How to write the best Metal Riffs in 8 minutes

[@NikNocturnal]

*Smash like so I can show more people the way of the chugs, tyty*

[@ruin7954]

How to Godsmack in 30 seconds?

[@Ocean_Of_The_Lost_Memories]

How to Type O Negative/Paradise Lost in 30 seconds ?

[@georgiossirgoudis9207]

Cool riffs could be heavier😂

[@ianboone1710]

What guitar plug-in are you using

[@trechosemusicaslegendadas5485]

Nik,react to "Rakuin" by Unholy Harakiri Brutal Brazilian band🇧🇷

[@yvan2218]

Personal notes: Start simple and establish foundation riff Create a melody Build on the foundation riff, make it less boring by changing groove Incorporate melody into foundation or expand the melody itself into its own thing separate from the foundation Use blast beats, or use a base drum groove then incorporate bass drum to fit the heavy riff better Noted with thanks

[@DarkBladeOniken]

You forgot to shit on bass players 🎉

[@theshillpill6937]

@@DarkBladeOniken hire an actual bass player. Jk, midi is good enough

[@benjaminrapp7418]

​@@DarkBladeOniken Sacrilege! Bassists rarely get the respect they deserve!

[@violet__butterfly]

Nik tuning up to standard tuning gave me chills

[@Roses._thornz]

It was honestly badass going to standard

[@bu1t3rfly71]

yea fr

[@Tenshirock404]

Never expected to see a Cyborg Octopus profile picture but I approve ! \m/

[@experimetalfan8851]

Haters will say it's edited

[@violet__butterfly]

@Xxpsyhodelik007xX haha yeah, Baptism of Clay goes too hard

[@Luke-Hardt]

Nik is our new Music theory teacher lol

[@CanonBrahma2]

Period 😂❤

[@josefpopovsky4535]

Bob Ross of music

[@sneakysniper8278]

You’re such a good teacher Nik! Thanks for always breaking it down for us simpletons

[@n7rth_ca]

just when I was about to lose my mind struggling to write riffs, this came out. THANK YOU

[@underway2654]

This riff from 4:46 is fucking sick. Honestly I would like to hear a full song with it. It’s sorta of Trivium from In Waves era and Gojira alike. Dooope!

[@billkatsanakis7327]

That reminded me of the main riff in Far From Heaven by Fit For An Autopsy

[@PizzaHydra]

Honestly there are no guides as good and easy to follow as Nik's I would pay good money to have a course or somthing

[@riffsplayedinalternatekeys]

I actually really liked the simple drums with the more technical riff. It sounded cool

[@TJHuck]

Awesome riffs Nik! You should also show us your approach to drum parts, writing those seemed so smooth!

[@austinjreed1993]

second this!

[@bolillo5013]

This is the best explanation I've heard on riff writing. The part about adding space to creat rhythm as really helpful because I find myself chugging or playing Bleed-esque rhythms all too often . I don't plan on making 578 core even though it's sick, but this has helped me with my own sound. Also, I felt see when you used Javier Reyes' guitar as the 8-string example, because that's the 8-string I have lol.

[@AlexShelbayeh]

578 core lol

[@dunnock343]

Nik, I’d like to see you make a list for people who’d like to get into heavier music. The idea is to start with a rock song and the next song will be a little bit heavier, do this until you get to the heaviest song you know. Basically a stepping stone playlist so people can determine how heavy they wanna go.

[@aidanmahoney9865]

Starts with American Idiot, ends with XAVLEGBMAOFFFASSSSITIMIWOAMNDUTROABCWAPWAEIIPPOHFFFX

[@ComputerPerson6000]

Blink 182 Linkin Park My Chemical Romance Bullet for my Valentine Killswitch Engage As I Lay Dying Parkway Drive Everytime I Die The Dillinger Escape Plan Hope that helps.

