20 Easy Doom Metal Guitar Riffs for Beginners
By Riffhard Staff
Doom metal has a vibe all its own—a slow, crushing sound that evokes feelings of dread and melancholy. If you’re a beginner guitarist and want to dip your toes into this genre, you’re in luck. We’ve got 20 easy doom metal riffs to get you started. These riffs are straightforward yet powerful, perfect for getting that doom-laden sound without overwhelming technique. So, grab your guitar, tune it down, and let’s get started on crafting some heavy, bone-shaking riffs.
1. Slow and Heavy: The Essence of Doom
Doom metal is all about the slow and heavy. Think Black Sabbath’s “Black Sabbath” or anything by Electric Wizard. The key to these riffs is in the pacing. You want to keep things methodical and grounded. Start with a simple power chord progression. For example, try a progression of E5, G5, and A5. Hold each chord for two measures to let that weighty sound hang in the air. Remember, it’s not about speed—it’s about feeling every note.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|-2----5----7----|
A|-2----5----7----|
E|-0----3----5----|
Spend some time feeling the groove of this progression. Experiment with palm muting to add more dynamics. The trick is to let each chord resonate fully before moving on to the next. This is where the doom magic happens.
2. The Power of the Trill
Adding trills to your riffs can introduce a haunting quality. A trill is a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes. In the context of doom metal, it adds a sense of urgency and tension. Try this simple trill exercise in the key of E minor:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|-2h3p2----------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
Practice this trill slowly, and gradually build up speed. The aim is to maintain a clean, even sound. You can incorporate this technique into your doom riffs for added texture and complexity.
3. Drone on: The Power of Open Strings
Doom metal often utilizes open strings to create a droning effect. This adds depth and resonance to your riffs. A simple yet effective pattern is alternating between an open low E string and other notes in the scale. Here’s a pattern to try:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|----2----3------|
A|----------------|
E|0-------0-------|
Let the open E ring out while you move through the other notes. This creates a full, rich sound that’s quintessentially doom. Experiment with different rhythms and note combinations to create your own unique riffs.
4. Embrace the Blues: Minor Pentatonic Riffs
Doom metal has roots in the blues, and the minor pentatonic scale is a great tool for creating riffs. Here’s a simple E minor pentatonic pattern to get you started:
E|-------------------|
B|-------------------|
G|-------------------|
D|--2---2-5-2--------|
A|--2-5-------5-2----|
E|0------------------|
Use this pattern to craft soulful, haunting riffs. The minor pentatonic scale is versatile, allowing you to explore different moods and emotions within your playing. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and add your own flair.
5. The Crushing Chug: Palm Muting Techniques
Palm muting is a staple in doom metal, providing that heavy, chugging sound. To palm mute, rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge as you play. Here’s a simple riff to practice this technique:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|2-2-2-2---------|
A|2-2-2-2---------|
E|0-0-0-0---------|
Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and dynamic control. Palm muting adds a percussive element to your playing, giving your riffs more impact. Experiment with varying the pressure of your palm to alter the muted sound.
6. Melodic Doom: Using Harmonics
Natural harmonics can add an eerie, otherworldly quality to your riffs. They’re produced by lightly touching the string directly above a fret and then striking the string. Try this harmonic exercise:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-------------|
D|-------------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
Use these harmonics in conjunction with power chords and other techniques to add layers to your doom metal sound. The ethereal quality of harmonics contrasts beautifully with the dark, heavy riffs typical of the genre.
7. Down-Tuning: The Low Road
Doom metal often involves tuning your guitar down to achieve that deeper, darker sound. Try tuning your guitar to Drop D (D A D G B e) or even lower. Here’s a simple riff in Drop D:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|-2----5----7----|
A|-2----5----7----|
D|-2----5----7----|
Tuning down not only changes the pitch but also alters the tension of the strings, giving your playing a different feel. Experiment with different tunings to find the one that resonates with you.
8. Rhythm and Groove: Syncopation in Doom
Syncopation can add a compelling groove to your doom riffs. It’s all about accenting beats you wouldn’t normally emphasize. Here’s a simple syncopated rhythm to practice:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|-2---2---2---2--|
A|-2---2---2---2--|
E|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0|
Notice how the open E is played on the offbeats. This creates a push-pull effect that draws the listener in. Syncopation can turn a simple riff into something memorable and engaging.
9. Building Tension with Dissonance
Dissonance can evoke feelings of tension and unease, perfect for doom metal. Try incorporating tritones or minor seconds into your riffs. Here’s an example using a tritone:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-----5----------|
D|-----4----------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
The clash between these notes creates an unsettling sound. Use dissonance sparingly to highlight specific parts of your riffs, adding emotional depth and complexity to your music.
