If you're a jazz or blues piano player, then you know the importance of being able to improvise and come up with your own unique phrases on the spot. However, even the most seasoned players can hit a creative roadblock from time to time, which is why having a collection of licks at your disposal can be incredibly useful.

In this lesson, we'll go over 10 different jazz and blues licks that you can add to your arsenal. Licks are short, catchy phrases that can be used as a starting point for improvisation or as a way to add some spice to your playing. The licks we'll cover here can be used on dominant or minor chords, and can be transposed to different keys to fit any tune you're playing.

The first lick we'll cover is a four-note phrase that works well on a C minor 7 chord. The right hand fingering is 4-3-2-1-2, and the left hand can play a simple pattern of alternating bass notes. To get the most out of this lick, it's best to break it up into two patterns and practice them separately. Vocalizing the pattern as you play can also help with memorization.

Another variation of this lick is to use it over a C7 chord. This can create a bluesy sound that works well on a shuffle rhythm. The left hand can use a simple walking bass line, and the right hand can play the same pattern as before. This lick can also be used on an F7 chord by simply moving the pattern up a perfect fourth.

The second lick we'll cover is a classic blues lick that works well on a dominant 7 chord. The right hand fingering is 5-3-2-1, and the left hand can play a simple walking bass line. This lick is based on the minor pentatonic scale and can be transposed to different keys easily.

The third lick is a more complex phrase that works well on a minor 7 chord. The right hand fingering is 4-2-1-2-4-2, and the left hand can play a simple walking bass line. This lick can create a jazzy sound that's perfect for ballads or slower tunes.

The fourth lick is another classic blues phrase that's based on the major pentatonic scale. The right hand fingering is 5-2-1, and the left hand can play a simple walking bass line. This lick works well on a dominant 7 chord and can be transposed to different keys easily.

The fifth lick is a more advanced phrase that works well on a minor 7 chord. The right hand fingering is 5-4-2-1-2-5-4, and the left hand can play a simple walking bass line. This lick can be a bit challenging to play at first, but once you get it down, it can create a beautiful, jazzy sound.

The sixth lick is a simple, yet effective phrase that works well on a dominant 7 chord. The right hand fingering is 4-3-1, and the left hand can play a simple walking bass line. This lick can create a catchy, upbeat sound that's perfect for fast-paced tunes.

The seventh lick is a jazzy phrase that works well on a minor 7 chord. The right hand fingering is 5-4-2-1-2-4-2, and the left hand can play a simple walking bass line. This lick can be a bit challenging to play at first, but once you get it down, it can create a beautiful, sophisticated sound.