[@johnl6569]

I love content like this when I'm in a rut. Been playing metal for about 25 years. Been in several bands, signed twice, recorded played many shows, and I find myself in ruts from time to time. Other genres of music and somehow videos like this help me when I'm searching for something new to create. Liked and subscribed. Keep it up man. You shred by the way. Don't hate the bassist BTW. Take it from a guy who plays bass and guitar, nothing you do to a guitar, adding strings or effects will ever duplicate or replace a bassist with good tone who actually knows how to play the instrument instead of just mirroring the guitar.

[@Jon14141]

Nice man

[@l-i-l-l-y6462]

I got so excited when he said bass riffs!! I love Nik and his videos, but he never gives bass enough love lol

[@Leviathan3721]

NIk, your tutorials are awesome bro, actually making music theory fun and easy to understand!

[@tyler6493]

PLEASE make more tutorials like this. I feel like these kind of lessons are what I need to really get back into it.

[@Joriaku]

7:00 Expected a Davie504 to come in breaking the door down

[@thegodofpez]

A.) Love the editing. B.) Love that lowered drop C sound. Chunky is funky. 🤟🔥

[@QQyoko]

The drums and guitar on the newest Phinehas album lock in *so tight* and it sounds phenomenal. Maybe the first album I ever listened to where it just stood out how dang good the combo was.

[@kazuyakurayami9844]

That technical riff was FIRE🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@-solidsnake-]

6:39

[@Gh0stDiaz]

0:36 Nik: "You could be a guitarist" Then shows a pic of a bass player during a break down! Classic😂

[@johnmorganmanley5383]

He's actually such a talented writer

[@wolfieenightcore6701]

Wow this is exactly what I needed, just a few days ago I started working on my first ever metal song and I just watched your how to make amazing choruses video and now I see this one!

[@Null-my7ix]

I'd say that Crowbar will always have the heaviest riffs in the business. Low-tuned, groovy chugs and breakdowns with all sorts of heavy chords.

[@Pietreszcz]

I swear Planets Collide is still one of the heaviest songs in the universe even though it's "only" in B standard

[@wafflemanofficial3130]

Heaviest riff for me's gotta be Sacrifice unto Sebek by Nile

[@ArchitectOfTheEnd]

thought my boy was gonna come up with the Machine Head - Locust main riff in 5 secs of improvising at 3:00 lol, great video!

[@douchecraft3113]

the amount of memes you tie in with actual good advice is gnarly

[@Jon14141]

Indeed

[@H3kler]

*Checks comments for attacked bass players.*

[@gh0stdem0n666]

ok now how do i write or program heavy metal drums(full lesson)?

[@kriticalitygaming1048]

Asking the tough questions we want to know lol

[@joaoldmedeiros]

wanna hear Nik on this too 😏

[@lucascerbasi4518]

I love your tutorial videos! Was starting to miss them.

[@GozMaster]

Thats it, I'm quitting my job as a marketing director and forming a chug metal band. Now that i have the power of riffage. This was great Nik. Thank you.

[@davefoskett2418]

Love your vids Nic! btw that initial riff you started with sounds like the pre chorus to Locust by Machinehead😛

[@CodyJacksonJackson8812]

I always enjoy these teaching videos of yours! 🤘

[@Zeagods-CyberShadow]

Thank you So much Nik. Ive been struggling with how to come up with a good heavy grooving Nu metal or just any kind of Grooving metal. You just helped me so much

[@DaanPunaan]

I actually like the offset of simple drums + technical riff and vice versa. Simple riff + technical drums works very well. I feel if one instrument is being busy then the rest must take a back seat for that moment,

[@GodlessPhilosopher]

Awesome! Those complicated technical riffs were cool too. Have you done a how-to video on those? Also please do a how-to on how you make your drum beats! love

[@drewvaldez]

Love your stuff. Especially the “make anything metal” content. But, I feel like you have a lot more to offer than typical metal and would absolutely LOVE to see you put out some math metal or post metal à la Botch or Pelican. Thanks for all you do

[@attomxg]

3:22 Locust-Machine Head

[@rigbog7714]

glad someone else heard it 😭

[@attomxg]

@@rigbog7714 i thought i was trippin tho😂

[@rez6624]

The only thing I want from you: I sick modern metal riff in e standard

[@fredxu99]

An excellent riff to see this in action IMO is Wasted by Def Leppard. You have 3 notes of 7-5-10 on the A and a bunch of muted low E chugs in between, and then some random ass power chords and pull-offs for the tail, and that repeats like 4 times at the start of the song and it sounds great!

