This post follows on from ‘Riffs part 1 – I can’t teach you how to write a good riff’

If you’ve got another intrument handling the bassline, you might be able to try this: Take one note from your first chord, one from your second chord etc, and find an interesting way of joining them together.

For example, take the chords E, Asus4 and A. You could choose the B note from the E chord, the D note from the Asus4 chord and the C# note from the A chord. What have you got? All the ingredients of the riff to Satisfaction by the Stones

Here’s a video that should make that a little clearer.

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Related posts:

1. 8 and a half tips for writing good riffs.
2. Riffs part 1 – I can’t teach you how to write a good riff
3. Quick Songwriting Tip – Shared Notes
4. Basics – Guitar Chords Explained