[scott58]

I have about 1/2 dozen of my own riffs (all found by mistake while trying to get something else). I have a book (actualy 2, the other for writting out amp and fx pedal settings) that I put my riff tabs in so I don't forget them. I'd like to do some more. Is there a progression for doing your own riffs or do you just pick away until you get something you like? i've started trying to run different scale patterns but can't really "feel" a flow. Finding stuff by accident is ok I guess, but if any body can give me a few pointers I'd appreciate it. Don't think I'm ready for alot of music theory yet. I wanted to give myself a few more months for that or at least to where i can practice with a drum beat at least 50% of the time and stay in time. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Hilch]

Scott

Wish I could help mate , but I am in the same boat as you ..

I 'll keep an eye on this thread as to your replies and maybe I will learn something as well


Trev..

[allthumbs]

Learn your intervals and some theory so you can play in the pocket. In other words it would be a good idea throwing a b7 into a riff that is being played over b7 chord or a b7 and a 9 over a 9th chord. Knowing some of the main notes that will fit in a riff or solo for that matter would cut way down on the hunt and peck method.

[Vic Lewis]

It's amazing the things you find by accident isn't it!!! Most of the riffs I've written for my songs have come about as a result of just messing about on guitar...every now and then you'll play something that sounds good, and you'll want to keep it.

There are lots of ways to spice up a simple 3-chord progression - you can try adding sus2's, sus4ths, 6ths, 7ths and 9ths over your basic chord shape. You can alter the strumming pattern. You can substitute chords - try an Am7th instead of a C. Try minor or maj7ths instead of major chords.

There are a million permutations as yet undiscovered - I'm hoping to find a few of them myself. If you find a good one and can't use it, let me have it - I can always find a good home for a good riff!

Don't be afraid to experiment - that's the key. Another way to change things around is using different chord voicings. I was once told Paul Kossoff was trying to change to a G chord and misplaced his fingers - came up with the riff for "All Right Now" by accident. His head was thinking G as a half-barre chord, his fingers were somewhere else - and he hit this chord....xx5030 - it's a G6 chord without the third. He liked it so much he kept it in the song, and the rest is history!

By the way, I like your idea of keeping a record of amp/pedal settings - think I'll pinch that idea, if that's all right with you!



Vic

[scott58]

Thanks for the pointers. And yeah go ahead. I recommend everyone keep some type of journal of what they do. Once I find a sound I like I write it down so i don't have to waste time hunting for it a few months later when I'm actually ready to play it. I pretty much quit messing with effects settings for now. It was taking to much time away from my practice. Sound doesn't matter if I suck at playing. I still suck playing, but I do it with a bigger grin now!

[Kirk Lorange]

Scott58 ... here's about as big a tip as you'll ever get: always refer the riff you're playing to the chord that underlies it; if it straddles more than one chord, then refer it to them all, one at a time. I call it the 'chord of the moment'. Chords are not little clusters of notes in one part of the fretboard, they're one long pattern of notes that stretch the length of the fretboard, so look for the appropriate position that undlerlies the riff. By doing that, you'll be able to understand the riff in its context and once you know what notes you're using (in terms of numbers, ie 1 or flat 3 or 5 or flat 7) you'll be able to invent them willy-nilly ... just so long as you know the chord.

Much easier and effective than looking for a scale.

PS: check out the lesson called The Anatomy of a C Chord here. When you come to grips with the concept and want to know the best way to see the fretboard as one big 'super-chord', buy my book/DVD PlaneTalk.