Immerse yourself in the abyssal depths of doom metal with its mesmerizing and thunderous riffs. These iconic passages ignite a primal instinct, evoking a sense of foreboding and melancholic grandeur. Whether you’re a seasoned riff master or an aspiring shredder, practicing these legendary riffs will elevate your playing and unleash your inner doom. Prepare yourself to wield the sonic power that defines this genre, as we delve into an exploration of the most intricate and unforgettable doom metal riffs.
Begin your journey with the haunting melody of Black Sabbath’s “Children of the Grave.” This iconic riff reverberates with a distorted and ominous tone, setting the stage for a track that epitomizes the essence of doom metal. The slow and deliberate tempo creates an atmosphere of brooding heaviness, while Tony Iommi’s masterful use of the wah-wah pedal adds a haunting and ethereal touch. As you master this riff, you’ll embrace the mournful spirit that characterizes the genre and lay the foundation for your doom metal prowess.
Next, transport yourself to the bleak landscapes of Candlemass’ “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus.” The opening riff of this epic masterpiece is a testament to the genre’s ability to evoke a sense of desolation and despair. The heavy, dissonant chords build a crushing wall of sound, punctuated by Leif Edling’s melancholic basslines. As you practice this riff, you’ll tap into the primal emotions that define doom metal and harness the raw power of the genre. Prepare to unleash the thunderous intensity that has captivated countless fans worldwide.
The Riff That Launched a Movement: “Black Sabbath” by Black Sabbath
The opening riff of Black Sabbath’s self-titled 1970 debut album is not just one of the most iconic doom metal riffs ever written, but also one of the most influential guitar riffs in all of rock history. It’s a slow, brooding, and heavy riff that perfectly captures the dark and gloomy atmosphere of the song and album.
The riff is composed of a series of power chords played on the low strings of the guitar. The chords are played slowly and deliberately, with a heavy emphasis on the root notes. The overall effect is a crushing and oppressive sound that is both menacing and hypnotic.
The “Black Sabbath” riff has been covered by countless bands over the years, and it remains one of the most popular and enduring riffs in heavy metal. It’s a testament to the power and influence of the riff that it has inspired so many other bands to create their own doom-laden masterpieces.
| Guitar Techniques | Used in the “Black Sabbath” Riff |
|---|---|
| Power chords on low strings | Yes |
| Slow and deliberate tempo | Yes |
| Emphasis on root notes | Yes |
| Sustain and feedback | No |
Eerie Atmospherics: “Planet Caravan” by Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan” is a prime example of their ability to create dense, atmospheric doom metal. The song’s slow, lurching tempo and droning guitars paint a desolate, otherworldly landscape. Ozzy Osbourne’s detached vocals add to the sense of unease, as he sings of a distant planet where “the sun is cold and the sky is black.” The result is a truly immersive and unsettling experience that showcases Black Sabbath’s mastery of the doom metal genre.
The riff in “Planet Caravan” is relatively simple, consisting of just a few notes played repeatedly. However, it’s the way these notes are played that gives the riff its unique character. The guitars are heavily distorted and reverberated, creating a massive wall of sound. The notes are also played at a slow tempo, which allows them to resonate and build up a sense of tension. The overall effect is a riff that is both hypnotic and oppressive, perfectly capturing the song’s dark and desolate atmosphere.
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the riff in “Planet Caravan”:
| String | Fret |
|---|---|
| 6th | 3 |
| 5th | 2 |
| 4th | 0 |
| 3rd | 3 |
Crushing Heaviness: “Sweet Leaf” by Black Sabbath
When exploring the gnarled landscape of doom metal, it’s impossible to overlook the colossal impact of Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf.” The opening riff, an iconic masterpiece of crushing heaviness, has become a benchmark in the genre.
The riff begins with a thunderous low note on the open E string that sets the tone for the impending sonic barrage. The following pentatonic progression—Eb-Db-C-Bb—creates a sense of ominous foreboding. The syncopated rhythm, characterized by a distinctive pause before the fourth beat, adds to the riff’s menacing swagger.
