffs vary across different music genres and styles?
Different music genres often employ specific guitar licks and riffs to establish their unique sound.
For example, rock often features powerful electric guitar sounds and heavy guitar riffs, which make up the main melody. Blues licks and riffs frequently include a variety of bends, slides, and hammer-ons, with songs often structured around a 12-bar blues progression.
By exploring various musical genres, you can understand the elements that make up the style, such as individual notes, rhythm patterns, and the combination of licks and riffs.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between guitar licks and riffs is fundamental to becoming proficient. While distinct in their roles, these musical elements contribute significantly to a song’s overall structure and feel.
You can enhance your playing and songwriting abilities by studying famous examples, experimenting with your creations, and incorporating these elements into your music.
The world is full of great guitar players. But not everyone can write their own guitar riffs and licks that catch your attention. It’s a craft you can work on, and in my opinion it’s one of the most important skills in your toolbox as a guitar player.
