The 20 Best Death Metal Guitar Riffs of All Time

Death metal guitar riffs are the backbone of the genre’s brutal sound, and there’s something uniquely satisfying about mastering them. They’re the musical equivalent of a powerlifting session, challenging your stamina, precision, and creativity. In this article, we’ll look at 20 of the best death metal riffs, showcasing the variety and innovation that define the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, these riffs will both inspire and challenge your skills.

1. “Raining Blood” – Slayer

Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t Slayer thrash?” And you’re right! But “Raining Blood” is one of those tracks that transcends its genre, influencing countless death metal bands with its intensity. The main riff is a relentless down-picked assault that demands precision and endurance.

To nail this riff, focus on your alternate picking speed. Start slow, using a metronome to gradually increase your tempo. The key to capturing the essence of this riff is maintaining that tight, aggressive picking throughout.

2. “Hammer Smashed Face” – Cannibal Corpse

If there’s one riff that screams death metal, it’s this one. Cannibal Corpse’s “Hammer Smashed Face” is a classic, with its brutal chugging and unexpected rhythm changes. It’s a perfect example of how death metal can be both heavy and rhythmically complex.

When practicing this riff, pay attention to the syncopated rhythms. Use palm muting to get that chunky sound, and remember to keep your picking hand relaxed to avoid fatigue. It’s a workout, but the payoff is a killer riff that’s a staple in any death metal repertoire.

3. “Crystal Mountain” – Death

Chuck Schuldiner’s guitar work in Death is nothing short of iconic, and “Crystal Mountain” showcases his technical prowess beautifully. The riff is a blend of melodic lines and precise picking, illustrating how death metal can be both brutal and melodic.

For this riff, focus on clarity and articulation. Practice the sequence slowly, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Once comfortable, gradually increase your speed. This riff is a great exercise in combining melody with aggression.

4. “Chapel of Ghouls” – Morbid Angel

Morbid Angel’s “Chapel of Ghouls” is a cornerstone of death metal riffing. With its sinister atmosphere and intricate patterns, it’s a masterclass in the genre’s darker side.

When tackling this riff, break it down into sections. Master each part before trying to play it in full. The key is to maintain the haunting vibe while nailing the technical aspects. This is a riff that rewards patience and precision.

5. “Open Face Surgery” – Cryptopsy

Cryptopsy is known for their technical prowess, and “Open Face Surgery” is a perfect example. The riff is a complex mix of rapid picking and time signature shifts, challenging even seasoned players.

Start by isolating the complex sections and practice them with a metronome set to a slow tempo. Focus on clean transitions between the different time signatures. This riff is a fantastic way to improve your technical abilities and rhythm sense.

6. “Flesh and the Power It Holds” – Death

Another incredible riff from Death, “Flesh and the Power It Holds” combines technicality with emotion. It’s a riff that demonstrates how death metal can be both intricate and expressive.

To play this riff, pay attention to the dynamics. Practice playing it softly and then with full force, focusing on how it changes the feel of the riff. It’s an excellent lesson in how technique and emotion go hand in hand in metal.

7. “Leprosy” – Death

Chuck Schuldiner makes another appearance with the title track from Death’s “Leprosy.” This riff is a straightforward but powerful example of classic death metal riffing.

Keep your picking hand tight and controlled, focusing on the rhythm’s precision. The power of this riff lies in its simplicity, making it a great starting point for those new to death metal guitar.

8. “Left Hand Path” – Entombed

Entombed’s “Left Hand Path” is a quintessential death metal riff, characterized by its crushing tone and driving rhythm. It’s a riff that captures the raw energy of Scandinavian death metal.

To play this riff, focus on your down-picking endurance. Use a slight palm mute to get that chunky sound, and practice with a metronome to lock in the timing. This riff is a great lesson in creating a powerful sound with minimal notes.

9. “Pull the Plug” – Death

Yes, Death again! “Pull the Plug” is a riff that every death metal guitarist should know. It’s aggressive, fast, and demands precise alternate picking.

Start by practicing the riff at a slower tempo, focusing on clean transitions between notes. Once you’re comfortable, gradually increase the speed. This riff is all about tightness and precision, making it a perfect exercise for honing your picking skills.

10. “Maze of Torment” – Morbid Angel

Morbid Angel’s “Maze of Torment” features a riff that’s as relentless as it is complex. It’s a fantastic example of how death metal can be both rhythmically challenging and intensely satisfying.

