Definitions
- Referring to a repeated musical phrase or pattern played on a guitar, bass, or other instrument. - Describing a catchy or memorable melody that is often used as the basis for a song. - Talking about an improvised or spontaneous musical phrase that is played in a solo or jam session.
- Referring to a short and distinctive musical phrase or solo played on a guitar, bass, or other instrument. - Describing a skillful and impressive musical passage or technique. - Talking about a repeated or recognizable musical pattern that is often used in a particular genre or style of music.
List of Similarities
- 1Both riff and lick are musical terms used to describe short and distinctive musical phrases or patterns.
- 2Both can be played on a variety of instruments, but are most commonly associated with guitar and bass.
- 3Both can be improvised or pre-written, depending on the context and style of music.
- 4Both are often used as the basis for a song or as a solo in a performance.
- 5Both are important elements in various genres of music, such as rock, blues, and jazz.
What is the difference?
- 1Function: Riffs are often used as the foundation for a song, while licks are used to add flair and excitement to a solo or performance.
- 2Repetition: Riffs are often repeated throughout a song, while licks are usually played once or twice in a solo or performance.
- 3Style: Riffs are often associated with rock and metal music, while licks are more commonly used in blues and jazz music.
- 4Improvisation: Licks are often improvised, while riffs can be either pre-written or improvised depending on the context.
Remember this!
Riff and lick are both musical terms used to describe short and distinctive musical phrases or patterns. However, the difference between riff and lick is their length, function, repetition, style, and improvisation. A riff is often longer and more complex, used as the foundation for a song, and repeated throughout the piece. Whereas, a lick is shorter, used to add flair and excitement to a solo or performance, and often improvised.
