How To Write Modern Guitar Riffs in 5 Easy Steps

[@CharlieRobbins]

Hey everyone! Really appreciate the love and support! If you’d like tab packs, follow the link in my bio! 🙌🏻

[@BMCCHOPPERS]

Do you double track all your riffs?

[@CharlieRobbins]

Not all of them. But sometimes I’ll triple track. especially for the low gain stuff. 2 panned hard LR and one down the center :)

[@jgrim4086]

I usually play in C but I can never figure out chords out of standard tuning. What chords did you use?

[@satchrules101]

Killer lesson bro thank you ! Please more song writing lessons! Subbed.

[@ashutoshsrivastava8661]

I can't find the tabs for this riff dude!! I can't even find this riff on spotify

[@JTCGuitar]

Never stop sliding

[@catjesusbean]

Slides are the best

[@imanthonyjames]

Charlie "I like slides" Robbins

[@CharlieRobbins]

Anthony James diss is truuu

[@TheBlackKoma]

Black "I like to watch Charlie slide" Koma

[@TheDescendant1]

He can slide right into my dm’s tho 😛😍

[@Lybramusic]

One of the best "guitar lesson" type of video for a bit more advanced players I've seen so far. Simple, helpful, short and right to the point,. But with character and fun to watch. Keep on dude. You're a huge inspiration to me

[@CharlieRobbins]

Nico Lybra wow thank you! 🙌🏻

[@nwmstudios]

I agree this is an awesome approach to creating new riffs.

[@christianbrobst3486]

I believe this type of explanation makes the artist feel exposed. Such a detailed explanation and simplification is believed to take away from the mystique of an artist and allows people to develop it as their own. Much respect to Mr. Robinson for being secure enough to teach the people his pathway for riffage.

[@mugbrain]

I think you cured my writer's block in 6 minutes

[@CharlieRobbins]

So glad I can help 🙌🏻

[@maverickpanda]

dude you should totally make this a series!! It'd be great if you broke down the process on some of your other riffs/songs

[@CharlieRobbins]

Bandito yeah, I’m down! As long as you guys would like it, I’ll put in the time 💙

[@maverickpanda]

Charlie Robbins Yes!! I know I personally would love that! Also what genre would you say this is because I’m looking for more artists similar to you, Polyphia, Covet, Intervals, Plini, and Ichika Nito?

[@travislee9662]

Charlie Robbins yeah totally agree with Bandito. I would watch a whole series on just this video broken down into detail. Favorite chords, progressions, ideas on grooves, the scales you like for the fill in licks etc. your thought process, influences that led to the certain chords or scale use. Maybe songs that influenced how you write. That would be awesome.

[@aksheymehta77]

Ya bro we need some depth tutorial you teach nice counting on you

[@fp-ko7vg]

@@CharlieRobbins we would definitely love it!

[@samueld.4224]

This is actually so helpful, as I was struggling with the writing of my own riffs. Thanks for this insightful video, really love your channel

[@CharlieRobbins]

Samuel D. I’m glad I can help! Can’t wait to hear what you come up with 🙌🏻

[@cyanidejunkie]

“It just added a little aspect that you didn’t expect” lol, brother.... after following you for a while, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected and then some. Great post. Be well my friend.

[@CharlieRobbins]

cyanidejunkie you’re too kind 🙌🏻

[@Piter1000000]

^ He's right.. y'know.. :)

[@yogurtlurker]

Hes revealing to us how to be real slick with the fiddle stick

[@Syncopiia]

I've been trying to reverse engineer how you play for the last few weeks in some of my personal songs, and it's made my riffs and rhythms a lot saucier. This video made the whole process a lot easier. I hope you'll keep making stuff like this!

[@CharlieRobbins]

John Ross glad I can help man! :)

[@matenorth]

Hello, im asking you because the youtuber most likely wont answer, so, the initial chord progression has to be only different chords or inversions count as new chords? Or you use the inversions for the "fill in the gaps" parts? I hope the question makes sense.

[@ShrubPlays]

Step 1: Be genius Step 2: Be genius Step 3: Be genius Step 4: Be Genius Step 5: Be THE genius

[@CharlieRobbins]

Shrub Plays haha I wish!

[@DIRTJS]

This is incredibly useful, thank you.

