Learning a new instrument is always a delight and a challenge, but the guitar world, in particular, can be a challenge to break into. There are many unique names for parts of the music, and you may not know (yet) what the difference is between a guitar lick and a riff. No worries. I will walk you through these two unusual and often confusing terms. Moreover, I will explain how and when each one applies so you can use them correctly. Even if you’re not a pro, you can sound like you know what you’re doing by learning simple distinctions in terminology. Plus, you’ll understand what other musicians are talking about as well. There are plenty of famous licks and riffs, and having the right ones can make a song memorable and inspiring. Using the right notes and the proper names for them will help you create beautiful music no matter what genre you want to play.
What is the difference between a guitar lick and a riff? The difference between guitar licks and riffs is where and how they are used in a song. A solo that has unique notes is typically called a lick. Meanwhile, a key portion of the overall song is a riff. Riffs are more likely to be the part you recognize instantly and hum on repeat all day.
Why is it Called a Guitar Lick?
There’s a rich history in the guitar lick. The difference between a lick and a riff is all about the music, but where does the name come from? It’s a good question and one without an exact answer.
Guitar Forums offered this well-researched answer, “The use of “lick” to mean “a short solo or fill” is first attributed to use in reference to jazz, at least as early as 1932, but probably dating back to the 1920s. There are two definitions of ‘lick’ (as a noun) that I think probably could have originated this:
1.) A small amount, e.g., an amount to be obtained by licking. (So a guitar lick in the sense we use it is just a small amount of lead work.’)
2.) A hasty wash or tidying up, colloquially also used to mean any casual work. (So a guitar lick is just a sort of casual piece of lead playing.)”
The term has been popular for so long the specific root has been lost in time. In all likelihood, the idea that it came about in the 1920s is correct. Mainly since it’s not well recorded, this leads to the natural conclusion that it comes from a less documented source.
Early jazz guitar players were largely African American, and that particular group of marginalized people didn’t always have access to writing. Hence, it’s a sensible conclusion. Sadly, we may never be able to attribute the term to its creator.
Indeed, by the 1980s, the term was in widespread use. Still, a ‘lick’ has been called that name for almost a hundred years, if not longer.
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What is an Example of a Riff
A guitar riff and a lick are different parts of the song. While the lick is the piece that often gets the spotlight, it is the riff that becomes an earworm. Riffs are the backbone of the music.
A short rhythmic musical phrase that is repeated is a riff. Your Dictionary says this happens while a soloist is playing or during changes in harmonies and chords. However, a riff can also be the beginning or end of a song.
Typically the riff will both begin and end the song. However, it is also repeated throughout. This is like the chorus line of vocal composition. There may be minor variations or not, but it is identifiably what makes a song memorable.
Refrains may also go by the names ostinato or refrain. As you learn more terminology, history, and music theory, you’ll quickly discover that popularity aside, there’s more than one way to say something musically. Classically trained musicians frequently use different terms than self-taught artists who grew up on their era’s slang.
Hook Vs. Riff
A good riff should introduce the song and carry it throughout. Hopefully, it will be a memorable earworm that you can’t help but recognize. Musicians dream of having strangers hum their riffs as they walk down the street.
By comparison, a hook is any part of the song that grabs a listener’s attention. In short, a hook can be a riff, but not all riffs are hooks. Alternately, a lick can also be a hook. This term is more all-encompassing.
The backdrops, guitar repetitions are so easy to identify that you instantly know the song when you hear it. That is both a hook and a riff. Yet a great lick, a solo, or even some other part of the song can be a hook. The term hook is used to indicate that this part of the music gets its ‘hook’ in you like a fish.
What is the Most Famous Guitar Riff
Arguably the most famous guitar riff of all time is Deep Purples’ Smoke On The Water; when Ritchie Blackmore plays this deep-toned opening, every ear perks up. Even guitarists who can’t name the song or have never heard the whole song recognize this riff. However, other songs are also on this level.
When people yell for “Freebird” at concerts, it is because of the song’s memorable riff. Likewise, Lead Zeppelins’ Whole Lotta Love is instantly recognized for its riff by most everyone who hears it. You don’t need to be a fan of rock music to know such ubiquitous songs by the catchy tune.
Other examples include songs like We Will Rock You, Seven Nation Army, Sweet Child ‘O Mine, Crazy Train, and Freefallin. You have almost certainly heard these songs without even realizing it at some point.
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Best Guitar Licks
Knowing the difference between guitar licks and riffs is a start, but learning some of the most iconic licks is always good practice. You may prefer a particular style, but it’s smart to know a little bit of everything so you can incorporate that knowledge into your music. Developing as an artist means being open to lots of influences.
Country music is known for double-stop licks. These simultaneous-sounding note pairs are part of what gives the genre its distinct sound. Furthermore, a country-style lick is great for both electric and acoustic guitars, so it’s a great place to start. Try Jerry Reeds’ The Claw to pick up a superb country lick.
Jazz licks tend to be heavy in single-note lines and rely on arpeggios. The short II-V progression came from Jazz and bebop of the 1930s and 1940s, but it is still used today. For a more bluesy feel, you want the major and minor pentatonic scales in your sound.
You can get a feel for this style of lick with B.B. King or Charlie Parker tunes. You’ll soon learn to recognize the difference between that riff-backbone and the licks that you solo to ‘show off’ your chops.
As always, what is ‘best’ is a matter of taste. However, the lick in Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb is a real piece of art. Similarly, you may want to get familiar with Dreamtheater and Buckethead since both have truly astounding styles with legitimately epic riffs and stellar licks.
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Final Thoughts
Difference between a ‘lick’ and a ‘riff’ – YouTube
Learning guitar licks and riffs is part of why many aspiring musicians pick up their first guitar. Whether you want to play Dreamtheaters Dark Eternal Night, one of the most epic and riff-heavy songs ever written, or you plan to play your own unique lick; now you know the difference. From catchy tunes to mind-blowing solos, it’s all about the notes.
Remember that a riff is an integral part of the song. It can happen at the beginning and see variations throughout. Meanwhile, your lick is the more divergent sound that a guitarist plays on their own, often as a solo. It would be best if you had both for most songs to work.
A song with no lick can get repetitive, especially when there’s no variation in the middle. However, the most memorable riffs are the ones that put songs on the top ten and have people instantly identifying the tune after three or five notes.