Metalcore Guitarists Play Their Favorite Riffs

We've asked nearly every guitarist we've had on Gear Factor what riff they're proudest of writing. Watch these metalcore shredders- like Ben Bruce of Asking Alexandria, Lee Malia of Bring Me the Horizon and Michael Paget of Bullet for My Valentine- discuss and play their favorites from their own catalogs.
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Music: Riffs Two by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License
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[@FriedEggsandJellyfish]

Michael Paget is sooooo underrated! This man has written some of the sickest metalcore riffs. And that Esp custom shop he plays is a beautie 🤘

[@abhinavbhuyan2320]

Yeah man he is fucking underatted !! Loved this guy

[@SharkySharkOC]

I actually made a full review/overview of his guitar (I own one). It’s a proper ESP too. You should check it out. The channel it’s posted on is SuperJoshio :)

[@raphaelppfn]

The best and most influential guitarrist of the whole video ⚡️

[@VaptiXflame24]

Just facts

[@awkhz]

i saw them live at Swansea Arena near their hometown, which is bridgend. they all are super social and interactive with the fans

[@ChaosPootato]

"Oh cool, free riff!"

[@adamh3548]

Yo that first riff from the dude was definitely inspired by METALLICA - ONE Sounds dope as well. Well done dude.

[@Jawn..]

its literally one

[@leonardharverson8660]

@@Jawn..I hear One combined with Afraid to Shoot Strangers 😂

[@chitranthirupathy6678]

Jesse/ERRA and Sean/WSS are two of my absolute favourites! ❤

[@alexandrumihaes2641]

Lee Malia back to the roots 🤘

[@Pyr0nEx]

Bruh Jesse has to sing the chorus on “House Of Glass” while playing that monster of a riff. This dude must be some sort of genius.

[@markusalexander5323]

Muscle Memory ;)

[@TheKenshinEmo]

He is just not human xDD

[@lsebk1]

Enter Josh Middleton

[@rendikpindik1104]

@@markusalexander5323 how many people in the world would like that haha

[@markusalexander5323]

I guess most of them need to train very hard, me included. It's definitely not easy

[@matthewnolan5846]

So many great riffs. That code orange one was nasty as hell. More videos like this please!

[@olliefrey]

Such a wide range of styles for “metalcore” but man Josh is just on another level. Sounds so much tighter and cleaner and better tones etc than everyone else. Jesse also right up there!

[@AboutFalling]

Jesse from ERRA is a musical genius

[@rondomane]

metalcore guitarists play their favorite At The Gates riffs

[@ArchitectOfTheEnd]

where it all started

[@michaelmoran2125]

Fuck yes, under a serpent sun!!!!

[@LimitlessPotential12]

The Her Voice Resides riff is sick but the next riff that comes after that one in the song is even better.

[@ridleysomeliana-lauer5814]

Padge’s accent is so strong hahaha

[@maxolydian9115]

I love that when Reba is like “yeah I can show you,” the riff literally sounds like her smashing a fully amped guitar into the ground. Code is so brutal

[@soz24]

Love hearing the ambient pick noises to see how dynamically they're picking/strumming that results in such a sick sound amplified

[@DrRosenPihnoos]

I grew up in hs learning BFMV riffs and god i just love them. Their like a guilty pleasure for me to play. Just hearing paget rip em off is so nostalgic.

[@vitorlobo174]

That intro from Mortal after all and the main riff from Royal Beggars are sick af. Also my favorites. Love to hear those!

[@Pesshi86]

I can't comprehend a single fucking word what Michael Paget is saying, but the man has written some tasty ass riffs bruh.

[@connorphillips397]

Thats the Welsh valleys for ya😂

[@HappyGuitarAmp-pj9rf]

must be american, can understand him perfectly

[@taog-htao]

@@HappyGuitarAmp-pj9rf100% american no doubt about that

[@NvrLucky43]

@@connorphillips397 need a gameshow where you have to tell between an old timey sailor or a welshman

[@swirle13]

I'm american and I had zero problems understanding him. Thought he was Scottish, but I never hear Welsh accents to discern between the two

[@elmotis]

Architects and ERRA riffs 🤯

[@slamdangles]

the Erra riffs are the best imo, I immediately stopped what I was doing and was like wait wtf?!?!?!? If you go to my page you'll see I've been playing guitar for a long time and those really got my attention!!!!!! I gotta learn them!!!

[@no_one563]

@@slamdangles lmao you gonna go into a deep rabbit hole my friend ! Jesse got some of the tastiest and most riffiest riffs ever

[@slamdangles]

@@no_one563 that's exactly what I'm looking for 😍😍😍😍 I want to up my riffing game. I looooved the first erra riff bc you can tell it's built around a chord progression and to me, those are the riffs that tell stories. They convey an emotion really clearly.

