What is the difference between a lick and a riff???

I'm really confused about this :(

Riff = Rhythm
Lick = Lead

Take any Guitar Solo. The Rhythm guitarist would be playing a riff while a Lead Guitarist would be performing a solo (a combination of licks) over it.

Not this argument again X.x

\

This was an argument?

It's kind of a set in stone thing. There's nothing to argue if you ask me.

It was neccessarily an arguement. Just a long winded debate with minor disagreements. Ill see if I can find the link.

@guitar_person: Just as darkriff mentioned, a riff is used as sort of a main theme or rythm section for a song, while a lick is used for soloing. A solo is usually a sequence of different licks.

welcome to the forums by the way ;)

1-Welcome to the forums
2-DarkRiff gave a great explanation.
3-I've never seen an argument ending with 3 question marks.

Isn´t just a riff shorter than a lick ?????

@pxm

It can be but doesn't necessarily have to be.

A lick can be one measure whereas a riff can be up 8 (conventionally) and vice versa.

The length of either doesn't really matter. All that's really for certain (if you ask me) is
Lick = Lead
Riff = Rhythm

Lick is phrase consisting short series of notes that is used on a melodic lines or solos, it can be used as a "hook" too, where the song theme built for.

Riff is similar, but can consist a repeated chord progressions. Just like Darkriff mentioned. Riff can be also "Building ground" for a song theme.

Uh, OK...I think I get it.

If you ask a Jazz musician, chances are he'll tell you that a lick and riff are one and the same. Ask a rock musician and he'll quote DarkRiff.

My opinion: It is irrelevant. Unless you are writing a paper for school.

Haha, Gs is darn right, You should been give definations to music terms XD.

Do jazz musicians even know that riffs exist?
A riff is usually repetitive in a song. A Jazz musician barely plays the same thing twice....Wait, was this the argument?