Chapter 5: Writing Riffs and Developing Your Own Style

How to write riffs that sound like you (not everyone else)

If you’ve ever played something and thought, “This just sounds like someone else…” this is your turning point.

In this chapter, I’ll show you how to take even the simplest idea
(two chords, a few notes) and use seven practical methods to turn it into something completely your own.

There are no tabs or backing tracks for this one. It’s just you and me sitting down together, walking through seven ways to create your own music.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Apply variations to power chords for a more dynamic sound
• Add single‑note runs to create flow and movement
• Change picking styles to shift the feel
• Adjust tempo to go from aggressive to atmospheric
• Move your riff to a new key or area of the neck
• Build beyond a riff into full progressions
• Channel the emotion or subgenre feel you want

These are the same tools I use when writing my own music.

They’ll help you go from simply playing metal to actually developing your own signature style.

Take the next step inside the Academy

If this lesson lights a fire under you to start writing your own riffs, you’re going to connect strongly with what’s inside the Jason Stallworth Guitar Academy.

All of my courses and monthly lessons are built to help you take riffs like these and make them your own.
You’ll learn how to write, record, and refine your ideas — with new monthly riffs and lessons released on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month to keep your creativity flowing.

All of my courses and monthly lessons are built around the same belief:

You don’t need to become a clone of someone else.
You need a clear path that helps you develop your style.

Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to:

• Write, record, and refine your own riffs and songs
• Use technique and theory to support your creativity, not replace it
• Stay inspired with new monthly riffs and lessons released on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month

If you’ve enjoyed this chapter and you’re ready to keep building your own sound, the Academy is the next step.

💬 “I tried another course that was all campfire chords — not my thing. Jason’s lessons had me playing real metal riffs within weeks. 100% best decision I’ve made.”
— Dustan K.