10. Doom and Gloom: The Role of Dynamics
Dynamics are essential in delivering the emotional impact of doom metal. Use volume swells, crescendos, and decrescendos to shape your riffs. Here’s a simple exercise:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|---2---2---2----|
A|---2---2---2----|
E|-0---0---0------|
Start playing softly, gradually increasing your picking intensity, and then let it fade back down. This dynamic range keeps your playing interesting and expressive.
11. The Bluesy Bend: Adding Emotion
String bends can introduce a bluesy, emotional quality to your doom riffs. Here’s a simple bend exercise:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|--2b4-----------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
Focus on controlling the pitch and release of the bend. This technique allows you to add a vocal-like quality to your playing, enhancing the expressiveness of your riffs.
12. Layering with Octaves
Using octaves can create a fuller, richer sound in your doom riffs. Here’s a simple octave exercise:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|---7------------|
D|---x------------|
A|---5------------|
E|----------------|
By striking both notes simultaneously, you add depth to your riffs without cluttering the sound. Octaves can also help in building tension or transitioning between different sections of a song.
13. Desert Riffs: The Stoner Doom Influence
Stoner doom often incorporates a fuzzier tone and laid-back groove. Here’s a riff inspired by this style:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|---4--4--5--5---|
A|---4--4--5--5---|
E|-2--2--3--3-----|
Focus on keeping a relaxed feel while maintaining the heaviness. Stoner doom riffs often use pentatonic scales with extended notes, leaning into the hypnotic quality of the music.
14. Experiment with Effects: Reverb and Delay
Effects can significantly enhance the atmosphere of your doom riffs. Reverb and delay add space and depth, making your riffs sound even more massive. Here’s how you might use them:
- Reverb: Set to a long decay to create an expansive, cavernous sound.
- Delay: Use a subtle repeat to add texture without overpowering the riff.
Experiment with these effects to find a combination that complements your playing style and adds to the overall mood of your music.
15. The Art of Minimalism: Less is More
Doom metal often thrives on simplicity. Focusing on a few powerful notes or chords can be more effective than a complex sequence. Here’s an exercise in minimalism:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|----2-----------|
A|----2-----------|
E|0---------------|
Let each note or chord ring out fully before moving on to the next. This approach emphasizes the weight and power of each sound, staying true to the doom metal ethos.
16. Building Atmosphere: The Role of Silence
Silence can be just as powerful as sound in creating tension and atmosphere. Try incorporating pauses into your riffs:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|----2---2-------|
A|----2---2-------|
E|0-------0-------|
The pauses give each note more impact when they’re played, heightening the emotional intensity and anticipation. Silence in music can be a powerful tool for creating dramatic effects.
17. Exploring Open Tunings
Open tunings can inspire new creative possibilities. Try tuning your guitar to an open C (C G C G C E) for a fresh take on doom riffs. Here’s an example:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|-5----7---------|
A|-5----7---------|
E|-5----7---------|
This tuning opens up new chord shapes and melodic ideas, allowing you to explore different sonic landscapes within your doom metal compositions.
18. The Power of Feedback
Feedback is often seen as an unwanted noise, but in doom metal, it can be a powerful tool. Controlled feedback during a riff can add texture and chaos, enhancing the atmosphere. Here’s how to experiment with it:
- Stand close to your amp and let a note sustain until feedback occurs.
- Use your volume knob to control the intensity and duration.
This technique requires practice and experimentation to master, but it can add a unique edge to your sound.
19. Crafting Eerie Melodies
Melody isn’t often the focus in doom metal, but a haunting melody can add depth to your riffs. Use the natural minor scale to craft eerie melodies. Here’s a simple one in E minor:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|---2---3---5----|
A|----------------|
E|0---------------|
Incorporate this melody into your riffs, blending it with other techniques to create a multidimensional sound that draws in the listener.
20. Doom Metal Dynamics: Building and Releasing Tension
Building and releasing tension is core to doom metal. Use volume swells, crescendos, and decrescendos to shape your music. Here’s an example:
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|---2---2---2----|
A|---2---2---2----|
E|-0---0---0------|
Start softly, gradually increase your picking intensity, and then let it fade back down. This dynamic range keeps your playing interesting and expressive, drawing your audience into the heavy atmosphere of doom metal.
Final Thoughts
Exploring doom metal riffs as a beginner can be an exciting journey into the world of heavy, atmospheric music. These riffs offer a gateway to experimenting with sound and emotion. If you’re looking to deepen your skills, Riffhard offers lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists to help you on your journey. Embrace the slowness, the heaviness, and the mood, and let your guitar do the talking.