Chops

[Bushfire]

What the hell are they?

Thanks

[bassicinstinct]

In this context, "musical/instrumental skills".

[Correlli]

There's probably lots of definitions for term "chops". The one I use is a 1, 2, 3, or 4 bar unique phase. It incoporates both Rhythm and Melody. Drummers also create chops, which is mostly Rhythm orientated.

[Redhotbassist]

Chops... fancy stuff.. like say if you had some good slapping things that you could do, people would say that you had some good chops.. its a bit like 'licks'.. ahh the slang..

[Maverick Blues]

Originally Posted by Redhotbassist

Chops... fancy stuff.. like say if you had some good slapping things that you could do, people would say that you had some good chops.. its a bit like 'licks'...

I wonder how much it all varies depending on what part of the country or world you're from.

Where I grew up (central East coast of the U.S.), "chops" equaled talent or skill ("hot chops" = "mad skillz?") "Man, that dude has some chops" means he can really "tear it up." Whereas "licks" referred to specific little frills or runs or whatever, often signature things. "Did you hear that cool lick he did in the chorus?"

It'll be interesting to see what the majority opinion is.

Another one that differs for me is "noodling" -- to me it always meant just sort of goofing around on an instrument with no real purpose, wandering around to see what you could come up with. Lately though, I've been seeing it used as if it refers to something closer to very skilled playing or even shredding.

Like you said, "Ahh, the slang..."

'rick

[lowphatbass]

Here on the West Coast the word chops usually means playing ability, often also associated with speed/dexterity. Not sure but I believe it comes from brass and/or woodwind players, coming-up playing in big bands I especially heard the term associated with shape/condition of the crown a trumpeter's upper lip. Guys with alot of chops could hit higher notes, easier for longer. Phrases like, "don't blow your chops", or, "man my chops are sore", were very common place. \
Chops aren't always altogether good!! I also hear phrases like, "he has more chops than he knows what to do with", or, "sure he's got the chops...BUT", these phases may relate to someone who has good speed and dexterity but hasn't yet learned to play "musically", or may be WAY to busy.

....boy that was long!!

[gsys]

"Chops" refer to what you can do with your "axe". It's metaphorically consistent.

[The Clap]

Originally Posted by lowphatbass

....boy that was long!!

Long, but informative!

[Bassist4Life]

I just purchased the CD "Chops" (Joe Pass & NHOP). This is what is written on the back of the CD:

Louis Armstrong may not have been the first to use "chops" to refer to a musician's embouchure. He does seem to deserve credit for transmuting it to mean technical ability, as in his celebrated description of a jam session: "Chops was flyin' everywhere." Like so many terms originated by jazz musicians, the word has worked its way into the general language. A reviewer, for instance, describes an actor who delivers an inspired performance as have his chops up.

I remembered this thread and thought that this would be worth posting.

Joe