How to write awesome metal songs, v.2 Riff Writing

This is the second video on how I write metal. This one focuses entirely on the process of writing a riff, and shows some different techniques and practices you can use to enhance your writing process.

How to write awesome metal songs, v.1

The first of a continuing series, the video gives an overview on my writing process, how to write a riff and set up a Pro Tools session. More to follow, soon we'll dive into the knitty-gritty on what makes good metal and how to accomplish it, from choosing the right notes and finding the perfect tone to developing drum parts and structuring the song.

Episode 15 - Advanced Metal Techniques: Progressive full-song arrangements

Episode 15 - Progressive full-song arrangements

Intro
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E--3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3

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Episode 14 - Heavy song elements

Episode 13 - Hard, Fast, Heavy, Experimental

Piece of music (or something resembling it) written recently coming out of a strange part of my brain -- a part rushed and contrived, and needing tender love and care. What can I say? It's experimental...

Riff 1.1
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Riff 1.2
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D--3---3-5-5-----------7-----------9-----------10----------9---6-6-6-6-6-6-7-7-7-7-7-7-3---

Repeat R1.1
Riff 1.3
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D--3---3-5-5-----------7---3---3-5-5-----------7-----------9--- + ----------7-----------9---


Riff 2
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Riff 3
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D--0---0---0---0---0---0-------0---0-------0---0---3---3-3-3---------------1---1-1-1-------------0

Riff 4
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D--5---5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-----------------------------8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8------------------------

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Riff 5
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Solo

Getting there!!!
Check back soon!!

Working on new material in free time

It's hard to say exactly what to call this blog and the material I post here. These are not really guitar lessons, but they do offer perspective. They are pieces of music written for a specific purpose generally to accent a certain style of playing, but don't directly instruct. They are examples. Examples of my approach to writing, to song structure and technique.

I initially set out with this podcast and blog with the intent to post quantity over quality. Though I have hours upon hours, thousands upon thousands of riffs backlogged, every note of music written thus far for the blog has all been new -- and of course always original. Currently I'm working on some new metal song a bit longer than previous posts, the drums taking the longest to perfect (as always).

But what do you think -- those that consistently follow this blog (you know who you are) -- should I post more frequent, short podcasts with only a riff or two? Or should I continue writing full pieces complete with drums and backing tracks? Not that there can't be quality in quantity, but you can damn well guarantee that the more complete stuff sounds way better.

Being back in school, taking more than a full load, I can only do so much; however, I do want to continue offering free and interesting hard rock material.

So, quality or quantity?

Episode 12 - A little shreddy thing

This lick has a Malmsteen-vibe to it, but lacks the neo-classic feel of the last podcast. Played entirely with fast alternate picking, it should help to build speed and act as an example of how to use multiple shredding patterns in scales.

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