How to Create a Guitar Lick

Creating a guitar lick that stands out isn’t just about technical skill or speed; it’s about finding that unique spark that makes your playing memorable. Crafting a signature lick can be a transformative process, giving your music that extra edge. Let’s break down the process of creating a killer guitar lick that resonates with your style and amplifies your musical voice.

Finding Your Musical Voice

Every guitarist has a unique musical voice, whether they realize it or not. It’s the sum of influences, preferences, and the particular quirks of your playing style. To create a guitar lick that truly represents you, start by identifying what makes your playing distinctive. Are you drawn to fast, intricate runs, or do you prefer slow, expressive bends?

Consider your influences. Are you inspired by the technical prowess of players like Jason Richardson or the rhythmic precision of Dan Sugarman? Examine what you love about their playing and think about how you can incorporate those elements into your licks.

Next, take a moment to record yourself improvising. Don’t overthink it; just play and let your instincts guide you. Play it back and listen for patterns or phrases that stand out. These are the seeds of your unique musical voice. Once you’ve identified these elements, you can begin weaving them into your licks with intentionality.

The Building Blocks of a Great Lick

At its core, a guitar lick is a short musical phrase that’s designed to be memorable and impactful. Think of it as a musical hook that grabs the listener’s attention. Here are some core elements to consider when crafting your lick:

• Melody: The melody is the soul of your lick. It should be catchy and resonate emotionally. Experiment with different scales and modes to find the melody that speaks to you.
• Rhythm: Rhythm can make or break a lick. A simple melodic idea can be transformed into something extraordinary with the right rhythmic twist. Don’t be afraid to play with syncopation or odd time signatures.
• Technique: Whether it’s alternate picking, tapping, or sweep picking, the techniques you use can add flair and complexity to your lick. Choose techniques that highlight your strengths.
• Dynamics: Dynamics add emotion and depth. Consider how varying your attack or incorporating techniques like palm muting can shape your lick’s character.

Once you have these elements in mind, start experimenting. It’s often in the intersection of melody, rhythm, and technique that the most compelling licks are born.

Crafting Licks for Specific Genres

Different metal subgenres often have distinct characteristics, and crafting a lick that fits a specific style can help you tap into a particular musical vibe. Let’s look at how you might approach creating licks for a few different metal genres:

Thrash Metal

Thrash metal licks are often fast and aggressive. They rely heavily on techniques like alternate picking and palm muting to create a tight, percussive sound. Think about incorporating rapid-fire triplets or galloping rhythms to capture that high-energy feel.

Black Metal

Black metal licks often focus on atmosphere and emotion. Tremolo picking is a staple here, creating a wall of sound that can be both haunting and intense. Consider using dissonant intervals and minor scales to evoke the genre’s dark, eerie vibe.

Djent

Djent licks are all about rhythm and precision. Syncopated riffs and complex time signatures are key. Experiment with polyrhythms and palm-muted chugs to create that signature percussive sound.

As you experiment with these elements, remember that Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around. Our instructors can help you refine your techniques and develop your own style within these genres.

Experimenting with Different Scales and Modes

Scales and modes are the foundation of melodies and can dramatically alter the feel of your licks. While the minor pentatonic scale is a go-to for many guitarists, exploring other scales can open up new creative possibilities:

• Dorian Mode: This mode is great for adding a jazzy or bluesy feel to your licks.
• Phrygian Dominant: Often used in metal, this scale adds an exotic, Middle Eastern vibe.
• Harmonic Minor: Known for its dramatic sound, it’s perfect for creating tension.

Don’t just stick to what’s comfortable. Challenge yourself to learn new scales and modes. This can lead to unexpected discoveries, transforming a simple idea into something unique. At Riffhard, you’ll find tutorials that delve into the nuances of various scales, helping you broaden your musical vocabulary.

The Power of Repetition and Variation

Repetition is a powerful tool in music. It helps to establish a motif and makes your lick memorable. But too much repetition can become monotonous, so it’s important to balance it with variation.

Start with a simple, catchy phrase and play it a few times to establish the idea. Then, introduce subtle variations. You could change the rhythm, alter a few notes, or even switch up the dynamics. This keeps the listener engaged and adds depth to your playing.

Think about some of your favorite solos or riffs. Chances are, they use repetition and variation effectively. Apply this concept to your licks by experimenting with slight modifications that keep the core idea intact but fresh.

Using Technology to Your Advantage

In this modern age, technology can be a guitarist’s best friend. Tools like loop pedals and recording software allow you to experiment with ideas and hear them played back instantly. This can be invaluable for refining your licks.

Record yourself playing a lick, listen back, and analyze what works and what doesn’t. Consider using a loop pedal to layer different licks and harmonies. This not only helps in building complex ideas but also trains your ear in recognizing what complements your playing style.

Additionally, online resources like Riffhard offer interactive lessons that can provide new perspectives and techniques, making your practice sessions more effective and enjoyable.

Collaborating and Learning from Others

Music is a collaborative art form, and learning from others can be incredibly enriching. Whether jamming with friends or taking lessons from seasoned professionals, collaboration opens up new pathways for creativity.

Playing with others can expose you to different styles, techniques, and ideas that you might not have considered. It’s also a great way to get feedback on your licks and refine them further.

Consider joining online communities or forums where you can share your licks and get constructive criticism. Platforms like Riffhard provide opportunities to learn from top-tier instructors and fellow guitarists, offering a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Incorporating Emotion and Storytelling

A great guitar lick can tell a story or evoke a specific emotion. Think about the mood you want to convey. Is it aggressive and intense, or melodic and melancholic?

Use techniques like bends, slides, and vibrato to add expressiveness to your playing. These elements can make your licks more dynamic and emotionally resonant.

Remember, the best licks often have a narrative quality. They take the listener on a journey, building tension and then resolving it in a satisfying way. Keep this in mind as you compose and refine your licks.

Practicing with Purpose

Practice is crucial, but practicing with intention can make all the difference. Focus on specific aspects of your lick that you want to improve, whether it’s accuracy, speed, or expressiveness.

Set aside time to work on your licks daily. Break them down into smaller parts and practice each section slowly, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable.

At Riffhard, we offer structured lesson plans and practice routines designed to help you develop your skills and create memorable guitar licks.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a guitar lick that resonates takes patience, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. By exploring different techniques and styles, you can develop licks that showcase your unique voice as a guitarist. Remember, Riffhard is here to support your journey with lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, helping you refine your skills and unleash your full potential.