How to Write Technical Death Metal

Technical death metal is a beast of a genre—equal parts ferocity and finesse, demanding both precision and creativity from those brave enough to tackle it. If you’re looking to craft some head-spinning riffs and complex compositions, you’re in the right place. We’ll break down the elements that make technical death metal what it is and provide you with a roadmap to start creating your own sonic chaos. Expect a mix of music theory, guitar techniques, and practical tips to get you started on your journey.

Building Blocks: Understanding Technical Death Metal

Before you can start writing technical death metal, it’s crucial to get a handle on what sets this subgenre apart. It’s a fusion of extreme metal elements with progressive, jazz, and classical influences, resulting in an intricate and often chaotic sound. Bands like Necrophagist, Obscura, and Archspire push the boundaries of speed, technicality, and creativity. So, what are the building blocks of this complex genre?

• Complex Rhythms: Odd time signatures and syncopated rhythms are staples. You’ll often encounter 7/8, 5/4, or even weirder time signatures. These rhythms challenge both the player and the listener.
• Advanced Harmony: Modes, chromaticism, and atonality are commonly used to create tension and drama.
• Technical Proficiency: Whether it’s sweep picking, alternate picking, tapping, or legato, a high level of technical skill is required.
• Dynamic Song Structures: Forget verse-chorus-verse; technical death metal songs are often multi-part epics with unexpected shifts and turns.

Understanding these elements is just the beginning. Let’s move on to applying them in your compositions.

Mastering Your Instrument: Essential Techniques

Technical death metal demands a high level of proficiency on your instrument. This isn’t just about playing fast—it’s about playing cleanly and accurately at high speeds. Here are some techniques you’ll want to focus on:

Alternate Picking

Speed and precision are crucial in technical death metal. Alternate picking is a technique that allows for rapid note articulation by alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. To practice:

• Start slow, focusing on clean picking and even timing.
• Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed.
• Practice picking exercises in different scales and modes to build dexterity and familiarity with the fretboard.

Sweep Picking

Sweep picking lets you play arpeggios quickly and fluidly, a common technique in technical death metal. To get started:

• Begin with three-string arpeggios, focusing on smooth, continuous motion.
• Once comfortable, expand to five- or six-string shapes.
• Combine with legato techniques to add variety and complexity.

For more in-depth lessons on these techniques, Riffhard offers a treasure trove of resources from some of the best guitarists in the genre.

Crafting Riffs: The Heart of Technical Death Metal

Riffs are the backbone of any good technical death metal song. They need to be intricate yet memorable, challenging yet engaging. Here’s how to approach crafting killer riffs:

Incorporate Odd Time Signatures

One way to inject complexity into your riffs is by using odd time signatures. Try writing a riff in 7/8 or 5/4 to give it an unexpected twist. Experiment with different patterns to see what feels natural yet challenging.

Use Chromaticism

Chromatic notes can add tension and a sense of unpredictability to your riffs. Don’t be afraid to step outside of traditional scales and experiment with chromatic runs or passing notes.

Experiment with Dynamics

Technical death metal isn’t just about playing fast all the time. Experiment with dynamics by incorporating softer, more atmospheric sections into your riffs. This contrast can make the heavier parts of your song hit even harder.

For more riff-writing inspiration, check out the lessons on Riffhard, where expert guitarists break down iconic riffs and offer tips on creating your own.

Building Song Structures: More than Just Riffs

While riffs form the foundation, technical death metal is also about complex song structures that defy conventional forms. Here’s how to approach song construction:

Think Beyond Verse-Chorus

Instead of a typical verse-chorus structure, consider using a through-composed form, where each section is unique and serves a specific purpose. This allows for more creative freedom and complexity.

Utilize Modulation

Modulating between keys can add a sense of drama and progression to your songs. Experiment with different key changes to see how they affect the overall mood and feel of your composition.

Integrate Interludes and Solos

Interludes and solos can provide contrast and showcase your technical abilities. Use these sections to explore different moods or themes within your song, adding depth and variety.

For those looking to master these techniques, Riffhard provides lessons on song structure and composition from some of the most respected musicians in the genre.

Understanding Harmony and Melody

In technical death metal, harmony and melody often play a more subtle role compared to other genres, but they are no less important. They add depth and complexity to your compositions. Here’s how to incorporate them effectively:

Explore Different Scales

Instead of sticking to the natural minor scale, experiment with modes like Phrygian, Locrian, or even harmonic minor to create a more exotic sound. These scales can provide a unique flavor to your melodies and harmonies.

Use Dissonance Creatively

Dissonance is a powerful tool in technical death metal. Experiment with intervals like minor seconds or tritones to create tension and unease in your music. Use dissonance sparingly to ensure it remains impactful.

Layer Melodies

Layering melodies can add richness and complexity to your compositions. Try harmonizing a melody with a counterpart in a different octave or interval to create a fuller sound.

For those looking to dive deeper into harmony, instructors at Riffhard offer lessons that explore advanced harmonic concepts and how they apply to metal music.

Lyric Themes: Crafting a Story

While the focus in technical death metal often rests on the music, lyrics play a crucial role in conveying the song’s message and mood. Here are some approaches to lyric writing in this genre:

Explore Dark Themes

Technical death metal often delves into dark and thought-provoking themes. Consider exploring topics like existentialism, dystopian futures, or the human psyche. These themes complement the intense nature of the music.

Use Metaphorical Language

Metaphors and allegories allow for a more poetic approach to lyrics. They can add layers of meaning and intrigue to your songs, inviting listeners to interpret them in their own way.

Integrate Storytelling

Technical death metal is well-suited for storytelling. Consider crafting lyrics that tell a narrative, whether it’s a fictional tale or a personal experience. This can engage listeners and create a more immersive experience.

For those struggling with lyric writing, the community at Riffhard provides support and inspiration through discussions and workshops.

Recording and Production Tips

After writing your technical death metal masterpiece, the next step is to record and produce it. Here are some tips to ensure your recordings do justice to your compositions:

Focus on Clarity

Technical death metal is all about precision, so clarity is key in recording. Ensure each instrument is distinct in the mix, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate details of your music.

Utilize Multi-Tracking

Multi-tracking allows you to layer multiple takes of the same part, adding depth and richness to the sound. This technique is especially useful for creating a fuller guitar tone.

Experiment with EQ and Effects

Use EQ to shape the tone of each instrument, ensuring they occupy their own space in the mix. Experiment with effects like reverb or delay to add ambiance and texture.

For more recording and production tips, the lessons on Riffhard cover everything from home studio setup to advanced mixing techniques.

Collaborating with Others: Bringing Your Vision to Life

While writing and recording can be a solitary process, collaboration can bring new perspectives and ideas to your music. Here are some tips for successful collaboration:

Find Like-Minded Musicians

Seek out musicians who share your passion for technical death metal. This can lead to fruitful collaborations and help you refine your ideas.

Communicate Openly

Clear communication is essential in any collaboration. Share your vision and be open to feedback and suggestions from your collaborators.

Embrace Differences

Collaborators may have different styles or approaches. Embrace these differences, as they can lead to unique and innovative music that you might not have created on your own.

The community at Riffhard offers opportunities to connect with other musicians and collaborate on projects, expanding your creative network.

Final Thoughts

Writing technical death metal is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By mastering your instrument, crafting intricate riffs, and exploring complex song structures, you can create music that pushes the boundaries of the genre. If you’re looking for more guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists, providing the tools and inspiration you need for your journey. Keep experimenting, keep pushing, and most importantly, enjoy the process.