This formula sounds like Weezer is arguing that Polyphia ballads are closer to 70s afrobeat than you'd first assume... and after hearing this, I kinda see their point - especially in the low-high call and response, and the percussive notes and phrase-based rhythm... They definitely got the right guitarist, to riff out the message
seriously this is golden, great compositional advice in less than 5 minutes. I just spent a good hour just making stuff up with this, it's in the category "one simple trick all music teachers hate"
I think this is a really interesting approach to riff writing. I think I'll experiment with this AND try creating unique formulas of my own and see what kind of riffs I can make.
Another Ben Levin banger, gonna start writing a new tune today with this technique. I really like the use of open strings within the riff, sounds kind of like midwestern emo
Your insane wackiness finally pays off, well done 👏 I know some of the most brilliant musicians like Charlie Parker did time in insane asylums, I wish we had this technology back then because I bet a lot of those crazy people would actually have some wacky brilliant ideas like you, thanks for sharing 😎
I'm pretty new to guitar (been playing keys for a while though) and compositional techniques like this are super cool to play around with. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Love the sounds. I am curious about the evolution of this idea. Did the formula emerge from analyzing cool sounds, or was it an analytical process? The formula itself is interesting, but the meta-formula insight would also be interesting.
Hiya Donald, I was noticing that I like a certain kind of sound with call and response and open strings and then tried to make rules that would guarantee the result I liked. As I iterated, I realized the importance of a density ramp and added that into the formula as well. The question was "what can I do to guarantee all of these nice elements are present in a riff?"
I like how you’re using 3 measures (in some of them) so it sounds like the first measure is different every time if you’re expecting a whole 4 measures in the riff
Hey, I was wondering, as a guitarist, how do I go about writing interesting drum parts over my riffs? writing for drums doesn't feel as intuitive to me as guitar.
There is a C chord in this ,I don’t notice. You could do vocal melody on guitar (sustained tone) add harmony notes. You already know without even playing
Just ONE lesson with Ben Levin and Ben Levin is already playing like THIS?
haha!
This formula sounds like Weezer is arguing that Polyphia ballads are closer to 70s afrobeat than you'd first assume... and after hearing this, I kinda see their point - especially in the low-high call and response, and the percussive notes and phrase-based rhythm... They definitely got the right guitarist, to riff out the message
Holy crap Ben I always thought you were a genius but I think you might be a ... guitrongus?
Which is cooler: the riff formula or the masterful way Ben teaches the key ideas? Loving both! terrific demo, under 5 minutes and so effective.
Heck, at 0:40 I just wanted to pause the video and go listen to that whole first song. 💜
Currently watching but wanted to leave a supportive comment I’m loving this video as a current guitar effort doing
seriously this is golden, great compositional advice in less than 5 minutes. I just spent a good hour just making stuff up with this, it's in the category "one simple trick all music teachers hate"
God. To be this adept at music. I just... I... wow.
The Poliphico-djenty stuff of my nightmares ;)
The way you've illustrated it is almost as good as the concept itself. Thank you, Ben!
I think this is a really interesting approach to riff writing. I think I'll experiment with this AND try creating unique formulas of my own and see what kind of riffs I can make.
This video has opened my eyes, I have truly seen the face of Riff God.
excited to try this out! loved the variety of examples you presented here. thank you so much
That last riff is the cooliest
You’re like my favorite musician, I love your content!
Love the use of cascading scales. Really appreciate the formula. Makes me feel like I could actually write a song... 😎
I've got feeling this is rad.
Thank you very much Ben music is fun!
I've been going through some Barrios Mangore stuff, he makes excellent use of this open string technique. Lots of gnarly chords
Another Ben Levin banger, gonna start writing a new tune today with this technique. I really like the use of open strings within the riff, sounds kind of like midwestern emo
Your insane wackiness finally pays off, well done 👏 I know some of the most brilliant musicians like Charlie Parker did time in insane asylums, I wish we had this technology back then because I bet a lot of those crazy people would actually have some wacky brilliant ideas like you, thanks for sharing 😎
These riffs are fabulous! I'm excited to use your formula in my writing! Also, I love you sweetie.
Thank you, Ben!
Thanks Ben ❤
Awesome stuff!
I'm pretty new to guitar (been playing keys for a while though) and compositional techniques like this are super cool to play around with. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
The ancient formula for riffs has finally been revealed! Thanks for all the lessons Ben! ❤
Ben, I’ve got a feeling you’re right! Thanks again!
I love you man
Awesome!
You're a monster
He shaved, that's all - he's not really a werewolf. Unless he puts out a video tonight, and the fur is back! 🐺🐄
Perfect riff!
I thought this video couldn't get much better but then 'Guitrongus' happened
Love the sounds. I am curious about the evolution of this idea. Did the formula emerge from analyzing cool sounds, or was it an analytical process? The formula itself is interesting, but the meta-formula insight would also be interesting.
Hiya Donald, I was noticing that I like a certain kind of sound with call and response and open strings and then tried to make rules that would guarantee the result I liked. As I iterated, I realized the importance of a density ramp and added that into the formula as well. The question was "what can I do to guarantee all of these nice elements are present in a riff?"
Wow this is a very unique approach to guitar riffery.. i may try it out..
love it
more riffs needed, this video is amazign!!!!!!!!!!11
Man thats right!
MATH!
YES
Jolly!
I love your final riff off❤ 03:54
I like how you’re using 3 measures (in some of them) so it sounds like the first measure is different every time if you’re expecting a whole 4 measures in the riff
Hey, I was wondering, as a guitarist, how do I go about writing interesting drum parts over my riffs? writing for drums doesn't feel as intuitive to me as guitar.
Ducks should sing all the indie songs.
There is a C chord in this ,I don’t notice. You could do vocal melody on guitar (sustained tone) add harmony notes. You already know without even playing
🤟
last riff reminds me so much of marcos mena from stnadards
Hi hello rock
Hey Ben, what do you write your music in? I've been using musescore but it doesn't do things like hammerons or pulloffs very well
MuseScore's latest update has more guitar friendly features!
@@BenLevin I'm using MuseScore 4 - it's not bad but maybe I am expecting too much
Hurts my head, doesn’t the animation around 2 min “sing” high for the low notes and low for the high notes?
Speed it up and boom. Polyphia
Bent Knee!?
You sound really dirty projector on this one
All of those riffs are too good. Please make some less good riffs.