How to Write Doom Metal Riffs

Doom metal riffs are like the rumbling thunder in a storm—slow, powerful, and atmospheric. They're the backbone of a genre that's heavy not just in sound but in mood. Crafting these riffs is an art of its own, requiring a unique blend of creativity and technical skill. Let's explore how to create those crushing, slow-burning riffs that define doom metal.

Understanding the Essence of Doom Metal

To write doom metal riffs, you need to first understand what doom metal is all about. This subgenre is characterized by its slow tempos, heavy distortion, and a generally melancholic or ominous atmosphere. Bands like Black Sabbath, Candlemass, and Electric Wizard have set the standard, using music to evoke feelings of despair, dread, or contemplation.

Doom metal riffs often revolve around minor scales and dissonant chords. Unlike faster genres like thrash or death metal, doom is more about creating a soundscape than shredding at lightning speed. It's about letting each note breathe and resonate, allowing the listeners to feel the weight of the music. This intention behind the music is crucial when crafting your riffs.

Finding the Right Tuning

One of the first things you should consider when writing doom metal riffs is your guitar tuning. Standard tuning might not cut it if you're aiming for that deep, resonant sound. Most doom metal bands opt for lower tunings like Drop D, Drop C, or even Drop B. Some go as far as tuning down to A or G to achieve that droning effect.

Lower tunings help in achieving that thick, heavy tone that doom metal is known for. They allow the strings to vibrate more slowly, which complements the slower tempos of doom riffs. Plus, they give you access to a deeper range of notes that can make your riffs sound more ominous.

If you're unsure where to start, try experimenting with different tunings. You might find that a particular tuning resonates more with the mood you're trying to convey. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all. What matters is how the tuning helps in expressing the emotion of your riffs.

The Power of Simplicity

In doom metal, less is often more. The genre thrives on simplicity and repetition, allowing the riffs to become almost hypnotic. This doesn't mean your riffs should be boring—rather, they should focus on creating a strong, memorable hook that can carry the weight of the song.

A simple riff can often be the most effective. Think of Tony Iommi's iconic riffs in Black Sabbath songs like "Iron Man" or "Paranoid." These riffs are straightforward but incredibly powerful, and they stick with you long after the song is over.

When writing your doom metal riffs, start with a basic progression or melody. Play around with it, see how it sounds at different tempos or with different effects. Sometimes, just changing a single note or adding a bend can transform a riff from good to great.

Using Minor Scales and Modes

Doom metal heavily relies on minor scales and modes to create its dark and moody atmosphere. The natural minor scale (also known as the Aeolian mode) is a staple in the genre. It provides that somber, melancholic sound that doom metal thrives on.

Another useful tool is the Phrygian mode. This scale has a distinctive, exotic sound that can add a mysterious or unsettling quality to your riffs. The half-step intervals between certain notes in this mode can create tension, which is perfect for doom riffs.

Experiment with these scales when writing your riffs. Try playing them slowly, letting each note ring out. Listen to how the notes interact with each other. Sometimes, the spaces between the notes can be just as impactful as the notes themselves, creating a sense of anticipation or foreboding.

Embracing Dissonance

Dissonance is your friend in doom metal. It adds an edge to your riffs, making them sound more unsettling or eerie. This can be achieved by using tritones, diminished chords, or other dissonant intervals.

The tritone, also known as "the devil's interval," has a long history in music as a tool for creating tension. It's a staple in many doom metal riffs because of its unsettling sound. Use it sparingly to emphasize certain parts of your riff or to create a sense of unease.

Another way to incorporate dissonance is through chord voicings. Try using power chords with an added minor second or major seventh. These chords can add a unique flavor to your riffs, making them stand out while still maintaining that heavy, doom-laden sound.

Playing with Dynamics

Dynamics play a crucial role in doom metal. While the genre is generally characterized by its slow and heavy nature, varying the dynamics within your riffs can keep them interesting and engaging.

Consider starting a riff softly, then gradually building up to a thunderous crescendo. This contrast can add drama and tension to your music, making it more emotionally impactful. You can also experiment with sudden dynamic shifts, going from loud to quiet or vice versa, to create surprise and intrigue.

Keep in mind the role of silence or rest. Sometimes, a well-placed pause can be just as powerful as a crushing chord. It gives the listener a moment to breathe and anticipate what's coming next.

Experimenting with Effects

Effects pedals can be a doom guitarist's best friend. They can add layers to your sound, making your riffs more atmospheric and immersive. Some popular effects in doom metal include reverb, delay, fuzz, and phaser.

Reverb and delay can create a sense of space, making your riffs sound larger than life. They can be used to create an echoing, haunting effect that complements the slow tempo of doom metal. Fuzz, on the other hand, adds thickness and grit, giving your riffs that heavy, saturated sound.

Phasers and flangers can add movement to your riffs, creating a swirling, psychedelic effect. These can be particularly effective when used sparingly, adding a touch of otherworldliness to your sound.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of effects. You might discover a unique sound that becomes a signature element of your music.

The Importance of Tone

Your guitar tone is crucial in doom metal. A thick, sustaining tone is essential to capture the essence of the genre. Achieving this often involves a combination of the right amp settings, guitar pickups, and effects.

Many doom guitarists favor tube amplifiers for their warm, organic sound. They often set their amps to produce a clean tone, then rely on pedals for distortion and other effects. This allows for greater control over the sound, enabling you to shape your tone precisely.

When it comes to pickups, humbuckers are generally preferred for their ability to produce a thick, powerful sound. They handle lower tunings well and can drive the amp into a rich, saturated distortion.

Experiment with your gear to find a tone that suits your style. Remember, it's not just about being loud—it's about being heavy and resonant.

Learning from the Masters

One of the best ways to improve your doom metal riff-writing skills is to study the work of established artists in the genre. Listen to bands like Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Electric Wizard, and Saint Vitus. Pay attention to how they construct their riffs, how they use dynamics, and how they create atmosphere.

Try learning some of their songs to get a feel for their techniques and approaches. Analyze their riffs—what makes them effective? Is it the choice of notes, the rhythm, the dynamics?

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists, including those who specialize in doom metal techniques. These lessons can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own riff writing.

Final Thoughts

Writing doom metal riffs is all about creating that heavy, atmospheric sound that can transport listeners to another world. By understanding the essence of the genre, experimenting with different tunings, embracing simplicity, and using effects wisely, you can craft riffs that are both powerful and memorable. At Riffhard, we provide resources to help you explore these techniques further, with lessons from some of the best in the business. Embrace the heaviness, and let your creativity flow.