[@winterunterseher8937]

To be fair bass is actually really important for supporting the guitar and making a tone that sounds better. Also what is that drum tone program? Sounds great. Your production is really getting better.

[@RyanHarville]

Let me know if you find the drums he uses!

[@xaza5625]

fr we need it wtf

[@Zephre]

I need to know this too!

[@RyanHarville]

@Dr. Kujo Jotaro I think it's the Modern and Massive drum set with some pre-production applied to it. I searched his old videos and that's what he used, so I'm assuming it's the same stuff.

[@m_takma]

I love the "Tuning: Metal" in the description, haha!

[@TheBanana93]

What I find the hardest is syncing a riff with the kick drum... like yeah not all parts have to be the same but a breakdown is a mind fuck to me programming the drums lol

[@lovemetalmike]

Id like some advice on how to make D.I. guitar and digital drums sound better. What plugins, how to use them, maybe some cheap and expensive options.

[@jeremystone4139]

Sick riff straight outta the gate, well done sir.

[@toshineon]

For as many videos on this topic that I've watched, this is the one that really made the pieces fall in to place.

[@justinpolaski5713]

Been following your channel for a while and enjoying man, but little videos like this remind us that behind the fun and memes you're a really solid musician

[@janvasicek8843]

Drop C, chugs, 578, power chords, crazy drums. Okay, time to do some 2000s metalcore

[@zanbillian]

I love that guitar tone 3:44

[@joshhinz7566]

You should do more videos like this!

[@Ryush806]

Lulz loved the Siccas guitars plug. I’m a classical player so I watch most all of their stuff.

[@yoshitv9939]

1:06 my boy just became Drachenlord

[@socksrfootjail7257]

Good video 🤘 definitely gonna use these tips.

[@merry8647]

Some of these things are genuinely good advice even though it sounds like it shouldn't be. Yeah, experimenting with random flourishes can make any simple melody sound amazing

[@eddierabinovich779]

Hey Nik, it'd be cool if you could do an updated video about the drum plugins you use and perhaps some of the presets / changes you make to get a great drum sound like in the songs of Termina!

[@gustavohp3439]

1:31 that tone was fucking delicious jeez...

[@Goober_39]

“Sounds like mush” he says after sounding like he was about to bust out the Doom ost

[@ProtobluesDG]

The bass part is like the complete opposite of what Rob Scallon just said in his recent video......... I'm so conflicted!!!! I need an adult!

[@davesmith7671]

Actually was the most helpful video I've seen for so long

[@user-ph2my9sk8v]

What are you plugged into sounds awesome....playing again after 10 years... drop D was the shit now C love it keep it up....

[@just.icesjj]

any content put out my Nik is fire. should definitely do more edumacational vids😌

[@FidgetMDCCLXIV]

How I write a metal song: - Drop A tuning - 190-230 BPM - 6-0-1-4 riff - Sick alternate picking pattern (like in Meshuggah’s Bleed but not as hardcore) - String switching riffs - All 8th notes must be down-picked - 16th note minor third trills - Blast beats - Chorus with octave chords/harmonies and tremolo picking (like in Slipknot’s Sulfur/Orphan/Unsainted) - Fade out with sick riff and/or legendary solo (like in Metallica’s Fade To Black/The Thing That Should Not Be/For Whom The Bell Tolls)

[@LimgraveFootSoldier]

Ironically, the riff developed into Machine Head's Locust. LMAO

[@plandc5]

Your explanations absolutely crack me up 😂😂😂 yet you exsplain it so well 😂😂😂

[@mediumvillain]

"Way back in the day" *5 years ago*

[@multisafttv]

Secret sauce: in my head: drums Nik: bass Visible confusion

[@drewharrito5705]

Sweet video man. Can’t wait to see you hit a mil scriber count. 🎉

[@coreysmith9847]

This just might be the greatest tutorial EVER!

