Practice Tips - Part 17, Context Part 2

Now that you've placed the lick into all of the Chorus Form options, change it. Play the first set of notes... play the last set of note... play the middle set of notes... play the first set twice and then the last set... play the lick so that all or some of the notes are longer, play all or some of the notes shorter... add texture to some of the notes (the long notes are good choices)... move the lick up an octave. All of this melodic manipulation leads to creative playing and makes the most out of every lick you play. Students are commonly in a hurry to "complete" a study song. I like to "savor" a study song by taking every usable piece out of it as I learn each chorus and having fun jamming with it... this is what leads to becoming a great player.