Licks are small phrases of notes that all lead guitarists use for improvisation. Each guitarist will have their own combinations and variations of licks that they will use during a lead solo. The following examples show a few basic licks that use notes from Pattern 1 at the fifth position. Even though the licks are from Pattern 1 at the fifth position, they can be played from Pattern 1 notes in any position.
Practice playing these licks (and any note combinations you create from Pattern 1) with a metronome or a drumbeat. Because the licks only use notes from the pattern, they will sound good against any progression as long as you are playing Pattern 1 in the correct position for that particular key (as explained on the following pages).
If you have trouble with the timing here, practice using a metronome.
This lick makes use of the shuffle rhythm..
The next three licks involve the technique of barring the 5th fret and rolling the first finger across the 5th fret onto the required strings instead of playing on the tip of the finger. This technique is very common in lead guitar playing. Practice it slowly at first.