Writing metal riffs

[osiris]

Originally Posted by Naren

I made a video just for you, Ats24.

I left out a few types of chords I use quite often (such as augmented), but here are some of the more common types of "chords" used other than perfect fifth-based power chords (technically power chords aren't really "chords" since they only have 2 notes in them):

You'll have to forgive me for just filming this off the top of my head.

Finally got around to watching this and it's really good! A great summary of stuff you sort of already know but not quite :-).

I'd like to name the 1-5-9 at 1:50 "Instant Queensryche" btw :-D

And I'd advice anyone wanting regular open chords working in metal to check out som opeth songs (like drapery falls)

[Chris]

Regarding power chords, you can always spice up any riff by adding a note with your free finger(s). For example, if you're using index/ring for your power chords, use your pinky and play the 9th. Then just try different shit, with things that are comfortable to reach at first before you work your way into really oddball shapes.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Naren

I made a video just for you, Ats24.

I left out a few types of chords I use quite often (such as augmented), but here are some of the more common types of "chords" used other than perfect fifth-based power chords (technically power chords aren't really "chords" since they only have 2 notes in them):

YouTube - Metal Guitar: Rhythm Guitar Ideas Other Than Fifth-Based Power Chords

You'll have to forgive me for just filming this off the top of my head.

Cool video, Eric. You still don't look like I picture you're supposed to!

[Naren]

Originally Posted by Jeff

Cool video, Eric. You still don't look like I picture you're supposed to!

You imagine me as being a dark-skinned Indian man, right?

I threw that video together off the top of my head, but in retrospect, I forgot lots of chord forms I use all the time...

[Chris]

You have to dig the Naren Explaining voice.

"blah blah blah blah .. Make.. Mehtul.. blah blah blah"

Kind of like when he says "This... is not flubby, and totally in F#."

Edit: Or G.

[Chris]

This voice.

YouTube - For Chris

[Naren]

Yes... the "Naren Explaining Voice." Not something you generally hear outside of YouTube videos, but it gets across the meaning of life... I think. In a way.

"That's a G right there. A G. A G."

[Neznaroz]

Just piss about with harmonies...that always works. Also, write over the top of drums...it's so much easier.

[Blaze]

I use power chords to emphasize notes in a riff, the 2 power chords I use are R-4th and R-unison. R-unison is a bit of a stretch on some guitars. R-4th is taking the note in the riff and addding to it that note which is 5 semitones lower than it. The note which is being emphasized is the high note and the added note for emphasis is 5 semitones lower, in other words a major 4th lower, than the note being emphasized. The effect is not much different at all from doing a full R-5th-R power chord. In some metal riffs, the majority of the notes will be triple or quadruple or 16th whatever, and some notes will be whole notes, in those riffs the whole notes stand out pretty clearly as being the notes that deserve emphasize. I also like to use the 2 2 string power chords that I mentioned, as an alternative to vibrato. Vibrato has its place, but to have to do vibrato every time you sustain a single note, to sort of justify the slow-down, to sort of justify the existence of a sustained single note, is too much work. My strategy is, if the vibrato is intended for a true vibrato effect then thats cool, but if the vibrato is just justifying existence, then a power chord has the same effect and is easier, maybe even better alot of the time. A unison 2 string chord if you have a guitar where you can do that stretch easily, like I have. I think you get a cleaner, more technical metal sound, using single notes primarily and power chords just for emphasis.