What truly elevates “Sweet Leaf” to the pantheon of doom metal classics is its extended length. The riff’s hypnotic repetition, spanning multiple measures, creates an overwhelming sense of oppressive weight. The interplay between the downtuned guitars, the haunting vocals of Ozzy Osbourne, and the driving bassline produces a sonic tapestry that is both mesmerizing and unsettling.
The signature riff of “Sweet Leaf” has become a staple in the doom metal lexicon. Its crushing heaviness and hypnotic repetition have inspired countless bands to explore the darkest and heaviest realms of the genre. It remains a testament to Black Sabbath’s pioneering spirit and their enduring influence on the world of heavy music.
Technical Breakdown
The riff of “Sweet Leaf” is a prime example of doom metal’s signature sound. Here is a technical breakdown of its key elements:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuning | Dropped D (D-A-D-G-B-E) |
| Tempo | Slow and deliberate, around 60 BPM |
| Rhythm | Syncopated with a pause before the fourth beat |
| Notes | Eb-Db-C-Bb pentatonic progression |
| Chords | Power chords based on the pentatonic notes |
Twisted and Tortured: “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath
The opening riff of “War Pigs” is a masterclass in doom metal, setting the tone for the rest of the song with its slow, deliberate tempo and crushing power.
The riff is based on a simple pentatonic scale, but the way Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi plays it gives it a unique and sinister edge. His use of palm muting and distortion creates a thick, distorted sound that is both haunting and menacing.
The riff is also notable for its use of syncopation, which gives it a distinctive rhythmic feel. The syncopated eighth notes add a sense of urgency to the riff, making it feel like it’s constantly building towards something.
The combination of these elements creates a riff that is both powerful and atmospheric, and it is one of the most iconic doom metal riffs ever written.
Riff Structure
The riff is played in the key of E minor and consists of the following notes:
| String | Fret |
|---|---|
| 6th | 0 |
| 5th | 0 |
| 4th | 2 |
| 3rd | 0 |
| 2nd | 0 |
| 1st | 0 |
The riff is played with a palm muted downstroke on the 6th string, followed by a pull-off on the 5th string. The 4th string is then played with a hammer-on, followed by another pull-off on the 3rd string. The riff ends with a downstroke on the 2nd and 1st strings.
Occult Vibrations: “Children of the Grave” by Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath’s “Children of the Grave” encapsulates the essence of doom metal, with its haunting riffs and ominous lyrics. The song opens with a simple yet unforgettable two-note progression, which sets the stage for the brooding atmosphere that follows.
The Opening Riff
The opening riff is a textbook example of doom metal’s signature sound. The slow, sustained notes create a sense of impending dread, while the minor key adds a touch of melancholy. The guitar is detuned to create a distinctive, low-end growl.
Building Tension
As the song progresses, the riff repeats and builds in intensity. The drums pound relentlessly, while the bassline provides a steady, ominous undercurrent. The guitar solo, characterized by its squalling, feedback-laden tone, adds a layer of chaos and unease.
The Verse
The verse features a variation of the opening riff, with a more syncopated rhythm. The lyrics, which delve into themes of death, war, and the inevitability of fate, add to the song’s sinister mood.
The Chorus
The chorus explodes with a heavy, drop-tuned riff that emphasizes the central lyrical theme: “Children of the grave, children of the grave.” The guitars harmonize in a dissonant chord, creating a sense of suffocating oppression.
The Bridge
The bridge provides a brief respite from the intensity of the preceding sections. The guitar switches to a clean, acoustic tone, accompanied by a simple drumbeat. This introspective passage adds a touch of vulnerability to the otherwise aggressive song.
| Riff Type | Description |
|—|—|
| Opening Riff | Two-note progression, detuned guitars |
| Verse Riff | Variation of opening riff, syncopated rhythm |
| Chorus Riff | Drop-tuned, heavy emphasis on central lyrics |
| Bridge Riff | Clean, acoustic guitar, introspective tone |
Psychedelic Doom: “Space Cadet” by Kyuss
The opening riff of Kyuss’ “Space Cadet” encapsulates the essence of psychedelic doom metal, with its haunting melodies and crushing heaviness. The riff begins with a slow, deliberate build-up, gradually increasing in intensity as the drums pound and the guitars wail. The main riff is a descending chromatic scale, which creates a sense of unease and foreboding.
