What is the difference between a guitar lick and a riff, and how can you distinguish between the two when playing the guitar?

A guitar lick is a short musical phrase or sequence of notes that is often used as a solo or embellishment in a song. A riff, on the other hand, is a repeated pattern of notes or chords that forms the main theme of a song.

You can distinguish between the two when playing the guitar by paying attention to the length and complexity of the musical phrase. Licks are usually shorter and more intricate, while riffs are longer and more repetitive. Additionally, riffs often serve as the foundation of a song, while licks are used to add flair and variation.