Chops mean:

Ability to play on any instrument (guitar, drums, brass, etc.). Used for guitar and drums because of the chopping motion made by the hand, and used for wind instruments because chops is also slang for one �s mouth.

On drums: He played the beat so fast. . . he has amazing chops.

On guitar: Did you hear that solo? He �s got wicked chops!

On brass: You have to have some chops to hit a double G.

On singing: She really sings well and hits those high notes - she �s got great chops.

Chops is slang.

Embouchure that Alien boy wrote is the muscle power you have around your lips.

If you �re out of practice your lips and surrounding muscles get tired  - especially if you are a trumpet player. (can be seen by puffy lips and a red ring around the lips)

If you can �t tighten your lips around a reed or a trumpet mouth-piece, it �s hard to play in pitch and especially hit the high notes because you have to play with a really tight "grip" around the mouth pieces.

Hope this helps

L