How to Write Guitar Licks

Writing guitar licks is like crafting a mini-story with your instrument. Each note is a word, every bend a sentence, and the lick itself is the tale you want to tell. The challenge lies in making it memorable, expressive, and uniquely yours. Whether you’re into metal, rock, or jazz, the art of creating compelling licks is a skill worth mastering.

Understanding the Basics of a Great Guitar Lick

Before we dive into crafting your own licks, let’s consider what makes a guitar lick great. A successful lick is often memorable, expressive, and fits well within the context of a song. Think of it as a catchy phrase that enhances the overall piece. It should leave a lasting impression without overshadowing the song’s essence.

Consider some classics: the opening riff in “Smoke on the Water” or the iconic intro to “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” These licks stick with us because they’re simple yet powerful, seamlessly blending with the music. When creating your own, aim for a balance between technical prowess and musicality.

• Memorability: The lick should be catchy enough to stick in the listener’s mind.
• Emotion: It should convey a feeling or mood, whether it’s aggression, joy, or melancholy.
• Context: Ensure it complements the song and doesn’t feel out of place.

Finding Your Influences

Inspiration fuels creativity, and when it comes to writing guitar licks, your influences play a big role. Identifying what resonates with you helps shape your unique style. Are you drawn to the intricate solos of John Petrucci, the raw energy of Kirk Hammett, or the melodic lines of Eric Clapton? Each guitarist brings something different to the table, and understanding what you love about their style can kickstart your creative process.

Spend time listening to your favorite guitarists, and try to pinpoint what makes their licks stand out. Is it the phrasing, the technicality, or maybe the tonal choices? Analyze their work, and don’t be afraid to borrow elements you like. This isn’t about copying—it’s about learning and adapting those elements into your own style.

Interestingly enough, some of the best licks come from outside your primary genre. If you’re a metalhead, why not explore some blues or jazz? Different genres introduce new scales, rhythms, and techniques that can add depth to your playing.

Choosing the Right Scale

Scales are the building blocks of any guitar lick. Choosing the right one is crucial to crafting a lick that sounds good and fits the music. While there are countless scales to choose from, here are a few staples that often end up in many guitarists’ toolkits:

• Pentatonic Scale: A favorite among rock and blues players for its simplicity and rich sound.
• Minor Scale: Essential for creating darker, more emotional licks, especially in metal and rock.
• Major Scale: The go-to for happier, more upbeat licks.
• Dorian Mode: Perfect for adding a jazzy, sophisticated touch.

Once you’ve chosen a scale, practice it extensively. Get comfortable with its notes and intervals, as this will make it easier to improvise and create licks on the fly. Remember, the goal is to internalize the scale so you can focus on creativity rather than finger placement.

For those looking to get deeper into scale work, check out Riffhard. We offer lessons from top-tier guitarists who break down complex scales into understandable pieces, helping you to incorporate them into your own playing seamlessly.

Developing Phrasing

Phrasing is the secret sauce that can take a lick from good to great. It’s all about how you play the notes, not just which notes you play. Think of it as the difference between speaking words and delivering a speech; phrasing adds dynamics, emotion, and expression.

Here are some ways to enhance your phrasing:

• Bends and Slides: These techniques can add fluidity and emotion to your playing.
• Vibrato: A well-executed vibrato can make a note sing, adding character and sustain.
• Dynamics: Experiment with playing some notes softer and others louder to create contrast.
• Rhythmic Variation: Mix up the timing and spacing of your notes to keep things interesting.

Practice these techniques individually, then incorporate them into your licks. A simple lick can become complex and engaging with the right phrasing, turning a few notes into something truly expressive.

Experimenting with Rhythm

Rhythm is a key ingredient in making a lick stand out. Even if you play the same notes as someone else, the rhythm can set your lick apart. The interplay between rhythm and melody is what gives a lick its unique character.

Consider these approaches to rhythm:

• Syncopation: Play notes off the beat to create a sense of surprise or urgency.
• Odd Time Signatures: Experiment with time signatures like 5/4 or 7/8 for a progressive feel.
• Polyrhythms: Layer different rhythms on top of each other for a complex, textured sound.

Rhythm can drastically change the feel of a lick. Try playing the same lick with different rhythmic patterns and see how it transforms. You might find a fresh take that resonates even more with your style.

Incorporating Techniques

Techniques are the tools that help bring your licks to life. From shredding to tapping, each technique adds a different flavor to your playing. Here’s a look at some popular techniques you might incorporate:

• Alternate Picking: Essential for speed and precision, especially in metal genres.
• Sweep Picking: Great for arpeggios and creating fluid, fast runs.
• Tapping: Adds a percussive element and expands your reach across the fretboard.
• Legato: Smooth and flowing, ideal for creating seamless transitions between notes.

Each technique requires practice and patience to master. Start slow and build speed gradually. Incorporate metronome practice to ensure you’re playing cleanly and accurately. Our custom metronome at Riffhard is perfect for this, allowing you to adjust tempos and hone your skills.

Adding Emotion to Your Licks

Emotion is what connects a listener to your music. A technically flawless lick might impress, but an emotionally charged one will resonate. The key is to pour feeling into your playing, making each note count.

Here are some tips for adding emotion:

• Understand the Context: Know the song’s mood and what emotion you want to convey.
• Use Dynamics: Play with volume and intensity to evoke different feelings.
• Focus on Phrasing: Let your phrasing reflect the emotion you want to express.
• Connect with the Music: Feel what you’re playing, and let that emotion guide your fingers.

Remember, emotion often trumps technical skill. A simple lick played with genuine feeling can be more impactful than the most complex run. Trust your instincts and let the music guide you.

Recording and Analyzing Your Licks

One of the best ways to improve your lick writing is by recording and analyzing your work. This allows you to hear your playing objectively and identify areas for improvement.

Follow these steps to make the most of your recordings:

• Record Regularly: Capture your practice sessions to track progress and identify patterns.
• Listen Critically: Pay attention to timing, phrasing, and any mistakes or inconsistencies.
• Take Notes: Write down what you liked and what you’d like to change.
• Experiment: Try variations of your licks and compare the results.

Recording is an invaluable tool for self-improvement. By listening back, you gain insights that might be missed during live playing. Don’t be afraid to critique yourself—constructive feedback is key to growth.

Practicing with Purpose

Practice is where the magic happens, turning ideas into reality. But not all practice is created equal. Practicing with intention and focus ensures that your time is spent effectively.

Here are some tips for purposeful practice:

• Set Goals: Define what you want to achieve in each session.
• Break It Down: Focus on specific elements like scales, techniques, or phrasing.
• Use a Metronome: Timing is everything, and a metronome helps keep you on track.
• Stay Consistent: Regular practice is key to building muscle memory and progress.

At Riffhard, we believe in structured practice. Our lessons and tools are designed to help you practice effectively, with resources and guidance from some of the best guitarists in the world.

Final Thoughts

Crafting great guitar licks is a journey of creativity, expression, and skill. By understanding the fundamentals, finding your influences, and practicing with purpose, you can develop licks that are uniquely yours. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you with expert guidance and resources to help you along the way. Keep experimenting, stay inspired, and let your guitar tell your story.