What does the musical term chop mean?

Answer 1

Depending on usage one of two meaning can be given for the term chop.

1. A player has chops, that is musical skills on their instrument that allows them to play fluidly and almost effortlessly. These skills are formed from the practice of scales, chords and arpeggios (broken chord). Added to this is an extensive knowledge of the instrument, as in where to find notes, how to play different articulations and dynamics.
2. A chop is the result of cutting a sample into a smaller slice or piece - the acting of making the pieces is known as "chopping"