[@KikoKay-Kay]

The more im picking up about the metal. The more it becomes clear. Its the drums man. Its always the drums that are cool xd.

[@origiinss6622]

Man the riff in standard tuning at 4:45 is just FUCKING SICK

[@420crim3]

So sick

[@Hotelsonfire]

0:57 “Funda-metal-ly”.

[@Kausemus]

Started laughing at 5:37. Yeah! It actually kinda rips.

[@davidchazanas5096]

Chromatic notes "as long as you hit them with confidence, it works" awesome words

[@pizdecXD31]

4:45 huuuuuge a month ago there was a clip from twitch with this riff, since then I have been waiting for the full version

[@MarioDood]

Tutorial really helped, thank you!

[@andreykorolevych925]

my man out here spilling the sacred beans

[@stikdik]

Great video! Really good info in here

[@jameskoren1266]

We need a tutorial on programming drums baaaaad. No drummers of the core exist where I live sooooo.

[@Ravenstorm163]

Whole lotta love is the riff because you always move your head listening to it everytime

[@guitarclinicyt9276]

Can you finish the technical riff? It sounds so good

[@RogueAssassin4]

I'd kill for a full version of the Dad Rock one lol

[@KRayxKodessA]

this was... shockingly insightful. Thanks, Nik.

[@michaeldavids7914]

looks like my man nik’s been getting some sun!

[@ThorsShadow]

"Nik playing in Standard tuning isn't real. He can't hurt you." Nik playing in Standard tuning:

[@MrFaTTz33]

There's some Machine Head "Locust" in that there riff

[@skeletonjon]

Found this super helpful - thanks 🤘

[@vruss3371]

Heavy Djent is easy. Write a double kick drum groove, then pick 0s and 1s to the kicks.

[@Casey_8484]

Wow thx nik this just unlocked tons of stuff for me

[@Slipwidow]

2:51 stone sour Inhale

[@DBIIIStudios]

If you don’t say out loud “we do fun metal things here” at the same time as Nik, you’re not real. Like birds.

[@sammy-whirl8500]

I want to hate nik because he's popular, but I do dig his guitar chops

[@edgie_music.ofciale]

Haha nice one Nik, you mentioned Tails, I really love that character

[@y0ungzito]

3:01 reminds me of a brazillian band called Charlie Brown Junior. The song is "O Côro vai Comê". its a nice riff tho

[@josephstone9439]

Usually I suck at writing songs and riffs but this made me understand a little more, so thanks I guess! 😅

[@lrblake394]

'It's just random bullshit it doesn't matter'. Nihilist metal, thanks Nik.

[@420crim3]

4:45 epic As I Lay Dying levels of melody

[@meis18mofo77]

next tutorial: how to midi blast beat

[@intranexine8901]

yes, we need this

[@MrNickRowe]

Now need a video on drum programming lol

[@RyanHarville]

Did you find which drums he uses?

[@The_Madam_Mayhem]

"Don't piss off your drummer," haha no truer words spoken...

[@TwinPhoenix666]

Love ur channel, Nik

[@spikejohni858]

Nice Video! How do you turn a riff into a song?

[@ADayinWhite]

Moreso speaking to general music composition rather than just writing riffs, but in addition to modern rock and metal, I also listen to a bunch of J-rock and especially J-pop. Though I can't play 95% of it, it's definitely given me a lot of perspective on my music. For example, I still use bass as support for my guitars when I really want to make a section hit HARD, but I also make sure to give it room to do its own thing and even play the main melody sometimes. Also, I've discovered how to pull back with heavily distorted guitars and use them as an element of the song to either fill space or add ambience as opposed to be one of the main players (alongside vocals).

[@lethybridtheorygolucastheo2191]

Nice Starset pfp

[@Jon14141]

This video has helped me a lot, thanks :D