How to Solo with Licks and Not Sound Like a Hack

You probably know I’m a fan of learning licks.

Building a strong vocabulary is an important part of learning a language, and the language of music is no exception.

But licks get a bad rap. Partly because many licks are cliches. But also because improvisers tend to force memorized lines into their solos and end up sounding awkward and canned.

If you want to avoid these lick blunders, here are two tips to help you sound your best:

1. Practice flowing into your licks via pickups.

For example, take a look at this phrase from my newest lick and etude pack, Solo with Soul:

Now, let’s add just a couple of notes before the downbeat to “introduce” the lick:

It may not seem like much of a change, but if you get into the habit of leading into your lines with these small pickups, your licks will sound much more natural when you improvise.

2. Learn licks that aren’t cliche.

Sure, there are some “stock” bebop licks that are good to know for making the changes. But if you only learn licks that have been around for 60+ years, you’re going to sound like a broken record.

Instead, seek out lines in the style of music you enjoy via transcription or curated lick packs. For anyone who's interested in improvising more soulful solos, definitely check out my latest lick and etude pack, Solo with Soul.

In fact, with Solo with Soul you can tackle the two tips I just mentioned in one shot – none of the licks are cliche and many of them already have pickups baked into the line.

Also, the bonus etude is completely comprised of the licks included in the pack, so you'll get to see and hear some real-world application of the lines in a solo.

Click here to learn more about Solo with Soul and use the code SOUL15 to save 15% to celebrate the launch.

Happy shedding,

Jeff