Lesson four: Riffs

A memorable riff played with lots of distortion can be the making of a great rock song. All you need is a touch of dexterity and a loud amp

For a video demonstrating the techniques discussed below click here

For TABS to these exercises click here

Riffs are the bedrock to countless rock, blues and pop songs. Songs such as Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love, Cream's Sunshine of Your Love, U2's Vertigo or Muse's Plug-in Baby wouldn't be anywhere near as effective without their memorable guitar riffs or "hooks".

Generally speaking, riffs are played on the lower (thicker) strings as they have more resonance and presence than the higher strings. Riffs also work well with distortion: this is where an amplifier's volume and/or gain dial is turned up so the sound distorts. The effect is perfect for making riffs more commanding. Let's have a look at some examples.

Exercise 1: Sixth-string riff

Nothing too difficult here to begin with, just bold downstrokes on the low sixth string. Often the simpler the riff, the more memorable it is.

Exercise 2: Fifth-string and sixth-string riff

Downpicks and two strings provide another strong riff. The fret numbers can use the same fingers, too (eg, play the third fret using the third finger).

Exercise 3: Third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-string riff

A touch more dexterity with the fretting hand and jumping across strings with the picking hand is needed here as two more strings are added. Now maybe is the time to try palm muting (rest the heel of your picking hand gently on the strings at the bridge) to thicken up the notes by making them bassier (also less bright) and reducing sustain (the amount of time a note sounds after you've hit it).

Exercise 4: Rock'n'roll rhythm in E

This exercise ventures into the world of rock'n'roll-type playing and also doubles the rhythm. The upper string of each chord is where the melodic content is, while the lower string adds body and power. Now there are two strings involved, watch that the downstrokes strike both strings evenly.

Exercise 5: Powerchords in E

While powerchords (see explanation below) were evident in exercise 4, this example exploits this chord type more thoroughly. Technically, you're required to move around the fretboard a little more, so learn each bar at a time before linking it all together.

Exercise 6: Powerchords in A

Of course, powerchords rarely exist just on their own. This last example demonstrates a "call and response" approach where powerchords start each bar ("the call") followed by single notes ("the response"). Riffs like this have a lot of authority and are fun to play as well as listen to.

Powerchords explained

A powerchord contains two different notes. Although these are often played on two strings, they can also be played on three strings with one of the notes repeated - or doubled - so the chord sounds thicker. Powerchords are also known as fifth chords - with names such as E5 or C5. They are quite open-sounding, almost ambigious, as the note that makes a chord major ("happy") or minor ("sad") is omitted. Marry powerchords with amplifier distortion and you will find one very content electric guitarist.