How to write a riff !
- Thread starter aikelman
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Stan_Kumar
New member
Use a pen/pencil and a piece of paper.
But seriously, if you're talking about riff writing, it's down to more Chord work as opposed to lick writing, which is about incorporating scales and melodies into the tune.
AKA solos.
I could be wrong about the definitions though. But this is the gist of things.
But seriously, if you're talking about riff writing, it's down to more Chord work as opposed to lick writing, which is about incorporating scales and melodies into the tune.
AKA solos.
I could be wrong about the definitions though. But this is the gist of things.
not really leh...the song laid to rest sounded like it was composed almost entirely on scales, well except for abt 2 or 3 patterns that were based on power chords =/
well anyway, i still agree with u that chord work is still important in riff writing though, especially when starting out
well anyway, i still agree with u that chord work is still important in riff writing though, especially when starting out
valentinik_15
New member
Just write whatever you want to write. As long as it sounds good to you. U limit you writing to scales then you limit your creativity. After all, it's your riff so if it fits into your song than who's to say its wrong.
theunknown
New member
think of a good rhythm in ur head then transpose it onto the guitar. i dont think those pro musicians will go "hmm..i know pentatonic. what riff can i do with pentatonic?"
Dime
New member
I agree with this.Scales are more like reference.
xfigox
Member
Applying scales wrongly limits your creativity. If you know just abit of how scales and the intervals between them work, it can help you alot.
Basically you will know what intervals to use when you're trying to 'transpose' whats in your mind to your guitar.
It also open doors to many different kinds of riffs or licks that you've never even thought of.
Try experimenting with the intervals and see how they sound, but like what Stan_Kumar has said, its mainly down to chord work too.
Basically you will know what intervals to use when you're trying to 'transpose' whats in your mind to your guitar.
It also open doors to many different kinds of riffs or licks that you've never even thought of.
Try experimenting with the intervals and see how they sound, but like what Stan_Kumar has said, its mainly down to chord work too.
valentinik_15
New member
I'm quoting myself. Sounds like the above could be use for lyrics to a song. :mrgreen:
centralcatchment
New member
Assuming that you can listen to a song and identify the riff, the best way to learn about riffs is just to listen to a catchy tune.
Many catchy riffs actually are multiple riffs in counterpoint. Then you have to figure out who's playing what. Two riffs are better than one (provided they go together)
When you hear something you like, ask yourself why you like it. If you can play it, then practice it. If there's something you don't like, ask yourself why it's wrong.
If you can't experiment with music by playing it in your head, use a piano. Pianos are usually easier than guitars.
(Actually if you can't listen to a song and identify the riff, you probably should not be writing music. Sorry but that's true.)
Offhand I can name these few artists who are good at riffs:
Beatles
Rolling Stones (obviously)
Clash (they are seriously underrated songwriters)
Parliament - Funkadelic
Sly + Family Stone
Chic
Kinks
Nirvana
Wire
James Brown
Television
Study, learn. Build up your vocab of riffs.
Many catchy riffs actually are multiple riffs in counterpoint. Then you have to figure out who's playing what. Two riffs are better than one (provided they go together)
When you hear something you like, ask yourself why you like it. If you can play it, then practice it. If there's something you don't like, ask yourself why it's wrong.
If you can't experiment with music by playing it in your head, use a piano. Pianos are usually easier than guitars.
(Actually if you can't listen to a song and identify the riff, you probably should not be writing music. Sorry but that's true.)
Offhand I can name these few artists who are good at riffs:
Beatles
Rolling Stones (obviously)
Clash (they are seriously underrated songwriters)
Parliament - Funkadelic
Sly + Family Stone
Chic
Kinks
Nirvana
Wire
James Brown
Television
Study, learn. Build up your vocab of riffs.
fenderrules
New member
A good riff can be anything from a simple guitar line to a short fast solo. I personally use a lot of modes and scales to compose a good riff. I love middle eastern sounding stuff so I always use the Phrygian mode and Harmonic minor scales. Of course, I don't limit myself just to that as there are 6 other modes to use. So it limitless to what you can do with them.
And it's not just about modal and scale work but also using it with different techniques and rhythm. I like to gallop so I sometimes use a harmonic minor scale with the low E being galloped for a "reference" pedal point. I mean, whatever floats your boat doing a riff, you'll be just fine as long as it is music to your ears.
So yeah, good luck with the riffage work.
Cheers
And it's not just about modal and scale work but also using it with different techniques and rhythm. I like to gallop so I sometimes use a harmonic minor scale with the low E being galloped for a "reference" pedal point. I mean, whatever floats your boat doing a riff, you'll be just fine as long as it is music to your ears.
So yeah, good luck with the riffage work.
Cheers
theunknown
New member
i'd take that line from u and add a riff in Aminor.
another thing, is a riff same as a lick?
