Introduction
Alrighty! This is my first lesson, so try not to be too hard on me now. I'm gonna give you some examples to help you improve your rythm chops, and some riffing/filling skills. This is not only applied to Metalcore, but it is most often used here.
(Examples in Drop D)
Pt.1- The Rythm
Okay, the first thing you need is to have really tight rythm chops. To achieve this, its a good idea to practice triplets and gallops. NOTE: These are not great ways to apply these chords, they are simply to get your wrist in a tighter motion.
Fig.1- Triplets
Heres a simple exercise using D minor on the low D string. NOTE: Play these next 2 palm muted.
e|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|--000--000--222--000--333--000--555--000--777--000--888--000--101010--000|
D|--000--000--222--000--333--000--555--000--777--000--888--000--101010--000|
PM|_______________________________________________________________________
e|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|--121212--12\------------------------------------------------------------|
D|--121212--12\------------------------------------------------------------|
PM|_____
Fig.2- Gallops
Gallops are a little trickier to get the hang of, but they are definately a cooler sound if used right. It's kinda like a "Chug-chugga-chug" sound if you do it right.
e|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|-0-00--3-33--0-00--0-00--5-55--0-00--0-00--12-1212--10-1010--5\----------|
D|-0-00--3-33--0-00--0-00--5-55--0-00--0-00--12-1212--10-1010--5\----------|
PM|_________________________________________________________
Example: Six - All That Remains.
This is the verse to Six, by All That Reamins. Using triplets, and eighth notes. This is including the riffs between the changes.
NOTE: Repeat each part once.
e|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
B|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
G|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
D|------------------------------5---7|33-333--33--333--33--333----2---3----|
A|-00--000--00--000--00--000--0---0--|11-111--11--111--11--111--1---1------|
D|-00--000--00--000--00--000---------|-------------------------------------|
PM|________________________ PM|______________________
Pt.2 Writing Rythms And Adding Riffs
You can use any rythm you want, but its good to use tight rythms, and you have to stay in key. If you a little more musically inept, I liike to use my Phrygian chords, as well as my minor chords, but here is a simple rythm.
e|---------------------------------------------R--------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------E--------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------------A--------------------------|
D|---------------------------------------------P--------------------------|
A|-15--000---5\3--000-3------------0-00--------E--------------------------|
D|-15--000---5\3--000-3------------0-00--------A--------------------------|
PM|__ PM|___ F TPlay the rythm with a pause after the F chord until you get the hang of the feel. Then throw a little D minor riff in the middle, like so.
e|---------------------------------------------R--------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------E--------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------------A--------------------------|
D|---------------------------------------------P--------------------------|
A|-15--000---5\3--000-3-----5--8p7-0000--------E--------------------------|
D|-15--000---5\3--000-3--0---------0000--------A--------------------------|
PM|__ PM|___ F TSimple little riffs like this is what builds the exciting parts of most Metalcore verses, and/or Choruses. Remember that Its a good idea to stay in key, otherwise your riffs will ruin the entire progression.
A Final Word
Another thing you could do is add a harmony to the riff. Just play the same notes a 3rd, 5th or octave up. (This usually works better with a friend, and another guitar)
Sorry about the modest lesson, but I look forward to some feedback. Thanks.
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