My Approach to Writing Progressive Rock Riffs | Free musicisum Guitar Lesson

MY NEW GUITAR COURSE IS AVAILABLE NOW - www.musicisum.net/writing-pro...
This lesson is taken from my new guitar course with Musicisum - Writing Progressive Rock Riffs. You’ll get over 4 hours of tuition across 20 videos as I explain my process, techniques, approaches and mindset towards writing riffs. At the end of the course we’ll put it all together into a full track breakdown of ‘Hotel Cali-Fortin’ from my new EP Grinding Gears Vol. 3.
Check it out here - www.musicisum.net/writing-pro...
#rabeaafro #musicisum #riffs
⬇️⬇️⬇️ Feel free to read this ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Hey guys, I’m Rabea. Thank you so much for checking out my channel. If you wanna follow me and check out my music, my collaborations with brands or my other social channels, check out the links below!
------------------// MY MUSIC \\-------------------------
Grinding Gears 3 - songwhip.com/rabeamassaad/gri...
Grinding Gears 2 - songwhip.com/rabeamassaad/gri...
Grinding Gears 1 - songwhip.com/rabeamassaad/gri...
Toska - www.toska.tv
Frog Leap - www.frogleapstudios.com
Dorje - www.dorje.tv
------------------// COLLABORATIONS \\-------------------------
Sleepless Apparel - sleeplessapparel.co.uk/
Chapman Guitars ML3 Bea - chapmanguitars.co.uk/
Bare Knuckle Pickups Silo - www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/...
Victory Kraken - www.victoryamps.com/kraken-se...
Riff Writing Course - www.musicisum.net/writing-pro...
------------------// FOLLOW ME \\-------------------------
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[@IshaanKunwar]

That overhead cam angle is great! Should be used in all guitar lessons.

[@KeinBierVorVierAlter]

noticed that too. Easier to translate when trying to play the riffs yourself, right?

[@IshaanKunwar]

@@KeinBierVorVierAlter exactly.

[@moldypj]

I like the downward camera while playing. Helps because that's what a players view.

[@musicisum]

We're stoked to see you are all digging this lesson from Bea's course - it's a beast 🔥

[@troyshaw9356]

I can't tell you how many times I've watched your videos... There's something about your approach and choice of melodic phrasing in both your progressive and ambient style. I could literally listen to your music for hours. I think I speak for a lot of your fans when I say we would love to see an ambient album in the near future.

[@thatlonewolfguy2878]

He has original stuff on his spotify, 2 EPs

[@troyshaw9356]

@@thatlonewolfguy2878 I know. I have listened to both. 🤘

[@tonypoore440]

Agreed, I love his style and sound. Bea is such a cool, everybody's guitarist. He is destined to be BIG.

[@troyshaw9356]

@@thatlonewolfguy2878 Have you listened to Grinding Gears vol. 3 yet? If not, definitely check that out. Also, if you have followed or watched some of his product demos , you'll notice that he puts little tidbits of the songs from the album in his playing during the demo.

[@perpetualgrimace]

I don't think I've ever seen the overhead camera shot for guitar lessons but it just makes sense. No need to mirror what you're seeing, it's the same thing you'll see when you look down. 👍👍👍

[@danygrin]

I agree!

[@teagenbinder948]

Nice guitar! Looks sick!

[@jackrussellbruce7565]

As always your playing is insane but on a slightly more superficial level, you're looking really healthy Bea. That makes me happy to see.

[@PhiI93]

Looking great Bea. Your weight loss journey has been awesome.

[@benevans801]

I love you Rabea man, thanks for all the content

[@IanHarrisOfficial]

Took this course over the last couple of weeks. Got alot out of this in regards to Rythm and Riff writing! 👍

[@joseph_lacy]

would you say it's worth it? I don't doubt Bea's capability, he's literally one of my favorite musicians, but as a broke college student I need to know where to put my money

[@IanHarrisOfficial]

@@joseph_lacy I’d say so. There’s not a lot of theory involved in it, it’s more like a bunch of lessons on how he approaches his riff writing, as well as getting different emotions out of em In regards to Rhythm. He Also goes into how he uses different effects and gear to get his tone. For the money I’d say it’s at least worth giving it a try!

