Jamming: Extracting Licks from songs I know

[justjon]

Hello pickers! So I’m building up a nice repertoire of songs that I can play pretty well. And, I am learning as much backup as I can on the site (still have more to go).

Here’s my situation … I was at a jam the other day and asked for feedback …. the leader said “You have some fantastic licks when you take the lead, now you need to incorporate those licks in your backup!” Basically, I was doing BB’s rendition when I kicked off a song and then doing pretty generic backup as we went around the circle. And - I’m sure this happens to you too - when other songs were called, I didn’t know them, so couldn’t take a turn with the lead. I feel that if I can get some really nice G, C, D licks under my belt (extracted from songs I know), I can improvise and take the lead on any song!

So I’m thinking of the best way to do this. Is there a good process you’ve used? For example, should I look at the tab for a song I know, and extract the lick and then try to apply it to a chord progression? I feel like if I can cook-up a good process, can use licks from current songs that I know and apply them to any song that gets played at jams.

what works for you?

thanks everyone!

Jz

[Lucy_L]

I like to start by extracting a lick from a song I already know, and putting in another song I already know. That way I can get used to playing the lick in a different song than where it came from, but still a song I know. Just one way that’s worked for me!

[BanjoBen]

As @Lucy_L says, one key to really learning a lick is by applying it in different contexts (part of the reason for my “sharing licks” lessons).

[justjon]

@Lucy_L yes…in fact I was just practicing this! thank you.

[justjon]

thnaks @BanjoBen … agree. in fact, I’ve just today revisited some of the lick lessons and discovered a bunch of new ones. have a guitar friend coming over tomorrow to jam and going to try some new things. appreciate the quick reply!

Jz