How to Come Up with Metal Riffs

Crafting killer metal riffs isn’t just about speed or technical prowess—it’s about channeling raw energy and emotion into your playing. Whether you’re going for the dark, brooding vibe of black metal or the intricate complexity of progressive metal, creating riffs that resonate is an art form. Let’s dig into the nuts and bolts of riff creation and get you on your way to writing the kind of metal riffs that make heads bang and hearts race.

Power Chords: The Building Blocks

Power chords are the bread and butter of metal guitar riffs. They’re simple, powerful, and they pack a punch. You’ll often see them in the form of two or three-string chords, focusing on the root and the fifth, occasionally adding the octave for a fuller sound. The beauty of power chords is their versatility. You can move them up and down the fretboard to create different tonalities and moods.

Start with a basic power chord shape, like E5 on the open strings:

e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|-----------------|
D|---2-------------|
A|---2-------------|
E|---0-------------|

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, experiment with sliding these shapes around. Try moving from E5 to G5 and then down to A5. This simple progression can serve as a foundation for countless riffs. The trick is to play around with the rhythm and dynamics to see what feels right. Remember, metal is all about attitude, so play with conviction!

Rhythmic Variations: Keep It Interesting

Rhythm is what separates a good riff from a great one. It’s not just about what notes you play, but how you play them. Try incorporating rhythmic variations to add complexity and interest to your riffs. You can play around with eighth notes, triplets, or even syncopated rhythms to keep listeners on their toes.

Consider a riff like this, which incorporates triplets for a galloping feel:

e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|
G|-----------------|-----------------|
D|---2---2---2-----|---2---2---2-----|
A|---2---2---2-----|---2---2---2-----|
E|---0---0---0-----|---0---0---0-----|

This rhythm is often associated with thrash and power metal, giving a driving, relentless feel to the music. On the other hand, a more syncopated approach can give your riff a modern, djent-like quality. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and see what works best for the sound you’re going for.

Alternate Picking Precision

Alternate picking is crucial for playing fast, aggressive riffs. It involves picking in a strict down-up-down-up pattern, allowing for greater speed and efficiency. Practicing alternate picking will help you achieve the clarity and precision needed for tight metal riffs.

Start with a simple exercise, like playing a chromatic scale using alternate picking:

e|---------------------------------1-2-3-4-|
B|---------------------------1-2-3-4-------|
G|-------------------1-2-3-4---------------|
D|-------------1-2-3-4---------------------|
A|-------1-2-3-4---------------------------|
E|-1-2-3-4--------------------------------|

Focus on maintaining a consistent tempo and clean transitions between strings. As you build confidence, increase the speed while keeping your playing clean. Over time, this will translate into faster, more precise riffing in your playing.

For those looking to dive deeper into alternate picking, Riffhard offers lessons from top-tier metal guitarists who specialize in rhythm and picking techniques. It’s a great resource if you’re aiming to refine your skills under expert guidance.

Incorporating Dissonance

Dissonance adds tension and drama to your riffs, making them stand out. By incorporating dissonant intervals, such as minor seconds and tritones, you can create a sense of unease and intensity. This technique is often used in black and death metal to evoke darker emotions.

Try playing a riff with a tritone interval:

e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|---2---3---2-----|
D|---1---2---1-----|
A|---0---0---0-----|
E|-----------------|

This simple pattern can add a sinister vibe to your music. Use dissonance sparingly, though—it’s most effective when used to accent key moments in your riff.

Experiment with Tunings

Changing your guitar’s tuning can inspire new ideas and open up different sonic possibilities. Drop tunings, like drop D or drop C, are popular in metal for their ability to produce heavier, more resonant riffs.

Drop D tuning, for instance, allows you to play power chords with a single finger, freeing up your hand to perform more complex movements:

e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|-----------------|
D|---2---0---3-----|
A|---2---0---3-----|
D|---2---0---3-----|

Experiment with different tunings to see which ones resonate with the sound you’re going for. Each tuning has its unique characteristics and can lead you down different creative paths.

Integrating Melody

Don’t underestimate the power of melody in your riffs. A memorable melody can make your riff more engaging and give it a stronger identity. Try combining power chords with melodic lines to create a richer, more dynamic sound.

Here’s a simple example of a melodic riff:

e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|
G|---2---4---5-----|---4---2---------|
D|---2---4---5-----|---4---2---------|
A|---0---2---3-----|---2---0---------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|

This approach is common in bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica, where the melody is as important as the rhythm. By blending melody and rhythm, you create a more complete musical statement.

Adding Dynamics

Dynamics are essential for creating riffs that capture attention. By adjusting the volume and intensity of your playing, you can evoke different emotions and keep your audience engaged. Try incorporating soft, muted sections alongside loud, aggressive parts to create contrast and drama.

Here’s an example of how dynamics can be used in a riff:

e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|
G|---2---2---2-----|---2---2---2-----|
D|---2---2---2-----|---2---2---2-----|
A|---0---0---0-----|---0---0---0-----|
E|-----------------|-----------------|

Play the first half softly, with palm muting, then let loose in the second half with full-on aggression. This push-and-pull effect can create a more dynamic musical experience.

Using Odd Time Signatures

Odd time signatures can add a unique twist to your riffs, giving them an unexpected and progressive feel. While 4/4 is the most common time signature in metal, experimenting with 5/4, 7/8, or even 9/8 can challenge your creativity and make your music stand out.

Here’s a simple riff in 7/8:

e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|
G|---2---2---2-----|---2---2---------|
D|---2---2---2-----|---2---2---------|
A|---0---0---0-----|---0---0---------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|

It might take some time to get used to these time signatures, but once you do, they can become a powerful tool in your riff-writing arsenal.

Drawing Inspiration from Other Genres

Don’t limit yourself to only metal influences. Drawing inspiration from other genres can help you develop a more unique sound. Jazz, classical, blues, or even electronic music can offer fresh perspectives and ideas that you can incorporate into your riffs.

For example, jazz often uses complex chord voicings and improvisational techniques, which can add depth and sophistication to your music. Similarly, classical music’s use of counterpoint and harmony can inspire more intricate and melodic riff structures.

Remember, inspiration can come from anywhere. Keep an open mind and let different musical styles inform your riff-writing process.

And if you’re eager to broaden your musical influences, Riffhard has a diverse range of lessons that explore various playing styles and techniques. With guidance from some of the world’s top metal guitarists, you’ll be able to expand your musical horizons in no time.

Final Thoughts

Creating memorable metal riffs is about more than just technical skill—it’s about expressing your unique voice and energy. By experimenting with different techniques, rhythms, and influences, you can craft riffs that are powerful, complex, and unforgettable. And if you’re looking for a place to further hone your skills, Riffhard offers lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists, helping you elevate your riff-writing game with ease. Happy riffing!