[@shadowdestroyer5679]

Riff master right here folks!!!

[@Desmolas]

**rabea releases lessons about riff writing** Every rhythm guitarist ever: **furiously takes notes**

[@francescodomenichetti3787]

Rabea is indeed one of the most interesting artists of 2021. Loved this, thank you Rabea!

[@TheJoepiedoedel]

"that's for the rythem section to work out" fucking amen xD

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Now please post another one on how you write those incredible ambient tunes :)

[@thelonghaul5214]

i've recently subscribed to musicisum and i love this series of lessons. I have also been going over you first set of lessons too. loving getting back to basics and going over the intervals.

[@JeremyBeut]

Hey Rabea! Thank you for sharing. Always love to get some insights from you! Your style is mesmerizing and really inspiring, it's always a pleasure to hear you play. On a side note, you're looking healthier than ever. Congrats man!

[@serjicalforce]

This is bad ass. Thanks for sharing! Your videos are always so inspiring. I used to play bass and stumbled on Toska video a couple years ago and completely changed my genre from blues to prog rock on guitar. Your approach is fearless and really inspiring. Thank you!

[@jamesmurff193]

This was the most informative lesson I have seen in a while. Thanks Rabea.

[@MartinCliffe]

It's interesting how progressive rock has morphed into something completely different these days from even 10 years ago. And that it's now cool again! Some really great tips here, I'm trying to get the hang of drop-tunings and your playing always inspires me to think outside the box that 30 years of standard tuning traps me in!

[@PointPanic]

Great playing, Rabea! Having that give and take between riff and chording makes for a more balanced track, I find. Keep it up, brother! Love that guitar, too, wow!

[@SecondMarsh]

A truly humble demystification. Thanks, Rabea.

[@markgueren9633]

That was ABSOLUTELY what I needed to hear today!! I have a miniscule amount of theory knowledge and sometimes struggle with writing riffs. It usually takes me a bit to find that sonic/sound that works to bring it all around again.. Since I'm absolutely in love with prog this makes me feel a little better and I guess I can trust my ears more than I think!

[@devilsnevercry7]

Love you dude, you explain so well what I do myself without realising and before even finding any of your stuff, I guess some people are just wired into this style by nature, it’s a beautiful art😄✌🏼

[@KaleAdam]

you're brilliant Rabea. I love your playing bro.

[@dreamscuba]

My gosh. This is fantastic. You explain this so well! Thank you.

[@berndgroters2745]

Thanks for this inspiring video, Bea! Awesome! And that's what I‘d call a beautiful guitar, btw!

[@ferranlagar2125]

So simple. Awesome.

[@alexvandenberg7212]

Hey Rabea, absolutely love your style. What do you listen to when you take a break from progressive rock or metal?

[@doctiberius2717]

Sea shanties are very popular right now 🤐

[@tonyv5202]

@@doctiberius2717 really??.. Man where have I been.

[@doctiberius2717]

@@tonyv5202 not out @sea obviously LoL 🤑

[@RaizenFaust]

Elevator music probably

[@tieukhavu8832]

@@doctiberius2717 Since 1000 years

[@autk]

Nice breakdown, straightforward and concise. Well done and informative. Thank you.

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

Loving this course. And as everyone has pointed out, great camera work and editing.

[@esp_09]

I love your style, so melodic and refreshing and different

[@fraenkiboii]

I think what you're saying about feeling is not "hippie" at all. In fact, whenever I listen to your epic and ambient prog music, it provokes emotions and feelings in me that sometimes I haven't felt before. It's a really interesting phenomenon, which I usually only have with new Tool music :) Which I guess is a compliment!

[@pogchamp7983]

that part at the end about starting different riffs after x amount of 16th notes is so spot on haha that's so much prog.

[@joshuawilson1396]

Great lesson. Very practical advice!

[@peomystudio6909]

Very intersting ! So good to here you teachin' :)

[@dogarnruatdika4155]

Aaaaah! That guitar! That's all i can think about. Gorgeous!

