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Lick – Definition
A lick is a short melodic or rhythmic phrase that musicians memorize and reuse in improvisation, solos, or accompaniment.
What is a Lick?
Licks are common in many musical styles, including blues, jazz, rock, country, and pop. Unlike a musical motif, which is usually developed within a composition, a lick is a reusable phrase that can appear in many different songs and performances.
Many licks are based on familiar scales, such as the pentatonic or blues scale, and become part of a musician’s improvisational vocabulary.
How is a Lick used in piano playing?
Pianists use licks to add variety to solos, fills, introductions, and endings. Learning licks in different styles helps build confidence and provides practical ideas that can be adapted to many musical situations.
As pianists gain experience, they often combine, modify, and develop familiar licks into more personal improvisations and musical phrases.