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Riffy Seedlings #5: Bouncy Single-Note Riff in G

  This is an interesting, attention-grabbing riff.  That octave jump and vibrato on the 4th-string G really makes a strong impression.  I can hear this one creating a classic rock vibe, but more laid-back beat (reggae?) may also be interesting.  Watch out for the Bb-D jump at the end of the turn-around.  The block chords…

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Riffy Seedlings #4: 3-3-2 Arpeggio in Em

  Subdividing 4/4 into groups of 3, 3, and 2 eight notes can create an interesting rhythmic tension atop otherwise straight forward rhythm.  I keep the F# on top as the chord changes to create continuity. This is also a good picking exercise, I play here with alternate picking to emphasize the beats but directional…

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I Started Planting “Riffy Seedlings”

I’m sure you can relate.  You are noodling on your guitar and come up with a cool new riff.  You scramble around for something to record, for if you don’t capture it now you’ll soon forget.  Inspirations are fleeting. I first used Quicktime and built-in mic on my Mac, but these days I mostly use…