riffs

hook

Curved catching device

• ostinatoRepeating musical figure
• loopCurve closing on itself
• patternRecurring arrangement or template

motif · phrase · vamp · groove · cycle · refrain · leitmotif · sample · iteration · reprise

lick

Pass tongue over

• shreddingCutting into thin pieces
• tappingRepeated light striking
• fretboardStringed instrument's neck face

power chords · distortion · amplifier · pentatonic · solo · picking · vibrato · hammer-on · pull-off · bend

improvisation

Spontaneous, unplanned creation

• bebopFast, complex jazz style
• swingSuspended recreational seat
• saxophoneReed instrument, brass body

trumpet · scat · syncopation · chord changes · jam session · blue note · modal · monk · miles · parker

theme

Central recurring concept

• improvisePerform without preparation
• embellishAdd decorative elements
• elaborateComplex and detailed

spin · twist · play on · rework · reinterpret · iterate · freestyle · extemporize · ad-lib · spontaneous

bit

Small amount or portion

• jokeHumorous statement seeking laughter
• routineRegular sequence of actions
• parodySatirical imitation

satire · mockery · send-up · impression · lampoon · spoof · sketch · gag · shtick · quip

• Big Bandbrass section, horn section, trumpet section, trombone section, rhythm section
• Garage Rockgarage rock, fuzz, fuzz guitar, raw sound, lo-fi
• music samplingsamples, loops, beats, chops, breaks
• singingsoprano, lead vocals, vocalist, alto, backing vocals
• guitar learningchords, tablature, tabs, fingerpicking, strumming patterns
• jazz bandsjazz band, big band, swing band, combo, ensemble