[@CharlieRobbins]

JOSEF DIRT glad I can help 🙌🏻

[@vishnugopakumar8807]

Hey dude I was part of the trill route performance in December and the things you said really helped me with the show. Idk if you remember but still I just wanted to say thank you. You're a good teacher!

[@ryelor]

Hey Charlie, this video is so AWESOME. I see how you play and it's easy to get intimidated. But, when you break it down like this, your humility shines through as well as your desire to show us all how you do it. Amazing, man. Thanks for the effort you put into this!

[@CharlieRobbins]

Really appreciate this! Thank you!

[@c0nfuciu5TTV]

looks me dead in the eyes and says "yeah that's pretty much it". i feel personally attacked.

[@michaelseidman924]

Bro, thank God I found this. The second great guitar teacher online. Straight to the point and very informative. I pray for your success so more KZbin teachers learn how to make a video

[@ROKZLEON]

The beat boxin' between the riffs is a great idea! 👦🏻

[@leofunks31]

You're a legend. Big ups from the UK :) As a side note, this video is perfect to show to people who can't see the benefits of learning music theory!

[@gavintolbert]

charlie you’re my favorite guitarist of all time and you inspire me to get better. just bought your coloratura tab pack and i’m learning spicy on my new cordoba stage. keep it up dude

[@SamuelGarcia-hj1is]

This lesson definily will change all my concepts in the guitar! Thanks a lot, Charlie!

[@quietberserker]

When I play guitar, I visualize patterns and divide chords and rhythms very mathematically. Sometimes I want to just break free of patterns and be more abstract and "go-with-the-flow" when I'm playing while still remembering the main music theory. Charlie, your playing seems very technical, but still has a nice creative and artistic flare. Its important not to lose that. Thinking too technically can make you not consider some more abstract possibilities.

[@jordaneva4062]

It's so deceptively simple but really musical and interesting to listen to. Very cool

[@CharlieRobbins]

Jordan Eva right? I honestly would over think these things. Once I did little tricks like this, it got a little easier :)

[@diegogc11]

Dude thanks a lot for sharing this!! I know you will be getting even better at guitar because once you give something it multiplies for yourself, that's how it works!!

[@CharlieRobbins]

Diego Garcia thank you!

[@dannyhood4007]

Amazing how the beats (drum fills) enhance the guitar (fills)as well

[@aashraybissa3954]

Make a lesson on creating those complex chords... plzzz

[@improvingguitarist1595]

Just use online chord progression generator

[@alkinaydin]

This inspiration is priceless, please make more vids like this.

[@CharlieRobbins]

I will :)

[@alkinaydin]

Charlie Robbins I would love to watch how you record/mix guitars for example🙏🏻

[@Teddy-pi4su]

Man I love you. Thanks for your music, and for sharing one of your approach for composition. It really helps demistify music writing.

[@CharlieRobbins]

I’m glad I can help :)

[@leeperez8377]

That was a really insightful video, thanks! your riffing is out of this world! Especially as a guitar player I love this kind of content! So please keep up the videos :D Greetings from switzerland ✌️

[@CharlieRobbins]

Lee Perez will do man! I appreciate you 💙

[@varvarvarvar7861]

Shot and very informative.I think we need more video like this.Thanks a lot.

[@CharlieRobbins]

varvar varvar glad I can help :)

[@gussouzamarcondes]

Actually, after I saw the "20 guitarists of the decade" list and the criteria they used, I really think you will be on the next list. Your riffs, when you explain it, seem really simple, but it still wonderful to hear as if it was way more complex. Great lesson, buddy, keep prog riffing.

[@CharlieRobbins]

Thank you! :)

[@odinsonthered9226]

Easily one of the best tutorial videos I’ve ever seen

[@CharlieRobbins]

Thanks! 🙌🏻

[@GeneoVanEngers]

your playing is amazing great video dude.

[@ianwheeler8764]

Your slides are so quick and precise; very impressive. Thanks for sharing.

[@Lectwar6]

some real polyphia-lite worship going on in here. nice chops man.

[@Right_in2]

Tim Henson is modern Steve Vai with hip-hop

[@ryanisheartless]

Literally learning theory more effectively watching your videos one by one... wild!

