Riffs

Riffs Guitar Lessons

  • user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 4 Videos
    • 26 Mins

    Do you want to learn how to create monsterous, massive sounding riffs? In this lesson I’m going to break down my entire riff creation process from the ground up and give you all of the tools you need to write your own huge, monster riffs easily.

    We’ll look at how we can make our chords sound massive, simple methods to make your riffs more exciting, and plenty of other tips and techniques that will really bring your riff ideas to life.

  • user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 16 Videos
    • 44 Mins

    Rhythm playing is one of those areas that is often overlooked, whether it’s because your timing isn’t so great or you just don’t have enough elements to create really killer sounding riffs.

    This lesson covers every aspect of my approach to rhythm playing, and it’s packed full of tips and insights that you’ll be able to pick up and apply to your playing today, whether you’re just starting our or you’ve been playing for years!

  • Locking In Your Rhythm
    Easy
    user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 4 Videos
    • 39 Mins

    If your rhythm playing doesn’t seem like it’s tight and articulate, or you want to inject some more dynamics and expression into your playing, this is the lesson for you!

    In this lesson, we begin by finding the sweet spot for the perfect rhythm tone, before locking into a beat and gradually introducing techniques to build up your rhythm chops. Then, we’ll focus on introducing more rhythmic patterns such as triplets and upbeats that allow you to get creative and build your own unique, juicy riffs!

  • How to Riff Hard
    Easy
    Backing Track
    How to Riff Hard
    user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 6 Videos
    • 42 Mins

    Bring all the gain you’ve got because in this lesson we’re going to get your rhythm playing fired up and push things to the breaking point!

    We’re going to start from the top and break down everything you need to know to riff – hard. We’ll work on right-hand details, accents, chord strikes, fitting in licks between riffs and of course – how to get the perfect heavy ‘chug’ on your power chords.

  • user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 54 Mins

    In this live lesson I’m going to invite you along with me on a real practice and writing session where I work on refining some licks that I’ve been working on recently.

    One thing that can kill your progress on guitar is practicing in the wrong way – it wastes so much time and ends up leaving you feeling frustrated at your lack of progress. Follow me on this raw, uncut session and you’ll see exactly how I identify and fix issues with licks in the most efficient and productive way.

  • 3 Blazing Riffs
    Intermediate
    user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 4 Videos
    • 40 Mins

    In this lesson I’m going to break down three different riffs – they use a range of different techniques which I’ll break down for you as we go through each one.

    I’ll also include loads of insights into how you can devise your own blazing riffs by working on simple ideas and elevate them to the next level!

  • The Ultimate Prog Workout
    Intermediate
    user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 7 Videos
    • 38 Mins

    In this lesson you’re going to learn some killer riffs and techniques that will push your prog playing to the limit. Starting with some simple progressions we’ll jam together and exchange solos then transform those chords into super tight, advanced prog riffs.

    If you’re still thirsty for more then come join me on a deep dive into sweeping arpeggios and how to lock your sweeping in time with a drum beat.

  • Modern Octaves
    Intermediate
    user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 31 Mins

    Are you looking for some inspiration? In this lesson, I will show how to take boring, tired-sounding octaves and use them to add a uniquely fresh, modern twist to your playing.

    From melody insights to techniques and riffs, we’re going to push this humble technique to the limit and have fun while we do it! It might get challenging in places, but trust me – by the end of this lesson you will be a much more creative guitarist. Let’s go!

  • user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 40 Mins

    In this lesson, I’ll be teaching you three distinctive licks. The first uses outside notes, which are so easy to implement into your playing and can completely transform your sound. Next up, I’ll be teaching a repeating pattern-based riff that’s not only a lot of fun to play but also great for developing dexterity in your left hand. We’ll also be diving into a shred-based lick that uses hammer-ons out of nowhere to really work on your left-hand strength, and it’s so cool to play.

    But wait, there’s more! We’ll finish off with some shred that uses three different types of sounds in one lick. I struggled with this lick myself, but I figured out what the problem was and identified how to fix it. So not only will you learn some killer licks today, but you’ll also see firsthand how to troubleshoot and overcome obstacles in your playing.

  • Black Line Riff
    Intermediate
    Backing Track
    Black Line Riff
    user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 20 Mins

    In this lesson, I break down a key section from a track called “Black Line” by my band, McRocklin and Hutch.

    This riff is based on F# minor but includes one note outside of the scale that makes all the difference and sets the tone for a lot of the themes in this song.

Thomas McRocklin

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