How to Write Black Metal Riffs

Black metal riffs are like the soundtrack to a storm, blending raw power with intricate layers of atmosphere. Crafting these riffs isn’t just about speed or darkness—it’s about capturing an essence. In this guide, we’ll explore how to write black metal riffs that are both haunting and heavy. From tremolo picking to dissonant chords, I’ll break down techniques and tips that will help you channel your inner darkness into your guitar playing.

Finding Inspiration in the Abyss

Every great riff starts with a spark of inspiration, and for black metal, that often comes from the atmosphere. Think about the cold, bleak landscapes or the eerie silence of a foggy night. Imagery like this can fuel your creativity. Try listening to the pioneers like Mayhem or Burzum while visualizing these settings. Let the music transport you, and see what ideas start to form.

Another way to draw inspiration is to immerse yourself in dark literature or films. The themes and moods present in works like H.P. Lovecraft’s stories or Ingmar Bergman’s films can provide fertile ground for riff ideas. Remember, the goal is to evoke emotion and create a sonic landscape that reflects the dark tales you want to tell through your music.

Tremolo Picking: The Heartbeat of Black Metal

Tremolo picking is a staple in black metal, giving riffs their relentless drive and icy texture. To get started, try picking a single note rapidly, ensuring your picking hand is relaxed. The key is to maintain consistency and evenness in your strokes. Use alternate picking to keep the motion fluid, and start slowly before building up speed.

Once you’re comfortable with the basic technique, experiment with different note sequences and patterns. For instance, take a simple minor scale and tremolo pick each note. Vary the rhythm and speed to add dynamics and interest. The beauty of tremolo picking lies in its ability to create tension and release, so don’t be afraid to play around with timing and accenting certain notes.

Interestingly enough, at Riffhard, we have lessons that focus on perfecting tremolo picking, taught by some of the most respected metal guitarists. Their insights can help refine your technique and add precision to your playing.

Embracing Dissonance and Diminished Intervals

Dissonance is the unsettling cousin of harmony, and it’s a powerful tool in black metal. Incorporating dissonant intervals like diminished fifths or augmented fourths can add a haunting quality to your riffs. Try playing a power chord and then shifting one finger to create a tritone interval. The resulting sound should feel tense and eerie—perfect for black metal.

Another technique is to layer dissonant intervals over a droning note. This creates a sense of unease and can serve as a foundation for more complex riff structures. Experiment with different combinations of intervals and see how they alter the mood of your music.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into these techniques, Riffhard offers lessons that explore dissonant chord progressions and how to incorporate them into your songwriting effectively.

Crafting Atmosphere with Chord Voicings

The right chord voicings can transform a simple riff into an atmospheric masterpiece. In black metal, open and suspended chords are often used to create space and texture. Try using open strings in your chords to give the sound more resonance and depth. For example, play a power chord and let the open strings ring out alongside it.

Suspended chords, such as sus2 and sus4, can add a mysterious quality to your riffs. These chords omit the third, which gives them an ambiguous sound that fits well with the genre’s themes. You can also explore altered tunings to find new voicings that might not be possible in standard tuning.

Remember, black metal is about atmosphere as much as it is about aggression. Use these voicings to paint a musical picture that draws the listener into your world.

Rhythmic Variations: Beyond the Blast Beat

While blast beats are a hallmark of black metal, incorporating varied rhythms can add intrigue and complexity to your riffs. Experiment with syncopation and off-beat accents to keep your audience engaged. Try playing a straightforward tremolo-picked riff and then shifting the emphasis to different beats in the measure.

You can also incorporate polyrhythms, where two different rhythms are played simultaneously, to create tension and release. This technique can be particularly effective when paired with dissonant chord progressions.

For those looking to expand their rhythmic toolkit, our platform at Riffhard offers insights into advanced rhythmic concepts that can elevate your songwriting and performance.

Layering and Dynamics: Building a Wall of Sound

Black metal isn’t just about speed and aggression—it’s also about creating a dense, immersive sound. Layering guitar tracks can help achieve this. Start with a basic riff and record multiple takes, slightly varying the dynamics and timing of each one. Pan these tracks to different sides of the stereo field to create a wider, more enveloping sound.

Dynamics play a crucial role in keeping your music engaging. Use volume swells, crescendos, and decrescendos to add drama and contrast. For example, a quiet, clean intro can make a heavy, distorted riff hit even harder when it kicks in.

These techniques are covered in our lessons at Riffhard, where seasoned instructors guide you through the process of creating rich, dynamic soundscapes.

Incorporating Melodic Elements: Finding Beauty in Darkness

While black metal is known for its raw intensity, incorporating melodic elements can add depth and emotion to your music. Experiment with minor scales and modes, such as Phrygian or Locrian, to craft memorable melodies that complement your riffs. These scales have a natural darkness to them, making them perfect for black metal.

Harmony can also play a role in your compositions. Try layering a simple melody over a tremolo-picked riff or using harmonized guitar parts to add richness. The contrast between melody and dissonance can create a hauntingly beautiful effect.

Melody and harmony are not mutually exclusive with aggression—when used effectively, they can enhance the emotional impact of your music.

Experimenting with Production Techniques

The production of black metal is a topic of much debate, with some purists favoring raw, lo-fi recordings and others embracing more polished productions. Whichever path you choose, it’s important to consider how production techniques can enhance your riffs.

Reverb and delay can add a sense of space and otherworldliness to your guitar tone. Use these effects sparingly to avoid muddying the mix, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to find what works for your sound.

EQ is another powerful tool. Scooping the mids can give your riffs a cold, brittle quality, while boosting them can add warmth and presence. Play around with different EQ settings to shape your tone and find the right balance for your music.

Final Thoughts

Writing black metal riffs is as much about capturing a mood as it is about technical prowess. By incorporating techniques like tremolo picking, dissonant chords, and atmospheric layers, you can create music that is both powerful and evocative. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding and skills, our lessons at Riffhard provide insights from some of the best guitarists in the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, remember that the journey is part of the reward. Keep exploring and pushing the boundaries of your sound.