Originally Posted by: GuitardedGeezerNoob question - Can anyone tell me what the difference is, if any, between a "hook" a "riff" a "lick" and a "chop".

They all seem to be used interchangeably to me, meaning a short series of notes or chords......is there some nuances I'm missing?

thanks in advance

GG

In all, they are kinda interchangable.

It's funny how people do sort of see or think differently about definitions like these. I assign more specific things to them. Moral: Make 'em what you want :D

My version:

[U]Hook:[/U] A portion of a song that grabs your ear. It's the 'money' part of the song that will get everyone listening. Hooks can be instrument oriented or part of the overall song like a chorus. Example - Pink Floyd's songs The Wall, the 'We don't need no education' portion is a hook.

[U]Riff:[/U] A group of notes or chords that when put together can make a hook or a section that, when repeated, becomes central to the rhythm of the song. Example - AC/DC with Whole Lotta Rosie has an opening riff that is central to the whole song.

[U]Lick:[/U] Can be repeated or stand alone but is also a group of notes that can be a riff or part of a solo. Example - Ace Frehley's outro solo on Rock n Roll All Night live are very tasty licks.

[U]Chops:[/U] Denotes the ability to play. Example - 'Boy he can play, he has really good chops.'

That's my two pennies, anyway. Don't know why my brain gravitates towards such specific things but, oh well...just me I guess...hehe.