Category

Riffs

08.09.09

Writing Riffs using Chords Notes Riffs | (0)
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 ...
08.07.09

Ultraviolet Eye – A Songwriting Interview Other People, Riffs, interviews | (2)
In my last newsletter (which you can recieve by entering your email into the 'join the mailing list' box on the right of the screen) I asked if anyone else on my mailing list was taking part in the 50/90 songwriting challenge. One of the people who emailed in reply was Jeff Charreaux of the band Ultraviolet Eye. I took the opportunity to interview Jeff about his songwriting: Tom: How did your songwriting career begin? Jeff: As a teenager, when the main songwriter of my first punk band didn't show up to a recording session for a compilation that was going to ...
08.03.09

Riffs part 1 – I can’t teach you how to write a good riff Riffs | (0)
I almost lied when I started this article. The original headline was going to be 'how to write a good riff'. I wish I could teach you that, but the fact is I can't. Writing a good riff requires inspiration, coming up with something musically unique. That can't be taught. But I can teach you the characteristics of a good riff so that when you do have a good idea, you can recognise it. Simplicity One of the basic important characteritics of a good riff is that it is simple and short. Most good riffs are two or four bars long and don't ...