[@no_one563]

@@slamdangles I actually think you are going to like erra's most recent songs then, its very more chord progression focused compared to their older stuff which is very riffy and technical.

[@NicoDoesLP]

@@slamdangles I'll recommend Continuum. Drift as an album slaps so hard though. Especially the extended phrasing part in Hourglass. That album is literal crack to me, and I dunno if I even consider it their best.

[@SteelOnyxYT]

I thought it said mediocre like “tf did they do to deserve that 😭” Edit: the replies are wild I have zero clue what they are saying 😭

[@JJONNYREPP]

Metalcore Guitarists Play Their Favorite Riffs. and lick their fav miles.

[@SIRebrum]

Looooool

[@JJONNYREPP]

@@SIRebrum moool

[@PitBullPlaysGames]

to be fair all these dudes suck at guitar

[@dogelord6166]

​@@PitBullPlaysGamesNo guitar vid on channel = Stfu, I don't even listen to these people or know who they are but they definitely are better than you

[@sohampalodhy4214]

It's sad that Ben Bruce left AA but I'm happy for him coz everyone loves their families

[@azizkarim2194]

Not that sad cause asking Alexandria is shit nowadays, crap music.

[@dropdead___]

​@@azizkarim2194it's sad for AA that Ben left.

[@InFamous_Asylum6]

He’s still in the band, he’s still doing the writing and creativity like he’s always done, he’s just not touring with the band

[@dreck250]

@@InFamous_Asylum6no hes not.

[@raydog_97]

I can see him coming back in the future, they’re brothers man, I know they would let him back in if he wanted back in

[@jessestumpf190]

I love how all their fav riffs are off their new albums, can’t tell if it’s a plug or they genuinely enjoy the growth of their playing

[@OzzyMandias-xl2hr]

Tbh I can't stand it when artists do that. It defeats the purpose IMHO

[@itsWAHOO2012]

Probably feel like they have to promote new stuff

[@Prophecy6]

It's always just to promote their new stuff.

[@Ron_Swanson]

recency bias too

[@cyntdestroyer69xd]

I mean, when you create a new songs, chances are, you may like your new songs more then the ones you played before, as it stands for your current music taste. Though its prolly a mix of these, and a shill

[@JoshFryer]

Jesse never ceases to amaze me with the ease that he plays. 15/10

[@kylezaverl4837]

I swear, Jesse does not get enough credit for his riff writing and playing ability. He/Erra have consistently put out beautiful, complex and melodic riffs for yearrrss at this point.

[@blatisgense933]

If someone can't understand what Michael Paget said, his top 3 is: Scream Aim Fire Her Voice Resides Don't Need You

[@KidVermin]

Is the Welsh accent really that hard to understand?! 🥲

[@link41411]

@@KidVermin No not really. People must be using phone speakers on low volume.

[@ImotekhtheStormlord-tx2it]

no its not difficult to listen. i guess americans have stuck fat from fast foods in their ears.

[@blatisgense933]

@@KidVermin idk, but im not native speaker) I've recognized song's riffs first, and after relistening his words)

[@trentonlyles-corey4522]

Sean Long : "i really like when note placement is better than straight speed" Also Sean Long :"lemme just rip this hella fast, noodly riff for you"

[@DeadlyMoustache]

What is the song the second riff is from?

[@pickrzz]

​@@DeadlyMoustacheThe Guilty Party

[@DeadlyMoustache]

@@pickrzzTy sir!

[@aidanoliver8209]

Reba Meyers coming in to body everyone on their fav riffs.

[@Rageagainstthepatriarchy]

No one talking about my boy Sean from WSS? Think he's one of the most creative and inventive guitarists of the Metalcore scene rn

[@tamtenmateusz9475]

True!! He's awesome and personally I think he's underrated.

[@MrShoniBare]

The riffs on the new ep is insane. Self hell is my fav one.

[@DeadlyMoustache]

What song does he say this riff is from? It sounds like he said “guilty pie” but I hnfc

[@whodatrightthere]

@@DeadlyMoustache The Guilty Party

[@derKischda]

The riff in the chorus of YOU ARE ALL YOU NEED is just a thing of beauty. Many people probably didn't really noticed it because it's a bit hidden behind the vocals.

[@eNtrozx]

We need more of these!

