Hannah
First Lieutenant   Posts: 4 Registered: 6/4/2004 Status: Offline
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posted on 6/4/2004 at 07:27 |
 To write a
riff on the guitar, are you meant to base it on scales, or do u just do
what you want??
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brian
Moderator   Posts: 1038 Registered: 12/22/2003 Status: Offline |
posted on 6/4/2004 at 09:51, Reply 1 |
Well scales/modes are your guidelines per say. They are like a map for you
to follow so you at least play the right notes. This is of course your
playing the right scale over the right chord progressions etc.... 
I recommend starting with the 5 Pentatonic Boxs.
The Minor Pentatonic scale has five notes and each note gets a box.
These scales are used alot and will give you a clear goal to achieve.
Check out this file on the minor pentatonic scale
http://www.theguitarfiles.com/guitarfile186.html
includes a 24 fret diagram of this scale.
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ricoboc
Moderator  Posts: 278 Registered: 4/27/2004 Status: Offline |
posted on 6/4/2004 at 13:16, Reply 2 |
This really falls under the song writing section.... 
theres plenty of info there to help out..... 
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Gutter
First Lieutenant  Posts: 11 Registered: 10/29/2004 Status: Offline |
posted on 11/6/2004 at 01:39, Reply 3 |
Personally, I think knowing theory can be a hang up depending on what kind
of music you are writing. Personally, I know no theory beyond what I have
extrapolated from listening to the few people I know that know any theory.
My drummer and other guitar player know all the theory stuff and they are
often dumbfounded by the way I mess with things by just messing with them.
They have taken to calling them "Timbits" (you will get this if you are
Canadian, my real name is Tim). That siad I wish I knew more theory so I
could understand them when they get going.
In short, don't worry about scales and such when doing primary writing,
they will get in the way if you are onto something progressive. But that
knowledge comes in really handy when trying to communicate ideas to other
people. Basically, it is good to know as long as youknow how and when to
forget it as well. I hope this made some sort of sense. ____________________
I hate Alberta Beef!!!
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Spidercents
Moderator Posts: 1002 Registered: 7/29/2004 Status: Offline |
posted on 11/6/2004 at 16:15, Reply 4 |
I know some theory...and then forgot most of it...I play with emotion...I
dont think when I play now...I just let it ride and whatever happens
happens.
[Edited on 11/6/2004 by Spidercents] ____________________
Treat people the way you would want to be treated.
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Lava_Monster
First Lieutenant  Posts: 3 Registered: 1/2/2005 Status: Offline |
posted on 1/2/2005 at 17:40, Reply 5 |
If you are writing a riff to just write riff, don't worry about the scales,
but if you are writing one with a band. The scales and such do play a
greater importances. For example, you don't wanna go do amazingly riff on
an E minor scale and then have the progression on a Bb minor. It sounds
odd and weird. However, if you end of playing something not using a scale
and it sounds great with everything else. Do not change it to fit the
scale. Just keep it.
[Edited on 1/3/2005 by Lava_Monster] ____________________
If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother
trying to say it in music.
~Gustav Mahler
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SixStringer
First Lieutenant Posts: 3 Registered: 2/19/2008 Status: Offline |
posted on 2/19/2008 at 20:04, Reply 6  |
Hi Hanna,
There is an art to composing music, but it is not always necessary.
Sometimes, the 'riff' itself puts the song together for you. A knowledge of
theory, etc. can give you other options and variations of your ideas. But
remember that they are YOUR IDEAS.
For the most part, listen to what you hear when you play. Your ears will
tell you the truth. Have a great time playing and writing.
--Reggie
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