Riff like Threat Signal
Hey guys! This month, due to being heavily involved in the writing process of the new Threat Signal record, I decided to break down the mechanics of this interesting rhythm-style, in hopes that you can incorporate it into your own compositions. We'll be breaking down a few different picking techniques that differ from strict alternate picking for the purpose of achieving a heavier-sounding, as well as cleaner and tighter dynamic. Also, we'll be twisting our brains and developing our ears by analyzing unconventional rhythm patterns that work against the grain. The simplicity of the notes is secondary to the powerful rhythmic syncopation between all instruments and the kick drum. Make sure to focus on this when playing to the backing track, as the exact rhythms will be mimiced with the kick - so if you aren't tight, this'll bring it out! I am playing in Dropped C tuning (CGCFAD), however, I left the backing track instrument-less for those who aren't able or willing to take such a drastic leap. The voicings will work fine in any "Dropped" tuning, such as Dropped D (DADGBE). The song is composed in a standard song structure up until the end of the chorus. There's 1 riff to conclude, which serves as a transition back to another verse. So 'getcha metal on, and enjoy! \m/
6 Lessons
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1
1:14
Lesson · 1m Riff Like Threat Signal - Performance
Hey guys! This month, due to being heavily involved in the writing process of the new Threat Signal record, I decided to break down the mechanics of this interesting rhythm-style, in hopes that you can...
Tab
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2
0:38
Lesson · 1m Riff Like Threat Signal - Intro & Verse
Intro: Make the distinction between rests and longer note durations, for instance; the Bb note on the third fret in bar 1 is a held 8th beat, wheras the two 16ths that follow are short 16ths followed by a...
Tab
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3
0:50
Lesson · 1m Riff Like Threat Signal - Pre-Chorus & Chorus
Pre-Chorus The pre-chorus riff is very Vigilance-esque. Pay close attention to how the riff "resets" near the end of bar 7. The note sequence will be much easier to grasp by not biting off more than you can...
Tab
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4
0:26
Lesson Riff Like Threat Signal - Post-Chorus
Post-Chorus This riff serves as the common "heavy riff after the chorus" segment which usually ties the chorus back to a verse. Rhythmically, it's a bit of a finger-twister. Each bar starts the same, and ends...
Tab
- 5 1:14 Backing track · 1m Riff Like Threat Signal - Backing Track (Full Tempo) Download the backing track at Full Tempo (122BPM)
- 6 1:46 Backing track · 2m Riff Like Threat Signal - Backing Track (Reduced Tempo) Download the backing track at a Reduced Tempo (85BPM)