[@jult2309]

You play super clean. Didn't like the riff at 1st but after seeing how it was constructed it grew on me

[@masha3238]

Hey Charlie. This video is definitely helping in bringing out my sense of creativity. Great way to create sweet riffs! Any advice on improving with rhythm. Perhaps if you have the time, a video! Or please share your experience with improving in this field. Thanks!

[@KushTheGamer]

Getting strong Para-Mexer vibes from the backing track! Great video btw. Subscribed :)

[@nahuel6136]

this video is a great combination of theory and technique

[@ElectromagneDikk]

Step 2. Not weird. Totally intuitive. Great vid dude

[@Rockefeller1]

Awesome, dude! Thanks for sharing your approach to riff writing! 🤘

[@CharlieRobbins]

Anytime man 💙

[@HitMarkersAreFun]

the riffs sound awesome, many thanks for sharing your riff writing tips!

[@zapantalambda]

I like your approach to spanish scale because it is contemporary, new to the ears and lots of fesh techniques. gave me ideas in the end. thanks for this. :)

[@timothysmithcreation]

dude you are a legend for this video im hoping it helps me get out of this writing block. this is going into my favourites

[@ThatsWhatSheSaid_MathRockBand]

This is exactly what I needed, thanks!

[@CTGMoreira]

Dude, dude! You are a creative as can be... love your riffs!

[@KyleMonizMusic]

This connected alot of dots for me, thank you

[@josephgoode7646]

Dude this video is completely life changing for me thank you so much!

[@RakeShuvoAndGuitars]

That "pretty simple so far" line cracked me up

[@edfellantingan6877]

Soooo good man!! Happy I have found your channel. Greetings from Philippines

[@CharlieRobbins]

Thank you! Glad you dig it! :)

[@MrBlacksphere]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing the approach.

[@ДаняРудой]

Great sound bro

[@mateialexandru2837]

Bro you’re such a creative musician

[@GabowtfCovers]

Awesome bro!! Really useful, thanks very much for it :D

[@CharlieRobbins]

Gabowtf Rewrite thanks!

[@adamcogan211]

Super useful and entertaining video! I was stuck in a rut writing riffs and this has definitely helped open me up to new ideas. Definitely gunna try thinking like this from now on! Thank you!

[@CharlieRobbins]

Glad I can help :)

[@pooyash60]

Wow! Your weird way of adding the groove is gold for me man. it answered many questions in my head. Can't wait to see your other ways of writing riffs. Thanks for sharing ;)

[@MindSculpture1]

Thanks for that. Your style suddenly makes so much more sense 👍

[@robert3426]

That tone is really nice

[@marloc2019]

Great insight! I've found particularly enlighting the functional part, the idea to use embellishments in a functional way for instance to approach the next position smoothly and efficiently. Thanks indeed. Is something that might seem irrelevant but in my humble opinion is what kicks your playing on a next level....!

[@NeoGeoEch13]

Amazing playing and thanks for the lesson!

[@greysinferno8214]

Sick lesson man! Very helpful.

[@chrisharvey5312]

Great guitar work man

[@yaboi6074]

Have been waiting for this video, thank you for this!

[@CharlieRobbins]

Ya Boi I got you! 🙌🏻

[@RyanAulMusic]

This is sick well done sir

[@GumboRyan]

This is sick! Thanks man.

[@yugennazofzz4318]

So ridiculously talented...👏👏👏

[@thomasbuck6250]

Man, this helped so much! Any plans for continuing this kinda topic?

[@CharlieRobbins]

Glad it helped! And yes! :)

[@jerryjohnson575]

thank you for the expansion in my playing,,,,,, its good to push to the outer edges of the music-verse

[@fsdylan8812]

Very helpful video, keep up the good work

[@gabrielfrison]

Hey man, this is excellent. I realized I was doing some of the things you say unconsciously, and this just made me aware of that to use it more wisely. Thumbs up!

[@CharlieRobbins]

Thank you man!

[@norwayflippers5886]

Actually very great and concrete tips, contrary to many other tutorials! Will definitely try this out!

[@chrizalien]

Great content. Thank You for this lesson about your unique approach.

[@a7xrebelrocker]

Pure genius. Thank you, dude.

