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Nov 4, 2026 - 1:20:58 PM
64 posts since 7/26/2025

I have been playing for a little over 2 years now, I can usually take a break on a song I dont know ow and it might not be amazing but it works. However I always end up using the same licks I already know. I also rely heavily on the forward reverse roll. Any tips to help break out of this rut and start learning some new stuff?

Nov 4, 2026 - 2:00:28 PM
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1709 posts since 1/26/2011

This may sound simple, it it takes work.
Find a lick you like and learn it. That means learn to play it clean and at whatever speed you typically play. Just woodshed the lick. Then start working it to an arrangement of a song you already know. Work o. The transition into the lick and out of the lick. Get that arrangement down, then try another song. Before you know it that lick will pop up when you’re jamming. The find another lick and do the same thing. Over time you’ll build your “lick vocabulary.”

But always remember it’s not about how many licks you can cram into a song. It’s about bringing out the melody and playing in time. A simple break that does those two things is better than a lick loaded break with no melody that’s out of time. But that’s just my opinion. I’m sure you’ll get other feedback.

Nov 4, 2026 - 2:38:33 PM
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Players Union Member

Texasbanjo (Moderator)

USA

33380 posts since 8/3/2003

My suggestion is you need to work on musical phrases that will go with many songs rather than licks that don't carry the melody. I have a bunch of musical phrases that will fit into a certain chord sequence and with just a little bit of tweeking will work for many songs. Then you can worry about adding different hot licks to end a musical phrase or end of a song.

Nov 4, 2026 - 2:48:53 PM

11293 posts since 8/30/2004
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Sherry,
I totally agree with you....Jack   p.s. It's nice that you can make your point in less than 20 pages HA....:-)

Edited by - Jack Baker on 11/04/2026 14:54:21

Nov 4, 2026 - 5:05:48 PM
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17193 posts since 12/2/2005

Sherry is correct, and this underscores why I have long believed that a roll pattern-based learning approach can be a huge detriment to our progression as players.

The first-gen players - starting with Earl - didn't think in terms of patterns. They thought in terms of right-hand moves that could produce the notes they wanted to play, when they wanted to play them, surrounded by other notes in a way that sounds good.

I'll take Sherry's counsel a bit further: don't just learn licks. Learn entire songs. There are lots of great tabs here on the Hangout. Find arrangements you like and LEARN THEM. The more you play them and use them, the more likely it is that the right hand moves - and the left-hand work that produces the licks - will become more natural to you.

And by the way, if the tabs you download were created by Jack Baker, you can rest assured that they're accurate and correct transcriptions. Nobody here does it better.

Jack, I hope this wasn't too many words! laugh

Edited by - eagleisland on 11/04/2026 17:06:44

Nov 4, 2026 - 6:15:12 PM
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chuckv97

Canada

80813 posts since 10/5/2013

Maybe try some of these - lots of various rolls, licks, phrases that are transferable, and tag licks. Previous posts give valuable advice also.

youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsI...ww39wZ4dh


 

Nov 5, 2026 - 3:31:12 AM
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4748 posts since 7/12/2006

Start learning breaks from recordings . Slow them down . Youll be amazed at what you hear. Start with simple straight up breaks. And as has been said, tabs are a great way to get new licks 

Edited by - stanleytone on 11/05/2026 03:33:52

Nov 5, 2026 - 6:39:24 AM

5414 posts since 3/28/2008

I can help. Send me a PM if you'd like.

Nov 5, 2026 - 7:01:28 AM
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Owen

Canada

19983 posts since 6/5/2011

I'm pretty sure it doesn't apply to the OP, but if I quit using the same roll, I'd be back at: grade one, day one, page one. crying

Nov 5, 2026 - 7:26:23 AM
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371 posts since 11/30/2021

I can stop using the same licks any time I want... I don't have a problem.... Why? What have you heard?

Nov 5, 2026 - 9:23:47 AM

chuckv97

Canada

80813 posts since 10/5/2013

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results ;-)

Nov 5, 2026 - 10:30:56 AM

Owen

Canada

19983 posts since 6/5/2011

W.r.t. ^^ ... "eventually" notwithstanding?   devil

Nov 5, 2026 - 11:07:25 AM

Nopix

USA

578 posts since 6/11/2025

I was about to ask the OP, if the checks stopped cashing?

But I understand how one would want to explore, for one's own edification.
I'd start with a tune/song I knew then tweak it. If the forward/backward or in and out roll doesn't work, or time out, try a different song.

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