riff is to guitar as ____ is to drum

[Futile_Gesture]

Paradiddle?

[asterion]

@Futile Gesture

Paradiddle?

No, because a paradiddle is a specific sticking pattern: RLRR LRLL with possible different variations.

[Snooooopy]

@Phase42

Re: “Chart”

I’ve been a musician since I was just a wee lad, playing in all manner of different combos, playing different styles on different instruments. I have never heard the word “chart” used to describe anything other than the physical piece of paper upon which the music is printed.

It’s been just in the past few years that I have been seeing “horn charts” in music reviews as a term analogous to “lick” or “riff.” I hope it catches on; I kind of like the word picture that it paints of a horn player consulting the written sheet music as he plays.

[Jpeg_Jones]

A brief defense, if I may:

@Snooooopy

If someone wants to cop an attitude with me BUT PROVIDE GOOD INFORMATION, that’s something I can live with;

Please re-read the following “GOOD INFORMATION”:

Riffs and licks are independent of any instrument.
To “vamp” is to repeat something as necessary.
A “chart” is the sheet music the player reads off of and is not analogous to a riff or lick. (I still stand by this, see Phase42’s comment. It can also mean, generally, a piece of music “hey, nice chart, man.”)

But you’ve managed to be cop an attitude with me while providing information consisting mainly of WAGs and stuff that’s just wrong

True, I copped an attitude. It’s a character flaw I have when it comes to technical questions about music. My info above are not WAGs, and I don’t believe I’m wrong about “chart”. Furthermore, I also admit that I didn’t really answer your question, but I did set you straight on your premise and your definitions.

YANAD

I have already admitted this. I am, however, a very experienced musician.

and YANAH (You are not a help).

:rolleyes:

[Snooooopy]

@Jpeg Jones

I don’t believe I’m wrong about “chart”.

I’m sorry I overreacted. I admit that. But you are wrong about chart. I’ve read too many music reviews that make use of the phrase in the manner I have described to be swayed by your statement.

[dnooman]

@Saranga

Drummer here: The answer is “beat”.

I’ve also heard older drummers (as well as other musicians) use “lick” quite often, as well as “groove”. “Pattern” works too but is more formal.

I’m a drummer too, and the above answer is the best so far. A “beat” is analogous to a riff, if the riff is being repeated as well. A “lick” or “fill” is more of an accent to a particular part in the tune. “Pattern” is a bit formal for most occasions, and one would only use “chart” if one were sightreading (usually used with jazz tunes).

“Groove” is used when a “beat” has a distinctive feel to it, otherwise known as being “in the pocket”. Those are my favorite.

I think I broke my " key.