[@klchu]

Such a beautiful guitar!

[@truthseeker630]

A true teacher!

[@97superior]

Yo I was just watching your last vid on your approach to heavy riffs before this vidd and was thinking about signing upto your course, now I have to!

[@JiSiN3000]

Thx Rabea 👌🏻

[@obiem9319]

Nice lesson!

[@markuskinell]

Greetings from Sweden 🤩....I totally agree with what you are talking about. This video was fun watching 👍🌟🤘🤩

[@davidcane7211]

Oh FFS, now I have to buy this course as well.... Great intro lesson, plus you've demo'd one of my favourite tracks from GG Vol3 so I really have no choice but to buy this now :D

[@nathonwhite]

Loving your content. It’s keeping me going threw these present times. Could you please do a video on how you tune your guitars. Many 🙏 thanks.

[@danieldukes1954]

Beautiful guitar and fro my friend.

[@austinmidwest7062]

sounds like this will be fun stuff

[@TheAruthas]

This guitar is a blessing from the gods

[@Ben.Morrison.]

That was a great (camera) player angle - great view. Oh and lesson !!

[@rodrigosallesguitar]

That's a damn beautiful axe! Wicked tone! \m/

[@thmnvr]

I share this approach ! Btw, i’m in love with your Mayones 😍

[@NexLevelQuest]

That guitar is an eye candy. Well played

[@RedCarRecords]

Thank you for this. I do love your style even though It’s quite different from mine! I’d love to carry over some of your style into mine; thanks for this vid! 🙏

[@krzysztofzakrzewski7777]

Very helpfull tutorial, thank You. Regards from Poland, cheers 🥃

[@TheMeJustMe75]

Your review of Neuro DSP plugins is awesome. I got the Soldano plugin and use it in Cakewalk, massive sound.

[@ryner5171]

guitar is ❤️🔥

[@incredibad85]

100% of blues players should be watching this. Awesome.

[@Sixfootdig]

You are quickly becoming my very favorite youtuber.

[@johnnybee2073]

Sweet guitar

[@Nicknikol]

That guitar is gorgeus

[@kingtrance6826]

Crack on mate! 👍

[@nunocrames4787]

I’m convinced. Take my money!

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

We approach writing very similar. I change keys quite often and use a lot of diminished or augmented notes especially between resolving to something more accessible to my listener. I seldom 'chug' nearly never. It makes my music have more space and it frees me to explore things and create music that most Prog Metal players will not be doing. I also get fresh ideas from listen to music that others in the genre do not. Especially things played on other instruments. I could make along list but I will keep it simple. Listen to The 'Allegro' in Bela Bartok's 5th String quartet. Know that is the direction Metal should go. I also find keeping to just a trio is best. Working nearly note for note makes keeping both the harmony and rhythm very adventurous without it seem so to the listener. For example using a 9th in a guitar chord pulls the guitar into a Jazz thing you may wish to avoid but put it in just the bass guitar can create a dark and menacing color. Not easy to sort out adding a second guitar or a keyboard player.

[@REVVINGRODNEY]

Over 300k WOW... Nice one 👌

[@xbellybuttonx]

That mayones is a work of art, such a beautiful guitar.

[@mattvgyo]

It is! I don’t know much about that brand. Do you know what model it is? His signature Chapman ML3 is gorgeous too!

[@danygrin]

Okay, its my b-day tommorow, and i will get full access🤩🤩🤩

[@EgoTherapieLee]

that guitar looks 🤤 the 16th note counting is how i do it as well, my click always bangs in a 1/16 bar :D

[@frankjager1647]

Probably a weird comment to leave, but I hadn't realized how different you look physically until now. That guitar is a hell of a thing as well.

[@bigriff9946]

prog? pog!

[@efranle]

you and John Browne give me sibling vibes

[@ksaavedra_Immortalbelovedmusic]

I wish they would do something together!

[@JoshCastleTCM]

A riff wars between them would destroy the world

[@josuastangl7140]

@@JoshCastleTCM omg yes

[@batero06]

Imagine being the only person to dislike this video Really love Bea's playstyle! He's the real thing!

