noun
lick
A short, distinctive musical phrase.
The guitarist opens the song with a bright blues lick.
Etymology
Lick acquired senses for a short stroke or burst of action. In music, it names a compact, characteristic phrase that can be played as a recognizable unit.
More examples
- She practices the tricky saxophone lick until every note sounds clear.
- His solo combines familiar jazz licks with a few surprises.
- The piano player answers the singer with a playful lick.
Forms
lick · licks
Similar words
- riff
- Usually repeats as a song's foundation rather than appearing briefly.
- phrase
- A broader musical unit, not necessarily short or distinctive.