writing riffs?

zimmerbz · Unread post by **zimmerbz** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:57 am

Anyone have any advice on writing riffs? Are there any websites out there that teach a little bit? To be more exact, I love playing Dave songs and can play about 95% of them. Yet when I play other musicians tunes, I find myself playing boring open chords. I want to start writing my own riffs that are similiar to Dave type music. Obviously I am not trying to mimic him, but I think his style is so much better to play. Any tips?

Brad

filmdude100cms · Unread post by **filmdude100cms** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 1:16 pm

know your scales, use those, i combine notes in scales to make new chords that sound cool... also learn the bar versions of chords and the take those and screw around with different formations.

Jer1400 · Unread post by **Jer1400** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 1:20 pm

Learn the "Dave Chords" and record an impromptu jam session. Don't limit yourself to just "Dave Chords", though. You're bound to come up with tons of cool stuff. Then just write it down later.

Also, try weird things like Dave does. Songs like Tripping Billies, What Would You Say, and So Much To Say are examples of the kind of weird stuff I'm talking about. Stay on key, break down rythms and chords progressions into single notes and go nuts. XD

Oh! I can't forget Jimi Thing! That's one of the funnest songs to play! :)

zimmerbz · Unread post by **zimmerbz** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 1:27 pm

Where can I look to learn scales online?
Also, I can play Dave chords and such, but when it comes to something on my own, I don't know where to start. Ideas?

Kukini · Unread post by **Kukini** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 1:40 pm

I don't know about any way of teaching, you just have to feel what you're playing.

The thing that helps me write is just being flexible and coming up with my own style. I came up with some goofy "Dave-esque" chords such as:

X
12
9
10
X
8

Creativity is also helpful, don't kick yourself if it doesn't sound "good" just keep at it. You'll eventually be proud of what you did.

Sorry if that didn't help... *runs away and cries*

Kukini · Unread post by **Kukini** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 1:40 pm

I don't know about any way of teaching, you just have to feel what you're playing.

The thing that helps me write is just being flexible and coming up with my own style. I came up with some goofy "Dave-esque" chords such as:

X
12
9
10
X
8

Creativity is also helpful, don't kick yourself if it doesn't sound "good" just keep at it. You'll eventually be proud of what you did.

Sorry if that didn't help... *runs away and cries*

Jer1400 · Unread post by **Jer1400** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 1:42 pm

Well, search on google or somewhere similar for tutorials.

http://www.murraystate.edu/qacd/cfac/mu ... _index.htm

Here's a good place to go to if you'd like to learn how to read sheet music. It also covers theory.

The best place to learn about music would probably be a university, to tell you the truth. Heh.

Read these online books, too: http://www.musicarrangers.com/star-theory/

I can teach you about music a little, too. I'm taking the day off from writing (though I do have an appointment at 2:00) so if you want I can show you a little about chord construction, general music theory, and all those scales.

Short of going to a college to learn music, you can always learn the piano. You don't have to learn how to play it well, even. Don't limit yourself to just guitar tactics.... A lot of advanced players couldn't even name the notes and full names of the chords they play, or what a half-cadence is, or a hemidemisemiquaver; simple things.

filmdude100cms · Unread post by **filmdude100cms** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 2:27 pm

eh, i dont agree with a university being best for music, my guitar teacher give me allot of stuff, 2/3 of my lesson is on learning and practicing theory...

http://www.guitarists.net/lessons/index.php

under scales and soloing, that whole section of that site is very helpfull.

Jer1400 · Unread post by **Jer1400** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 3:03 pm

For a guitarist, no. But for a composer or even an orchestrator or arranger, yes. :D

filmdude100cms · Unread post by **filmdude100cms** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 3:10 pm

Jer1400 wrote:For a guitarist, no. But for a composer or even an orchestrator or arranger, yes.

well yes, but if he meant concert, he screwed up BIG time askin us :lol:

Jer1400 · Unread post by **Jer1400** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 3:19 pm

Teego Time · Unread post by **Teego Time** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 4:01 pm

Once you get the riffs down, have fun with putting words to em! thats a whole new ballpark!

Mulletman · Unread post by **Mulletman** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 4:32 pm

Where can I look to learn scales online?

http://www.chordbook.com

i love this site it taught me scales faster since i'm a pretty big visual learner.

zimmerbz · Unread post by **zimmerbz** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 12:18 am

Thanks guys!! I will do some studying!

DMBFan63 · Unread post by **DMBFan63** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 12:37 am

Kukini wrote:I don't know about any way of teaching, you just have to feel what you're playing.

The thing that helps me write is just being flexible and coming up with my own style. I came up with some goofy "Dave-esque" chords such as:

X
12
9
10
X
8

Creativity is also helpful, don't kick yourself if it doesn't sound "good" just keep at it. You'll eventually be proud of what you did.

Sorry if that didn't help... *runs away and cries*

that chord sounds nothing like something dave would use, honestly.. just my opinion

Just jam dude, you will come up with something and be like"yeah, that's exactly how i want it to sound" mess with it a bit and bam, a song

DMBTabs.com

writing riffs?

writing riffs?

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