Learn and Use Jazz Licks the Smart Way

I got this comment on another one of my videos this week and it really got me thinking.
And it says, "But when you learn licks in isolation it's hard to fit them into your solo without it sounding awkward. Some licks are only good because they were previously developed by the soloist."
And I totally agree with that. A lot of people use jazz licks as copy and paste ideas to throw into their solos and as a result, it sounds awkward, doesn't sound natural, and it doesn't sound musical.
So, in today's video, I'll be going over how I believe you should learn jazz licks and how to use them effectively in your jazz solos.
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[@WillKriski]

Nice lesson! I take the phrase and use a bit of the beginning, repeating it as a motif etc which leads into the lick without necessarily having to modify it. I also analyze each 4 eighth note fragments that are usually a combo of arpeggios 135 or 1357, 1235, 1234 minor scale fragment, pentatonic, approach notes, target tones, etc.

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Awesome Will! Thanks for sharing

[@robinbalean958]

I don't learn all 12 keys right away. I start be learning it well in a handful of keys that I need to use it in context in a few songs that I am working on. To start with I improvise over the song and try to insert the lick in the right place. To start with this does sound like copy and paste, but after I have done it long enough, the lick and what I play before and after it begins to evolve and it begins to fit in more smoothly. The shorter the lick, the easier it is to make this work, and the more places it will fit. Lately I've been taking really short licks of just four to six eighth notes in length and playing them over an entire tune. For example, the first five notes of your lick would be a good candidate. Usually a short enough lick can be played over almost any chord type if you start on the right note for each chord and often you have a few options. Once I can do this I again let the lick evolve and I end up with a nice motivic solo. Once you do this for a few different short licks you can mix and match them at will. It is also really great for learning the harmonies of a tune.

[@Learnjazzstandards]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@jasonperry9923]

I love that last step to glean the concepts and make it part of your playing! Thanks Brett!

[@shantanulive7082]

Thank you so much for your help and sharing the knowledge.

[@tripsr4kids]

you got a new sub. i like your vibe. and you know what you're talking about. *thumbs up*

[@paigecarr3254]

The smile at 5:54 is priceless

[@tinajackel]

very good lesson! I couldn´t agree more. Especially the transposing part - I think that´s really the key to getting the line into your subconsiousness.

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Thanks Tina!

[@tripsr4kids]

its a beautiful line. i know you say not to cut and paste, but im prob gonna keep and use this wholesale lol! keep up the good work. thx for sharing...

[@viniciusmaganha559]

Cheers! I'm from Brazil. I use to play samba and Bossa Nova. I'm Just begining with the universe of jazz I'm glad to find this channel Sorry, I don't speak english well

[@Learnjazzstandards]

No worries friend! Glad to have you here!

[@alboumcinen5623]

Nice short & sweet video :D You have really cool stuff! Thanks ^^

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Thanks Albou! Glad you found it helpful

[@perry4564]

Very insightful. I'll be going for this in my next practice session. Thanks!

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Awesome Perry!

[@JSDJerry]

I like this video alot. I just wish you would have also demonstrated how and how often you would have used it in a jazz. Standard. Also, whether and how the lick could be used as a motif in a jazz standard.

[@patpogoallroundguitarist5814]

I think I will work with my recent transcription for a much longer time that I used to do before which didn't contribute as I wanted for my improvisations in the past. Today I strive for mixing ideas combined with improvisations on similar progressions on different tunes and situations for a longer time. That way I will ensure that the information will stick. I rather know 5 licks very well than 50 for about 50 minutes...

[@mateodipizzo]

Got that like button thing ! Nice video, I unfortunately top often miss the 'transform' part... Going to practice it right now !

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Awesome! Glad you’re taking action

[@thiago-bp3sj]

Your videos are really good man! Helped a lot

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Thanks so much! Glad that helped

[@christophervaca7116]

I learn to sing the riff. It helps me with the ghost notes.

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Yes, singing is an important part of internalization!

[@Soberan]

Brent, good vid once again. But regarding practicing in all keys on the guitar... The guitar is a transposable instrument (just move the lick up or down for a different key), should it be more productive to practice it in all patterns (for instance, if you use the CAGED system, to practice it in each one of the patterns)? Would love to know what are your thoughts about this. Thanks.

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Great question! For guitar players I always suggest learning a micro musical idea in at least two different positions. You could use CAGED if you like, but I think just knowing a few different ways to play an idea is enough.

[@xucaen]

What does 3 6 2 5 chord progression mean? Are those hand positions or something else?

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Hi James, Chord Progression is a chord sequence of a song. This might help you have bit of an idea what a chord progression is and what those numbers are for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqGpq4aglLyWgs0

[@sequoyahcisneros8719]

Dang it I accidentally hit the like button on 3, but I got it the second time.

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Ha!

[@danon668]

But why you don’t play dorian minors? Thanks

[@Learnjazzstandards]

Hey there, well, I do play Dorian minors but the goal is that you wouldn’t notice it as a scale, and that it will sound more like a musical idea

[@danon668]

Learn Jazz Standards Hey! Oh,ok!