A solid guitar lick doesn’t just fill the space; creates the punch. It gives the soloist individuality. Whether you care about country or bluesy sadness, a well-placed riff can make a splash. These short, memorable sound arrangements are the foundation of rock, blues and more. Expand the player’s vocabulary. Unique combinations are possible.
If you’re already familiar with fingerboards, you might be looking for something new. In this four-part series, we dive into the basic techniques. It starts with a chromatic notes. It ends with a Charlie Parker style jazz riff. Practice Rush and Beatles numbers. It is very practical. It is immediate.
Click to start your first technique.
Lick #1: Play chromatic notess and doric modes on the guitar
The first exercise focuses on chromatic licks in A minor. It uses the Dorian mode. The Doric mode is a subset of the grand scale. The major scale falls within the chromatic notes. The chromatic notes contains all 12 notes of the Western musical system. This is the basics.
“The chromatic notes is the mother of all scales.”
Once you’ve learned the A, D, and G licks, it’s time to put them to the test. Let’s apply this technique to Rush’s “The Spirit of Radio.” Suits the complexity of the track. When you’re ready to switch gears, turn to the blues.
Lick # 2: Playing Blues and Beatles on guitar
This excerpt teaches a standard blues lick in E. The instructor will teach you the second string. Learn how to hammer-ons. Play the dominant seventh chord and minor. These are staples of this genre.
Once you’ve learned the blues phrases, check out The Beatles’ “Revolution.” Learn to a riff from the track. Also check out the history of this piece. It spans the gap between raw blues and sophisticated pop rock. Once you’ve mastered both styles, you’re ready to take on something more active.
Lick #3: Funky guitar riff
Most solos follow a predictable path. This lick breaks up the monotony. Designed for fusion and funk. Uses rhythmic displacement and chromatic notes. The result is contrast. It is noticeable.
This video shows how to play this in D minor, A minor and E minor chords. You will use finger pivoting. You will slide. You will bend. These techniques add texture. Try Rush’s Limelight. Accuracy is required. When you have it down, check the last page for any jazz influences.
Lick #4: All That Jazz (and Playing It)
No collection of techniques would be complete without jazz. This riff follows Charlie Parker’s style. He is a legendary American saxophonist. His improvised solos set the standard.
In this section you will practice sliding, hammer-ons, and pull-offs. We also analyze the Beatles’ “Day Tripper”. You can see the chord combinations behind that famous track. Then play them.
With these four licks will improve your improvisational skills. You can also compose your own riffs. It’s up to you whether you want to expand your vocabulary or not.
Lots More Information
If you need more basic information, there are several resources that can help.
- How to play 12 bar blues
- How to play basic chords in 6 easy steps
- Learn guitar chord progressions in 4 easy steps
- How the Chordal Fills works
- How to play Guitar Lick in 3 easy steps
-Will Guitar Hero really make me a better guitarist? - How an electric guitar works
- How an acoustic guitar works
- What is the difference between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar?
- How a rock band works
- How Band Equipment work
- How MIDI works
