How to Create Your Own Guitar Licks?
If you’ve been playing guitar for a while, you’ve likely tried mastering classic licks from the greats—Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and many more. But have you ever wanted to create your own unique guitar licks that define your sound? Whether you’re improvising, soloing, or just looking to add personal flair to your playing, creating your own licks is a rewarding way to express yourself on the guitar.
In this post, we’ll explore some practical steps and creative approaches to help you start building your own guitar licks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these tips will guide you in unlocking new musical ideas and refining your personal style.
1. Know Your Scales (But Don’t Get Stuck in Them)
The first step in creating your own guitar licks is to understand the basic scales, like the pentatonic and blues scales. These scales are essential because they provide a roadmap for the notes that typically sound good together. For many rock, blues, and pop songs, the minor pentatonic scale is the go-to.
- Start with the Pentatonic Scale: This scale is easy to learn and a great foundation for your licks. Begin by experimenting with different positions of the pentatonic scale, focusing on notes that stand out to you.
- Don’t Stay Inside the Box: Once you’re comfortable, try stepping outside the scale. Incorporate chromatic notes (notes between the main scale tones) or even passing notes that add tension and release. This makes your licks sound more original and interesting.
2. Emphasize Phrasing: It’s How You Say It
A lick is more than just a string of notes—it’s about how those notes are played. This is where phrasing comes into play. You can use techniques like bends, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and vibrato to make your lick sound more expressive.
- Experiment with Dynamics: Try playing the same lick softly, then with more attack, or mix it up within the same lick. Dynamics make your playing come alive.
- Pause and Breathe: Don’t be afraid to leave space between your notes. A well-placed pause or a longer sustain can make your lick more powerful. Think of it as a conversation—sometimes, what you don’t say is as important as what you do.
3. Use Rhythm to Make Your Licks Stand Out
Creating memorable licks is not just about choosing the right notes; it’s also about how those notes are arranged rhythmically. One of the most overlooked aspects of creating licks is rhythm—syncopation, repetition, or switching between different note lengths can make your licks sound more dynamic.
- Change the Rhythm: Try taking a simple lick and changing the rhythm—play some notes longer and others shorter. A syncopated rhythm or a well-timed rest can make a lick feel fresh and exciting.
- Play with Repetition: Repeating a phrase with slight variations, like changing the last note or adding a bend, gives the listener something familiar while still keeping them on their toes.
4. Borrow from the Greats, But Make It Your Own
Most famous guitarists didn’t invent their licks out of thin air—they borrowed, adapted, and transformed existing ideas. This is a great place to start when creating your own licks.
- Study Classic Licks: Analyze licks from your favorite guitarists. Break them down and understand why they work. Is it the bend? The rhythm? The choice of notes?
- Add Your Own Twist: Once you understand the core of a famous lick, tweak it to make it your own. Change the rhythm, add extra notes, or move it to a different part of the fretboard. The goal is to take inspiration and turn it into something personal.
5. Experiment with Chord Tones
One of the best ways to craft effective licks is to pay attention to the chords that are being played in the background. Focusing on the chord tones (the notes that make up the chords) can make your licks fit more seamlessly into the music, while also sounding more melodic.
- Target the Root, Third, and Fifth: These notes are essential because they anchor your lick to the chord progression. Try ending your lick on one of these notes to give it a satisfying resolution.
- Play Over Different Chord Progressions: Practice improvising licks over different chord changes. This will help you understand how to use chord tones effectively in various musical contexts.
6. Combine Techniques: Mix Bends, Slides, and More
A single technique can make a lick stand out, but combining multiple techniques can elevate it to a new level. For example, start a lick with a slide, throw in a bend, and finish it off with a hammer-on/pull-off combination.
- Use Bends Wisely: Bends are a staple in blues and rock licks, but knowing where and when to bend is key. Try bending into a chord tone or using half-step bends to create tension.
- Slide into Notes: Sliding can give your licks a smooth, vocal quality. Try sliding from one note to another rather than just playing each note separately.
7. Record and Listen to Yourself
One of the best ways to improve your licks is to record your playing and listen back. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and not realize how your lick sounds in the context of a song or solo.
- Record Your Licks: Use your phone, computer, or a recording device to capture your playing. Listen back to your recordings to see which licks stand out and where you can make improvements.
- Refine Your Favorites: As you record, you’ll naturally discover licks that you really like. Refine them, add to them, and make them a core part of your playing.
8. Have Fun and Keep Experimenting
There’s no right or wrong way to create guitar licks, and the more you experiment, the more you’ll find what works for you. Don’t be afraid to take risks, play “wrong” notes, or create something totally outside the box. Music is about creativity, so let your imagination run wild!
- Try Different Tunings or Effects: Change up your sound by experimenting with alternate tunings or adding effects like delay, reverb, or overdrive. These changes can spark new ideas for your licks.
- Jam with Other Musicians: Playing with others can push you to think differently and come up with new licks on the spot. It’s also a great way to test out your licks in real-time musical situations.
Conclusion: Create Your Signature Sound
Creating your own guitar licks is an exciting way to develop your voice as a guitarist. By blending scales, techniques, rhythm, and a bit of your own personality, you can craft licks that are uniquely yours. Remember, the more you practice and experiment, the more confident you’ll become in your ability to create catchy, expressive licks that resonate with listeners.
Now it’s your turn! Pick up your guitar, start experimenting, and unlock your creativity. What will your next lick sound like?
