For many guitarists, especially beginners, writing original riffs can seem daunting. You may lack music theory knowledge or struggle to extract melodies from the fretboard. Mastering riff creation takes time, but getting started is easier than you think!
With just a few basic tricks, anyone can compose simple, catchy guitar riffs. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
Keep Things Simple Starting Out
When first attempting to write guitar riffs, the simplest ideas are best. Try first constructing riffs using just one or two notes. Less is more when beginning.
Rather than worrying about complex melody and harmony, focus instead on finding a compelling rhythm. The order and timing of notes matter just as much as the notes selected.
For example, a single note played rhythmically on the downbeat can already provide the foundation of a gripping riff. The band Tool are masters in crafting hypnotic riffs from limited materials.
Once you lock into a solid rhythmic pattern, then start expanding your riff by adding supplementary notes and textures. But nail down the core rhythm before ornamenting it.
Lean On Those Open Strings
One easy way to write great-sounding riffs is by utilizing open strings. For example, rooted in E minor, play the open low E string on beat one followed by the open B string on beat two.
Let these open strings ring out, then switch to playing the same rhythm on the 5th and 7th frets. This simple yet effective “open-closed” riff sounds full with little effort.
Basic riffs using open strings work well for folk and hard rock styles. The ringing open strings generate drone-like textures. Make your open string riffs more melodic by adding hammer-ons and pull-offs on the fretted notes.
Repeat a Simple Lick in Different Areas
Another go-to technique for beginner riff writing is taking a simple 2 or 3 note lick and repeating it in different positions and pitches. For example:
- Play notes on the A and low E strings skipping over the D string in between. Then move it over and play it on the D and G strings.
- Pick a basic chromatic approach pattern like frets 5-6-5 on one string. Move it around the neck and strings.
This repetition creates cohesion as your ear recognizes the consistent motif. Again, don’t worry yet about complex harmonies. The same lick moved around sounds intriguing enough for now.
Outline the Contour of a Chord Shape
Since guitar riffs often accompany chord progressions, writing riffs that complement the chords works nicely. Rather than strumming the full chord, pick select notes from the chord shape to build your riff.
For a basic I-IV-V progression, outline the E major shape for the I chord riff, the A major shape for the IV chord riff, and so on. Simply arpeggiate portions of each chord at rhythmic intervals.
Following the chord changes will ingrain how riffs, harmony, and rhythm interlock. This will feed into later lead playing over progressions. Outlining chords builds essential ear skills.
Lock in with the Drums
Writing riffs over a drumbeat right away results in stronger rhythmic interplay. The drums provide pacing and accents for your riff. Even if it’s basic kick and snare, try writing to drums from the start.
Syncopating certain notes against the kick or aligning with the snare grounds your riff to a solid groove. Pay attention to how accents change the riff’s vibe. Your lines will crackle with rhythmic energy this way.
Start off Slow and Gradually Pick Up Speed
When drafting early riff ideas, begin playing at slower tempos around 85 BPM. At this relaxed pace, you can try various riff permutations without straining to keep up.
Once a strong riff is composed, then incrementally increase the tempo. Make small 5-10 BPM increments at a time. Play your riff successfully 3-5 times perfectly before inching the metronome up again.
This methodical approach ensures your riff is locked in muscle memory before playing full speed. Speed comes later – great riffs shine even if played slowly.
Know When to Change Things Up
Many iconic riffs don’t loop unchanged throughout a whole song. Typically as a chorus hits, a new complementary riff enters adding lift. Also, consider dropping out your riff sometimes to let the vocals dominate.
Simple tricks like changing keys or playing half-time also reboot ear interest when bringing back your main riff again. Don’t be afraid to let your riff rest occasionally before it returns transformed.
Pay attention to how riffs are crafted in your favorite classic songs. Analyze the push-and-pull between consistency and change. Even basic riffs evolve subtly over a song structure.
Listen and Learn From Existing Songs
Always remember that listening and lifting ideas from other guitarists is a key part of the learning process. Songs like “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple or “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks are riff goldmines to absorb.
Internalize what makes these riffs so memorable in terms of rhythm, note choices, simplicity, and phrasing. Let these classics inspire, not discourage you. Great riffs often live on through generations precisely because of their fundamental qualities.
An excellent course for learning songs or solos is “How to Learn Any Song or Solo” by Breakthrough Guitar
Keep At It – Riff Writing Improves With Practice
Like any guitar skill, riff writing takes consistent practice. Don’t expect to knock out timeless riffs immediately. But incrementally you will start discovering your creative voice.
Persist with the simple strategies above. Little licks will grow into expansive anthemic riffs over time. Setting the metronome a bit quicker or adding more notes pushes your abilities forward progressively.
Remember – your favorite artists crafted those iconic riffs through years of experimenting, failing, and honing their instincts. Your own unique riffs are already waiting to be unlocked. It just takes dedication to the craft.
FAQ: Common Riff Writing Questions
How can I write a catchy riff if I’m not very musically knowledgeable?
Focus first on dialing in a compelling rhythmic pattern, even with just one note. A driving rhythmic motif is the foundation of a catchy riff. Once the rhythm is locked, then worry about introducing more melodic or harmonic complexity.
What are some examples of famously easy guitar riffs I can learn from?
“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple and “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes are perfect case studies of iconic riffs built from repetition of a basic single-note pattern. Analyze the rhythm, note selection, simplicity, and subtle variations that make these riffs so memorable.
Now Make Some Riffs!
You now have all the basic creative tools to start writing original guitar riffs. Remember to start simple. Nail down tight rhythms first before expanding your melodic palette. Use repetition, open strings, drummer interplay, and other tricks to develop ideas.
Don’t worry about writing complex prog masterpieces yet. Focus on coming up with short, catchy, memorable licks first. You will be shocked at how quickly basic riffs come together.
So grab your guitar and get riffing! Trial and error is part of the process. Stay loose and have fun with it. Track your progress over time. Before you know it, you’ll be writing the next timeless guitar riff destined to be forever imitated.