Break the riff down into manageable sections, focusing on nailing the timing and rhythm. Use a metronome to keep your tempo consistent, and don’t rush it. The reward is a riff that showcases the ferocity of death metal at its finest.

11. “Dead by Dawn” – Deicide

Deicide’s “Dead by Dawn” is a classic death metal track with a riff that’s both aggressive and catchy. It’s a prime example of how death metal can be brutally heavy while still being memorable.

Focus on the rhythm and syncopation in this riff. Keep your picking hand relaxed to maintain speed and accuracy. The riff’s power comes from its driving rhythm and relentless energy, making it a must-learn for any death metal guitarist.

12. “Heartwork” – Carcass

Carcass’s “Heartwork” features a riff that blends melody with brutality, showcasing the band’s unique approach to death metal. It’s a riff that’s both challenging and rewarding to play.

When practicing this riff, focus on the melodic lines and how they interact with the rhythm. Use a metronome to ensure you’re playing in time, and pay attention to the dynamics. This riff is a great lesson in balancing melody with aggression.

13. “Altars of Madness” – Morbid Angel

Another Morbid Angel classic, “Altars of Madness” features a riff that’s both intricate and powerful. It’s a track that highlights the complexity and intensity of death metal.

Break the riff into smaller sections, mastering each part before playing it in full. Use a metronome to keep your timing tight, and focus on your picking technique. This riff is a fantastic way to improve your technical skills and rhythm sense.

14. “Effigy of the Forgotten” – Suffocation

Suffocation’s “Effigy of the Forgotten” is a brutal track with a riff that’s as heavy as it is challenging. It’s a perfect example of how death metal can be both technically demanding and musically rewarding.

Focus on your picking technique and rhythm when playing this riff. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent, and don’t be afraid to slow it down if needed. This riff is a great way to improve your technical abilities and stamina.

15. “Crowned in Terror” – The Crown

The Crown’s “Crowned in Terror” features a riff that’s both fast and furious. It’s a track that showcases the speed and aggression of death metal.

When practicing this riff, focus on your alternate picking speed and accuracy. Use a metronome to gradually increase your tempo, and keep your picking hand relaxed to avoid fatigue. This riff is all about speed and precision, making it a fantastic exercise for improving your picking skills.

16. “Consuming Impulse” – Pestilence

Pestilence’s “Consuming Impulse” features a riff that’s both complex and aggressive, highlighting the band’s unique approach to death metal.

Break the riff down into smaller sections, focusing on the rhythm and timing. Use a metronome to keep your tempo consistent, and don’t rush it. This riff is a great lesson in how to balance complexity with aggression.

17. “The Philosopher” – Death

Yet another masterpiece by Death, “The Philosopher” features a riff that’s both technical and melodic. It’s a track that showcases Chuck Schuldiner’s incredible talent and creativity.

Focus on the melody and rhythm of this riff, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Use a metronome to keep your timing tight, and pay attention to the dynamics. This riff is a fantastic way to improve your melodic playing and technical skills.

18. “Infecting the Crypts” – Suffocation

Suffocation’s “Infecting the Crypts” features a riff that’s both brutal and complex, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and relentless energy.

When practicing this riff, focus on your alternate picking technique and rhythm. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent, and don’t be afraid to slow it down if needed. This riff is a great way to improve your technical abilities and stamina.

19. “Symbolic” – Death

Death’s “Symbolic” features a riff that’s both melodic and aggressive, highlighting Chuck Schuldiner’s incredible talent and creativity.

Focus on the melody and rhythm of this riff, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Use a metronome to keep your timing tight, and pay attention to the dynamics. This riff is a fantastic way to improve your melodic playing and technical skills.

20. “Where the Slime Live” – Morbid Angel

Morbid Angel’s “Where the Slime Live” features a riff that’s both heavy and haunting, showcasing the band’s unique approach to death metal.

When practicing this riff, focus on the rhythm and timing. Use a metronome to keep your tempo consistent, and don’t rush it. This riff is a great lesson in how to balance complexity with aggression.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—20 death metal riffs that have shaped the genre and continue to inspire guitarists worldwide. Each riff brings its own set of challenges and rewards, pushing you to improve your technique and creativity. If you’re looking to dive deeper into mastering these riffs, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists out there. The detailed guidance and resources can help you tackle these monster riffs with confidence.