[@jessetyson6345]

omg! fucking gold here Charlie!! thank you so much for you unpack-aged well explained video!

[@CharlieRobbins]

Jesse Tyson glad you dig it man! 🙌🏻

[@jessetyson6345]

I feel like I'm almost there except Im at 75% speed with some errors on the slide :( not used to those lol

[@MadHias808]

This was really helpful! Thank u man.

[@fredroyer2335]

That was actually so helpful !!!!

[@phant0mdummy]

I feel stupid saying this, but I've never thought to mouth out the drum beat to establish a groove. I will sometimes try to hear the rhythm i'm after in my head, but the idea of physically making the sounds while writing is pretty good. I'm definitely going to be messing with this concept. I can see how it would help with more comfortably creating space in your riffs, which is something that can be hard to do when writing without other instrumentation.

[@Thick44]

Great video!

[@hados1853]

Nice to see someone using theory in their riff making

[@CharlieRobbins]

Glad you dig it!

[@manatones]

I love the whammy dips ❤

[@iamalpharius9483]

Wow, didnt know that you could actually speak. I thought that your guitar was your comms device. Interesting. Very interesting.

[@CharlieRobbins]

Indiana Jones haha yeah dude! I have a few other talking videos as well :)

[@Exoauraband]

Awesome groove and breakdown of it, thanks! 🤘

[@ritualawakening3704]

Very cool vid! Keep it up man!!

[@kingnaildriver7232]

Man I just love Charlie’s stuff.

[@aniketthakur5520]

Charlie thank you so much, really helpful lesson and for free. Thanks again

[@robbymata4831]

Good video lesson. This was very helpful.

[@justindacosta3d]

If literally nothing else, you gave me some new chord shapes, killer lesson man!

[@CharlieRobbins]

Thanks! Glad it helps!

[@Silent_Keith]

Yep followed that perfectly note for note....in my head....fingers not so much, I'm actually untangling my fingers and strings currently. Man I love this channel and your style is completely different from pretty much anything I listen to. Keep it up and come to Ohio...

[@CharlieRobbins]

Keith H thanks man! I would love to go there!

[@callibor3119]

Very nice tutorial vid, dude. :)

[@CharlieRobbins]

Callibor 31 thanks!

[@NeZversSounds]

So amazing riff and THE TOANZ! Could you break down your clean tone? I don't get how you get that compressed sound and no background noise too.

[@davidvashum3572]

This is much more detailed then the tim henson video thank u so much... you have a new sub

[@otmkyo]

Thank you bro for sharing this tips. Amzing work.

[@Aalii6]

The video I have been waiting for, thank you for making this happen! Furthermore, I would very much suggest (love to see) a video where you explain a bit more about how you develop interesting grooves/rhythmic ideas/rhythmic motives/rhythmic embellishments as this is something I really like about your playing.

[@CharlieRobbins]

Ali I think I can do that! Though, a huge part of it is in this video. I’ll mouth out cool rhythms then just try and play it on guitar haha it gets pretty hard sometimes 😭

[@Aalii6]

alright, I will try to focus on the rhythm part in a more isolated way and that might alrdy help a lot then

[@CharlieRobbins]

Ali yeah, give it a shot! I’ll try and think of different ways I can package some concepts into a video :)

[@yigitalpdikmen331]

Greetings from Turkey. And thank you for the video, this helps a lot :)

[@CharlieRobbins]

Thanks!

[@carlozzzfranco6120]

Why you only have 28,500 subs? This is pure fire 🖤🤘🏼🖤

[@AeroMetalMoe]

What a great video! I'll definitely try this out today. Thanks! ☺

[@CharlieRobbins]

Marco Philipp glad I can help!

[@PremonitionsOfTheAbyss]

I subscribed straight after hearing that intro

[@markfetherman9098]

How do you establish a chord progression? Do you use leading tones or do you approach it from a diatonic perspective?

[@mayge1234]

Fantastic video dude. And if the whole guitar thing doesn’t work out, there’s always beat boxing. 😂 Going to play guitar now. 🤘

[@CharlieRobbins]

mayge1234 lmao yes!

[@mojisol]

Thank you for bringing us into your mind. You are appreciated!

[@CharlieRobbins]

James Campigotto I’m glad I can help!