[@dakpricemusic]

Vanish Canvas is so good. I was hoping Jesse would say that was one of his favorite riffs. Glad he did

[@rjm_17]

Mark my words ima be one of the ones playing a riff some day

[@ridleysomeliana-lauer5814]

Commenting for when this happens so I can say you did it! Godspeed brother.

[@cjmitch91]

I hope you fucking do it yo! Remember this comment section

[@rjm_17]

@@ridleysomeliana-lauer5814 Thank you for the support my friend!!

[@ryanhedge3587]

You got this bud!I also want to be there playing a riff. Maybe you will be playing a riff I wrote and I can play a riff you wrote haha!

[@karolpopiak2031]

So am I! Good luck, brother.

[@coreyvisions972]

Pwd - Horizons Outro gets me every time.

[@aaronmcelrea8172]

Jesse Cash is just an amazing musician - I really like Electric Twilight

[@bumugo]

4:11 riff Bring me the horizon - shadow moses

[@kaa2893]

exactly wht i thought 😂

[@linkgobrrr3358]

I literally rewinded it like🤔

[@GuillermoYelo2]

That song is literally a copy of shadow moses, even the music video has the 3D effect recorded with 2 cameras 😂😂

[@__-ni1kz]

I met Jesse at a small show (~150 people) with Scale The Summit, Reflections, Glass Cloud and Monuments in like 2015, super nice dude. Kills it live, I can’t even play their music in my bedroom lol.

[@Fishpks]

1:00 the neighbors banging on the apartment floors to stfu really sold it lmao

[@ThisxFate]

This was an incredible video!! Would love more of this!!!

[@Joshua-s7j3u]

The first one sounds like the beginning to Metalicas "One".

[@PatStarDJ]

100%

[@Rowl666]

ofc Lee Malia played one of their core records riffs 😆

[@TheDudeOnTheDrums]

Jeeeessus that Expatriate riff is so satisfying. Erra really are delightful.

[@ragefromwithin74]

That Josh Middleton Riff sounds like a modern DEATH riff in a really cool way. O SHIT HE JUST SAID IT

[@benjenkins4243]

Bullet for my sempiternal

[@Chris_Tinacan]

I bumped into Padge in a bar once. As well as being a great guitarist, he's one of the nicest dudes you could meet.

[@yardenmor-avi9765]

The shot of that Fender Champion @ 1:20 and it's sound are giving me major flashbacks being stuck in a rehearsal room 15+ years ago with no other options.. That sound chips at my brain and soul and should not be legal lol

[@Unearthlywhales]

"oh cool, free riff"

[@victorycalls4179]

I love how Jesse speaks for his entire band with "ours" rather than his. Even though he most likely created the riff. It's a respect thing.

[@Sacrifice-Paid]

Unless I’m mistaken, that 1st riff, I’m sure I can hear elements of One by Metallica

[@mixmmick]

I was thinking the same thing, hopefully Lars doesn’t sue. 😝

[@keepmovn8039]

Yes. No matter the twist, the main rythm continues as "One".

[@twosnakse]

@@mixmmicksue for what? Virtually every metal band alive has taken a Metallica riff and changed it slightly if you look enough

[@ruthlesstony2133]

​@twosnakse it's a reference to Lars and the Napster fiasco. Learn to take a joke

[@twosnakse]

@@ruthlesstony2133 but his joke had nothing to do with what Napster was sued for…

[@chrispysaid]

8:27 lol I love when this happens. "ohp, free riff" is the best 🤣

[@joebmxx]

This video made me realise all the best metal comes out of the UK.

[@benjapacheco1539]

Jesse Cash and Josh Middleton re different animals in the list, nobody is close to them, fucking savage guitarists

[@HugoStiglitz88]

1:44 in turning point by Killswitch engage. Awesome riff Also the "Omega riff" by periphery

[@fbgmduck]

"This new song we've been playing live off the new record. I don't wanna give anything away." an EP or so later - Knocked Loose 🤷🏻‍♂🤣👍

[@fbgmduck]

I know it's an old interview it's just funny to me watching it after the fact.

[@fractal_aura]

​@@fbgmduck right i was thinking he was gonna play suffocate lol

[@TheGeeJ]

Dude from Asking A just played One by Metallica

[@SofaKing880]

10:35 that guitar looks like she made it in her garage with gorilla glue, scissors, and cardboard

[@Adzo411]

Bullet for my valentine riffs require a lot of chops!! My god!

[@WilliamSweet-m9u]

Man that riff from Reba was...fucking insane

[@Govagent101]

Erra just doesn't miss. Jesse has to sing at the same time too!

