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Chapter 5: Writing Riffs and Developing Your Own Style

Metal Riffs & Licks

 

There are no tabs or backing tracks here - it's just you and me sitting down together, going over 7 methods of writing your own music.

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 powerful methods to turn it into something entirely original.

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 part 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—and they’re what help you go from playing metal to creating your own.

👉 Ready to take the next step in your metal guitar journey?

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Dustan Kaup

I tried getting into a different course a few months ago, and it ended up being a less than satisfying experience.
It was way too focused on stuff I have zero interest in.
Playing the same few chords and strumming patterns ad nauseum. Mostly for country and campfire crap.
Nowhere near the stuff that I'm interested in, or the direction I want to go as a guitar player.
Then I stumbled across some Jason Stallworth videos on YouTube, and I was hooked.
As soon as I could I bought in to the guitar academy.
Started out in the metal guitar apprentice course, to start building that foundation as the kind of player I want to be.
Within just a couple of weeks I'm already working on module 3.
Jason's teaching style is awesome, and I'm making noticeable progress.
100% the best decision I've made in a long time !!