[@TheBlackQueen]

I didn't realise Robert fripp grew his hair out again!

[@fasterforwardshow6805]

Harmonic Landscape - new band name.

[@JeffBarberDigideus]

2:40 - natural scale... and an Anathema song from Serenades

[@papapetad]

Those riffs are super tasty! What's the song called??? Need a full tune of this stuff :D

[@CS-ru4xd]

Wonder if you can still play the awesome lead in Catalyst? Do you ever re-visit the Dorje stuff?

[@sulpolar5363]

That guitar in your hands is wonderful. What model is that?

[@Micek97]

Mayones Duvell probably

[@static_motion]

That Regius is just ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhh

[@Bigthoogs]

1:41 - Rabea Holcomb/Mark Massaad

[@dwightkschrute0441]

What guitar is this? Is it available in the USA? That finish is amazing

[@cpamiseso]

The hardest thing, for me, in this course of writing is usually making it out in the final sound. I want some chords to be in a specific way, but the final tone isn't there. Oops oke wrong video to comment on. I notice you enjoy high power pickups. So what it's gonna be to get it sound with clarity? Low output pickups and high gain amps? High output pickups and low/mid gain amps? Can't decide... Or something in between?

[@astrophotonics9470]

Great video, also RIP Chick Corea.

[@chriscollins50]

Rabea in G3 when?

[@eddiecancelmusic]

What beautiful guitar is this? Mayones?

[@wibby2143]

🌈 imagination 🌈 🤘

[@curtainswamp]

Barden pickups?

[@HairyJamie]

11/16 is quite prog

[@thelion27]

Chords are all power chords?

[@tommeloman6969]

Needs a mellotron, some synth and a Hammond organ.

[@manuelsegura7573]

Does anybody know what Guitar is this ?

[@manuelsegura7573]

Got it Mayones Regius core Classic

[@ArnulfVonMetz1]

Fck man what ist this for a awesome fretboard bro

[@jamesnichols5998]

It was in 11/16, which, in my opinion, is quite prog 🤣

[@spartan8390]

Anyone know the trick to not choking when you play in front of people?

[@colinfrank9026]

Try to not overthink and overcomplicate. Most of the times less is more - a well played chord progression is way more impressive and satisfying for the people around you than a messed up attempt of your most difficult chops. I know your struggle very well, even though I've played a lot of live shows in the past 2 decades.

[@spartan8390]

@@colinfrank9026 Keep it simple. Don't know why I didn't think of that. I always want to play flawless, but maybe I should just take a step back and just enjoy it for the love of music. Thank you!

[@aeguitar9294]

What is that guitar?

[@johnschober4008]

Would you be able to do a tutorial on time signatures for home recording as I'm forever coming up with riffs and phrases then when I hit my DAW I'm like "Ok that bit's in 4/4...no, 3/4...oh hang on 6/8. 12/14...42/7...WTF am I doing here?" Doesn't matter too much if you've got a drummer you can work with but robots and computers need to know :)

[@robespierre31]

* Heavy breathing *

[@CheloWiiU]

Theory-wise that minor scale should not have a "B" in it. So, the second chord Rabea plays (2:30) is technically wrong. It should not have a perfect 5th, but a flat 5th. Sounds cool though!!! Love it 😎

[@southendbusker7534]

play absolutely anything, the worse the better, then melodically work your way out

[@guitourney]

lol did Trump color grade this?

[@andrewspicer6399]

dude!!! i couldnt understand how to make my brain learn muscle memory cause i have seen the wrong angle in all the years of videos i watch. i have been learning everything by ear for the last two years and it sucks!!!!! especially sucks cause i play 7 hrs a day and always have roomates and they hate me and think i suck and shit on me as a person cause i annoy them. this first person view just cracked open a part of my eye to brain pattern and I immediately made a massive leap in skill and technique. thank you soo much. i dont know why but as soon as i saw you play and hear it at the same time from the right angle it flipped a switch for me. my body felt the guitar backwards. i never assimilated. idk how to explain it. thank you tho