Top 13 Best Guitar Licks to Learn on Guitar

Mastering guitar licks is a vital part of becoming a proficient guitarist. These short, memorable phrases are the building blocks of solos and improvisation, often rooted in scales and executed with a variety of techniques. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 13 best guitar licks to learn, featuring guitar tabs and strategies used by professional guitar players like Eddie Van Halen. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these licks will enhance your playing and inspire creativity. Let’s dive into the world of guitar licks!

1. The Classic Blues Guitar Licks

The classic blues lick is a staple in any guitarist’s repertoire. This lick is based on the minor pentatonic scale and can be played in various keys. Here’s an example in the key of A:

e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|-----5---7b9r7---5-----|
A|--7-----------------7--|
E|------------------------|

How to Use It: This lick can be incorporated into any blues or rock solo. It’s great for resolving phrases and adding a touch of bluesy emotion to your playing.

2. Eddie Van Halen’s Tapping Guitar Licks

Eddie Van Halen revolutionized guitar playing with his two-handed tapping technique. Here’s a classic tapping lick inspired by his style:

e|---------------------5h8t12p8p5---------------------|
B|-----------------5h8t12p8p5-------------------------|
G|-------------5h7t12p7p5-----------------------------|
D|---------5h7t12p7p5---------------------------------|
A|-----5h7t12p7p5-------------------------------------|
E|--5h8t12p8p5----------------------------------------|

How to Use It: Tapping licks can add a high-energy, flashy element to your solos. Use them sparingly for maximum impact.

3. Chuck Berry’s Double-Stop Lick

Chuck Berry’s double-stop lick is essential for rock and roll guitarists. It involves playing two notes simultaneously, giving a rich, full sound:

e|--------------------------|
B|--8--8--10--8--10--8--|
G|--7--7--7---7---7---7---|
D|--------------------------|
A|--------------------------|
E|--------------------------|

How to Use It: Double-stops are perfect for rhythm and lead playing. Use this lick to add a classic rock vibe to your solos.

4. Jimi Hendrix’s Bending Lick

Jimi Hendrix was known for his expressive bending techniques. This lick involves bending the string to reach the desired note:

e|------------------------------|
B|--15b17--15b17--15--|
G|------------------------------|
D|------------------------------|
A|------------------------------|
E|------------------------------|

How to Use It: Bending adds emotion and depth to your solos. Practice controlling your bends to hit the notes accurately.

5. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Blues Guitar Riff

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s powerful blues riffs are legendary. Here’s a classic example:

e|-------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------|
G|-----------------2-4-2--------|
D|-------2-4-2-4-------4-2-----|
A|--2-4-------------------------|
E|-------------------------------|

How to Use It: Use this riff in blues or rock contexts to add a gritty, bluesy feel to your playing.

6. Jimmy Page’s Hammer-On/Pull-Off Lick

Jimmy Page’s hammer-on and pull-off licks are a great way to add fluidity to your solos. Here’s a simple example:

e|-------------------------|
B|--5h7p5---------------|
G|--------6h7p6---------|
D|-----------------------|
A|-----------------------|
E|-----------------------|

How to Use It: Hammer-ons and pull-offs can make your solos smoother and more connected. Incorporate them to create seamless runs.

7. Carlos Santana’s Melodic Guitar Licks

Carlos Santana is known for his melodic playing. Here’s a lick that combines melody with smooth bends:

e|---------------------------|
B|--8b10--8--6--8-----------|
G|------------------7--------|
D|---------------------------|
A|---------------------------|
E|---------------------------|

How to Use It: Focus on the melodic content of your solos. This lick is great for adding emotional expression.

8. David Gilmour’s Vibrato Guitar Licks

David Gilmour’s vibrato is legendary for its smooth, singing quality. Here’s a vibrato-heavy lick:

e|------------------------|
B|--10~----------------|
G|------------------------|
D|------------------------|
A|------------------------|
E|------------------------|

How to Use It: Vibrato adds character to sustained notes. Practice your vibrato to give your solos a vocal-like quality.

9. Eric Clapton’s Slow Hand Lick

Eric Clapton’s “slow hand” style is all about timing and feel. Here’s a soulful lick:

e|----------------------------|
B|--8-10-8----------------|
G|----------9---------------|
D|----------------------------|
A|----------------------------|
E|----------------------------|

How to Use It: Use this lick in slow blues contexts to add emotional weight to your solos.

10. Joe Satriani’s Legato Guitar Licks

Joe Satriani’s legato technique involves smooth transitions between notes. Here’s a legato lick:

e|---------------------------|
B|--8h10p8----------------|
G|----------9h11p9--------|
D|---------------------------|
A|---------------------------|
E|---------------------------|

How to Use It: Legato playing creates a seamless, flowing sound. Incorporate it into fast runs and melodic lines.

11. Slash’s Aggressive Bend Lick

Slash’s aggressive bends are a signature of his style. Here’s a powerful bend lick:

e|-------------------------|
B|--15b17--15b17--15--|
G|-------------------------|
D|-------------------------|
A|-------------------------|
E|-------------------------|

How to Use It: Use aggressive bends to add intensity and emotion to your solos.

12. B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” Lick

B.B. King’s licks are all about emotion and phrasing. Here’s a lick from “The Thrill Is Gone”:

e|----------------------------|
B|--10-12--10----------------|
G|--------------11------------|
D|----------------------------|
A|----------------------------|
E|----------------------------|

How to Use It: Focus on the phrasing and timing of your licks to convey emotion and tell a musical story.

13. Yngwie Malmsteen’s Sweep Picking Lick

Yngwie Malmsteen’s sweep picking technique allows for incredibly fast arpeggios. Here’s a simple sweep picking lick:

e|--12-15-12-------------|
B|-----------13----------|
G|-------------12--------|
D|-----------------------|
A|-----------------------|
E|-----------------------|

How to Use It: Sweep picking can add speed and technical prowess to your playing. Practice slowly to ensure accuracy.

Incorporating Scales and Techniques

To make the most out of these guitar licks, it’s essential to understand the scales they’re derived from and the techniques used to play them. Here are some tips:

1. Learn the Scales: Most guitar licks are based on common scales like the minor pentatonic, major scale, or blues scale. Practice these scales in various positions on the neck.
2. Practice Techniques: Techniques like bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and tapping are crucial. Dedicate time to mastering each technique.
3. Slow Down: Start practicing licks at a slow tempo to ensure accuracy. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
4. Analyze Solos: Listen to solos by professional guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. Analyze their use of licks and techniques.
5. Create Variations: Once you’ve mastered a lick, try creating variations. Change the rhythm, add different techniques, or transpose it to another key.

Strategies from Professional Guitarists

Eddie Van Halen: Van Halen’s use of two-handed tapping, wide vibrato, and harmonics set him apart. Practice tapping techniques and experiment with harmonics to add a unique flavor to your playing.

Jimi Hendrix: Hendrix’s innovative use of effects pedals, feedback, and unorthodox chord shapes made his playing distinctive. Experiment with effects and unconventional chord voicings.

Eric Clapton: Clapton’s emphasis on phrasing and timing is crucial. Focus on the emotional delivery of your solos, paying close attention to dynamics and articulation.

Conclusion

Learning these top 13 guitar licks will significantly enhance your playing. Incorporate scales and techniques used by professional guitar players like Eddie Van Halen to add depth and creativity to your solos. Remember to practice consistently and explore variations to develop your unique style. With dedication and passion, you’ll master these licks and elevate your guitar playing to new heights. Happy playing!

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