How to Play Death Metal Riffs

Death metal riffs are the backbone of some of the most intense and aggressive music out there. They can be brutally fast, technically demanding, and a whole lot of fun to play. If you’ve ever wanted to create that wall of sound that bands like Cannibal Corpse or Morbid Angel are known for, you’re in the right place. This article will cover everything you need to know about playing death metal riffs, from the basics to some advanced techniques.

Getting the Sound Right: Tuning and Gear

Before you start chugging away, you need to ensure your setup is ready to handle the brutality of death metal. Let’s talk tuning and gear.

Most death metal bands tune lower than the standard EADGBE tuning. Drop D, D standard, C standard, and even B standard tunings are quite common. The lower tuning provides that deep, growling sound that’s iconic in death metal. If you’re not sure where to start, try drop D—a simple yet effective way to get a heavier sound without too much hassle.

Your guitar should be equipped with humbucker pickups. Single coils just don’t cut it for the kind of gain and crunch you need. A high-gain amp or a solid distortion pedal is also essential. Scooping the mids might sound appealing, but remember that mids help your tone cut through the mix, especially in a band setting.

Finally, if you’re looking for an online resource to guide you through setting up your gear for the perfect death metal tone, Riffhard offers insights from some of the best metal guitarists in the world. You can learn from their experiences and adapt your setup accordingly.

Building Blocks: Scales and Modes

Death metal riffs often utilize specific scales and modes to create that ominous, dark sound. The minor scale and its variations are your best friends here.

The natural minor scale, also known as the Aeolian mode, is a staple in death metal. It provides a somber and dark tonal quality. The harmonic minor scale is another option, known for its exotic, almost Middle Eastern sound due to its raised seventh note. This scale is perfect for adding tension and drama to your riffs.

Besides scales, chromatic runs are often used to add dissonance and an unsettling feel. These are sequences where you play every note in a row, without skipping any. Chromatic runs can be incorporated into riffs to transition between parts or to build intensity.

Understanding these scales and modes is a critical step, but applying them effectively is where the magic happens. If you want to see these concepts in action, Riffhard offers lessons that showcase how pro guitarists use these scales in their riff writing.

Downpicking: The Meat and Potatoes

Downpicking is a hallmark of death metal rhythm guitar. It involves using only downstrokes with your picking hand, creating a tight, aggressive sound that alternate picking can’t quite replicate.

To develop your downpicking skills, start slow. Focus on consistency and precision rather than speed. It’s tempting to try to play fast right away, but remember that speed is a byproduct of good technique. Use a metronome to keep yourself honest—you’ll be amazed at how much it helps.

• Start with simple exercises, like downpicking eighth notes at a comfortable tempo.
• Gradually increase the speed, ensuring that each note is clean and precise.
• Practice palm muting while downpicking to add that chunky, percussive sound.

Building endurance is also crucial, as many death metal songs require sustained downpicking for extended periods. Regular practice will help you build the stamina needed for this demanding technique.

Alternate Picking: Speed and Precision

While downpicking is vital, alternate picking is equally crucial for playing fast riffs. This technique involves alternating between down and up strokes, allowing for quicker note succession.

To get started, alternate pick simple scales or sequences. Focus on keeping your hand relaxed and your movements economical. The less your hand moves, the faster you can play.

Here’s a quick exercise to practice:

|--------------------------------------|
|--------------------------------------|
|--------------------------------------|
|--------------------------------------|
|-----7-8-7-----7-8-7-----7-8-7-----7-8-7|
|-5-8-------8-5-------8-5-------8-5-------|

Start slow and gradually increase your speed. Consistency is key, so aim for steady timing rather than bursts of speed.

Alternate picking can be tricky to master, but with regular practice, it becomes second nature. If you’re looking for detailed breakdowns of alternate picking techniques, Riffhard has some excellent lessons from top metal guitarists that can elevate your playing.

String Skipping and Arpeggios

String skipping and arpeggios add complexity and flair to your riffs. These techniques involve skipping strings or playing notes of a chord in succession, creating a more intricate sound.

String skipping involves playing notes on non-adjacent strings, which can create a unique, open sound that contrasts with the densely packed notes of typical death metal riffs. It’s great for breaking up monotonous chugging sections.

Arpeggios, on the other hand, are sequences of notes played one at a time from a chord. Sweep picking is often used to play arpeggios quickly and fluidly, but it requires precision and practice to avoid sounding sloppy.

Here’s a basic arpeggio exercise:

|-------------------------12h15p12-------------------------|
|--------------------13---------------13--------------------|
|---------------12-------------------------12---------------|
|----------14-----------------------------------14----------|
|-----15---------------------------------------------15-----|
|-----------------------------------------------------------|

Start by practicing arpeggios slowly, focusing on each note ringing out clearly. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

For more advanced string skipping and arpeggio techniques, Riffhard offers lessons that delve into these techniques as used by some of the top guitarists in metal.

Dissonance and Chromaticism

Dissonance and chromaticism are integral to the eerie, unsettling sound of death metal. These elements create tension and a sense of unease, which is perfect for the genre.

To achieve dissonance, try incorporating intervals like diminished fifths or minor seconds into your riffs. These intervals naturally clash, creating that harsh, aggressive sound that defines death metal.

Chromaticism involves playing sequences of notes that move in half steps, creating a sense of unpredictability and chaos. Chromatic riffs are often used in transitions or to build tension before a breakdown.

Here’s a simple chromatic exercise to try:

|---------------------------------|
|---------------------------------|
|---------------------------------|
|---------------------------------|
|-5-6-7-8-------------------------|
|---------8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1---------|

As you practice, focus on keeping each note distinct. Chromatic riffs should sound deliberate, not accidental.

Adding Dynamics to Your Playing

It’s not all about speed and aggression. Dynamics—variations in loudness and intensity—play a huge role in making death metal riffs stand out. It’s about knowing when to hold back and when to unleash fury.

Incorporate techniques like palm muting to control volume and intensity. A softly muted riff can build tension, making the following section hit even harder. Experiment with picking dynamics, too, a riff played quietly can sound haunting, while the same riff played aggressively can be downright terrifying.

1. Try starting a riff quietly and gradually increasing the volume through the section.
2. Use palm muting to create percussive, staccato effects during quieter sections.
3. Alternate between muted and open notes for contrast and added interest.

Remember, dynamics are about storytelling through music. They provide the ebb and flow that keeps listeners engaged.

Creating Your Own Riffs

Now that you have the technical skills, it’s time to start writing your own death metal riffs. This is where you can let your creativity shine.

Begin by combining different techniques you’ve learned in this article. Mix downpicking with alternate picking, and throw in some chromatic runs or string-skipping arpeggios for variety. Experiment with different scales and modes, and don’t be afraid to break the rules.

Here are some tips for writing killer riffs:

• Start with a simple rhythm or melody and build upon it.
• Use repetition to create hooks, but introduce subtle variations to maintain interest.
• Think about the overall structure of your song. Where does your riff fit in? Does it serve as a verse, chorus, or bridge?

Embrace trial and error, some ideas will work, and others won’t. The important part is to keep experimenting and refining your sound. If you’re looking for some inspiration or guidance along the way, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources and insights from seasoned professionals that can help you hone your riff-writing skills.

Final Thoughts

Playing death metal riffs is a challenging yet immensely rewarding endeavor. It requires precision, speed, and a good sense of rhythm. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the techniques covered here are essential building blocks for your journey. If you’re ready to take your playing to the next level, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists to help you master the art of death metal riffing.