Micro Lesson 191: "A Minor" Classic Rock Riff


Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 191"
 

This Micro Lesson breaks down how to play a Classic Rock Style of Riff in the key of, "A Minor." 

The riff pushes off of an open, "A," 5th string and within the first measure brings in barred double-stops on the 4th and 3rd strings. 

Measure two introduces the VII-chord of the key with the low 6th string root off of 3rd fret along with the open 4th and 3rd strings. The tonic chord returns once more as a "power-chord." 

The third measure leads in with pull-offs from the 5th and 3rd strings along with a melodic concept off of 4th and 3rd strings. The main highlighting idea is performed from the III-chord as well as the IV-chord. An optional turnaround lick is found at the end of the final measure which can be used to bring the progression back to the top for a loop of the entire phrase. 

Commit the riff to a complete memorization of the entire progression first. Then, work at building speed by using a metronome, DAW, or drum machine. Pay attention to your dynamics and your articulation. Upper tones and double-stops can be performed with hybrid picking. Enjoy!

Micro Lesson 191: "A Minor" Classic Rock Riff