How to Write a Locrian RIFF • Music Theory from Metallica "72 Seasons"
How to Write a Locrian RIFF
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Includes multitrack MIDI example
Step 1. Octaves
Set your grid to 1/16 notes and your tempo to 97 BPM. You’re gonna start by writing a creative pattern using only octaves. If you’re writing this on guitar, use your low open E string and the E one octave higher. And be sure to play every 1/16 note, as that’s what gives the riff that heavy momentum. At the very end of the riff, though, play four 1/8 notes. That creates variation, and gives the circle pit a few seconds to breathe!
Quick shoutout to Metallica, as this lesson is based…
The skinny
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