[@murksiii]

Funny how sometimes they have put out like two albums in the meantime since those interviews xD

[@anthonyhoepelman6509]

I loved “ free riff” lol that’s my life full of riffs

[@thezja4310]

Having Josh play Architects riffs and not Sylosis riffs is criminal.

[@michaelheaton6925]

Sylosis is so gooooood

[@HeFoundAgartha]

Jesse Cash is a treasure

[@sharanyosarkar9957]

John middleton and jesee cash are both beasts!!! I was hoping for olly steele to pop up😔

[@ericcalvert7499]

This was recorded a while back if Ben Bruce is associated with it.

[@bamashine8822]

I believe all of these are old. I know I’ve seen the Josh Middleton and Jesse Cash videos before

[@cowboycyborg]

asking alexandria guy just ripping when the sun sleeps lol

[@chandraabudiman]

Can someone tell me what that death riff is at 8:03 ? or is that just something he made up?

[@cazdogg]

Trapped In A Corner

[@chandraabudiman]

@@cazdogg thank you so much. I've been searching for that since I saw the Josh Middleton riff video

[@royrivers1213]

Jesse Cash is the MVP here, this guy is insanely good technically, and his ability to sing that well while playing is pretty impressive (+ the melodies/technic parts he does are amazing). But ERRA is not popular as Architects, BFMV etc ...

[@ryanbollinger1759]

Baby J is one of the best guitarists out there. I absolutely love him.

[@dykfbw849]

code orange is fucking insane

[@sulavmdr]

Sean Long really has some bloody good riffs. Freaking love WSS.

[@snowyowl1717]

Free riff! Haha. I know exactly what he means. Sometimes the riffs write themselves.

[@allentastic]

That first riff is straight up One by Metallica lol. Not in a bad way, my band does that kind of thing in almost every song, just pointing it out.

[@ArchitectOfTheEnd]

Y'all should check out the guitarwork from Darkest Hour, not even a specific album because they're all 🔥

[@bbellomusic]

All I took away from this is the importance of drums for bringing out the heaviness of chuggy riffs

[@xyverneas7967]

"Expiate" by Erra is crazy (so are their other riffs)

[@andrewcable2494]

Was this filmed a while ago? I thought Ben Bruce had left Asking Alexandria?

[@drunkenyeknom]

Yeah they just compiled a bunch of videos into one. Josh isn’t in Architects anymore either and Issac is talking about an old album. Also I seen Jesse’s video months ago

[@GNR-qh9nv]

OMG IM EARLY ON A LOUDWIRE VID?!

[@frankunodostres473]

I noticed there's a lot of british metalcore bands lol

[@BestWafflesEUW]

We like it heavy ngl

[@VICES-music]

Love it!

[@pattol666]

bu lu lu lu lu lu, in case anyone wondering is the scientific term for solo work on a guitar.

[@Isaac-tw7bv]

while she sleeps riffs always top tier

[@kevinbarraza6196]

BFMV is literally my biggest inspiration to becoming a guitarist

[@Thursdaystoday]

First riff reminded me of when the sun sleeps lol

[@roannabben418]

Take a shot everytime Lee Malia says like

[@CradlePayne]

:: Adam D enters the chat ::

[@treysword1443]

I heard Josh Middleton start to play a little of trapped in a corner by death kinda

[@HigzyTeflon]

2:22 Badass Explorer

[@Belknap307]

ERRA is the best live band I’ve seen in the genre.

[@felip_eexd]

That asking Alexandria intro one sounded a lotttt like when the sun sleep by UØ

[@MatthewDiesFirst]

First clip is straight up One hahahaha

[@randerins]

Padget is the man! 🤟

[@temaa._.4]

can someone tell me what's the sick riff at 10:44 please?

[@nicolasalves9193]

the end of the song "3 Knives- Code Orange"

[@friendlycheesecake3581]

Norma Jean mentioned 😮

[@internallycombusted1]

a lot of this is shockingly pretty stock. except for bfmv which is awesome

[@DLeRoux]

Lee playing through a Champion is god tier :)

[@sergiolopez3965]

That Asking Alexandria riff sounded like The Changing of Times by Underoath.

[@ImotekhtheStormlord-tx2it]

i wonder if michael took inspiration from burzum while writing hand of blood

[@joturna1]

Sean Longs riff hits soooooo hard ⚰️☠️🤘

[@Ructions]

No Adam D???? 😢

[@Sage-666]

"metalcore guitarists" not sure id classify sleeping with sirens and knocked loose as metalcore bands lol

[@devq3852]

🤓☝️

[@JP-iy4ye]

Tune ?

[@shadow-t4s2z]

What is the name of the song 0:39

[@CooperCriswell-p4t]

Solfeggietto