[Nutty]

I figure it safe to ask here. I don't know much of the music terminology (theory, music ,etc.). I've always played an acoustic, so I'm not familiar with parts of the electric guitar, amps, styles, etc. But, I'm learning.

Anyway, is there a difference between a lick and a riff? They seem interchangeable to me? And are these different from a bridge. I understand the bridge, but how does it differ from a lick or a riff?

Also, what is meant when you do "a cover" of someone or a song? I see that all over now. Is it just someones version of an artists song?

Thanks

Nutty

[Matty22]

Bridge - Connects to parts of a song, that wouldnt make sense or work if there wasnt a bridge there

Lick - Generally a lead part, a little rundown or something similar

Riff - Generally a rythym part.

Cover - basically to play someone elses song... "heres my cover of Free Bird"

[__tsidewinder__]

Well, a lick is a small musical phrase, usually with only single notes. I'm sure different people will give you different definitions. A riff is also a musical phrase, but its usually made up of chords. Maybe riff could be defined as a small part of a chord progression, I really don't know. I think again, different people will give you different definitions, because lick and riff are slang words, at least to my knowledge.

A bridge is usually a part in the middle of the song that moves away from the chorus and verse. It can be described as a transition, and is sometimes described as the "middle eight" or the interlude. I can garuntee there are many people on this forum who can describe this better than me, and I really hope someone does! I can't garuntee the accuracy of all this. If you want more accurate info, just head to your favourite search engine and type "definition of Riff" or "definition of lick" etc. And see what you get.


"edit"

Well, someone beat me to the punch. Listen to him before me.
I hope this helps a bit.

[Nutty]

Thanks Matty and tsidewinder...that clears it all up for me now.

Nutty

[Fretsource]

Just to add a little more about RIFF
Whether its done by single notes or chords, its main characteristic is that it repeats and forms the most important part of the rhythm of a whole song, (or section). Riffs aren't nearly so popular nowadays.
Famous Riffs include:
Money - Pink Floyd (odd 7 beat time)
Smoke on the water - Deep Purple (Power chords)
Day Tripper - Beatles
Birthday - Beatles
Heartbreaker - Led Zeppelin
My Girl (The major pentatonic scale)

So that's Riff - But "chops" - now that's something I've never been sure of. Anyone?

[krissovo]

Originally Posted by Fretsource

So that's Riff - But "chops" - now that's something I've never been sure of. Anyone?

I have been asking that for months so far I have had:

• Chop's - As in Lamb
• Chop's - As in large side burns that creap around the face, mostly found on males or on females in remote parts of Canada (Sorry - only messing)

As for music no idea?

[allthumbs]

Chops refers to perfected guitar skills demonstrated in your playing. Ie He's got the chops etc.

[namiguShin]

Originally Posted by Fretsource

...
Money - Pink Floyd (odd 7 beat time)
Smoke on the water - Deep Purple (Power chords)
Day Tripper - Beatles
Birthday - Beatles
Heartbreaker - Led Zeppelin
My Girl (The major pentatonic scale)
...

Hendrix - Fire (single notes)

[737blues]

Good chops, bad chops. You know I've had my share ......

[The Ethical]

If it wasn't for bad chops, I wouldn't have no chops at all

Sorry BB

[Aunt Doty]

Better watch it!!!!Namigushin might get offended...with all this talk about chops. I notice the avatar is a little porky..........uh you know what I mean....Pork chops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Ethical]

Rasher you than me

[namiguShin]

Originally Posted by Aunt Doty

Better watch it!!!!Namigushin might get offended...with all this talk about chops. I notice the avatar is a little porky..........uh you know what I mean....Pork chops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good one, Doty... I think of myself more as a boar You know, the one that's not meant for chops but for reproduction...