Riff Structure
The riff is played in 4/4 time and consists of the following notes:
| Beat | Note |
|---|---|
| 1 | E5 |
| 2 | D5 |
| 3 | C#5 |
| 4 | B4 |
The riff repeats itself throughout the song, with variations added in the bridge and solo sections. The overall effect is a hypnotic, trance-inducing soundscape that transports the listener to a realm of cosmic horror and wonder.
Atmospheric Ambience: “The Gates of Slumber” by Sleep
This epic 12-minute track from Sleep’s 1998 masterpiece “Dopesmoker” exemplifies the captivating atmosphere of doom metal. Its slow, grinding riffs and ethereal drones create an immersive and hypnotic experience.
Technical Breakdown:
| Key | E minor natural |
|---|---|
| Tempo | ~50 BPM |
| Tuning | Drop A (A-E-A-D-G-C) |
The riff employs sparse, open notes and dissonance, creating a haunting and unsettling ambiance. The repetition and subtle variations within the riff contribute to its hypnotic effect, inviting the listener to drift into a trance-like state.
The lead guitar solo emerges as a wailing, ethereal melody, soaring above the heavy drone of the rhythm section. It adds a sense of tension and release, contrasting the relentless heaviness of the riffs.
The use of delay and reverb creates a vast and spacious atmosphere, immersing the listener in the track’s hypnotic soundscape. The track’s length allows for a gradual build-up of intensity before culminating in a crushing crescendo.
Crushing Despair: “Crow Mother” by Electric Wizard
Electric Wizard’s “Crow Mother” exemplifies the crushing, bleak sound of doom metal. Its relentless, droning riff encapsulates the genre’s relentless despair and atmospheric gloom.
The Riff’s Anatomy
The main riff of “Crow Mother” is a slow, heavy, and downtuned masterpiece. It features the following key elements:
- Open Low E and A Strings: These strings provide the base for the riff, creating a deep, reverberating foundation.
- Slow, Steady Pounding: The riff moves at a glacial pace, delivering a hypnotic sense of oppression.
- Chugging Palm Mutes: Palm muted power chords add a rhythmic crunch and sense of urgency.
- Distortion and Feedback: Heavy distortion and copious amounts of feedback create a swirling, discordant atmosphere.
- Minor Key Tension: The riff is played in the minor key, adding to its sorrowful and ominous tone.
- Repetition and Variation: The riff repeats endlessly, with subtle variations in palm muting and feedback patterns.
The Effect: The combination of these elements creates a riff that is both crushing and strangely mesmerizing. It evokes a sense of hopeless despair and suffocating gloom, perfect for the introspective journey of doom metal.
Practice Tips
When practicing “Crow Mother,” focus on the following:
- Maintain the slow, steady pace and avoid rushing.
- Palm mute effectively to create a tight, percussive sound.
- Experiment with distortion settings to find the perfect balance of heaviness and clarity.
- Use feedback sparingly to add atmosphere without overpowering the main riff.
Technical Breakdown
| Note | String | Fret |
|---|---|---|
| E | 6th (Low E) | 0 |
| A | 5th | 0 |
| D | 6th | 5 |
| A | 5th | 8 |
Lo-Fi Strife: “Burning Witch” by Pentagram
Necromantic Chanting:
The song opens with an ethereal droning chant, setting an ominous atmosphere that permeates the entire track.
Rhythmic Onslaught:
The main riff is a relentless barrage of crushing power chords, creating a sense of unstoppable doom.
Chromatic Descent:
A descending chromatic scale introduces a sense of foreboding, adding depth to the riff’s relentless assault.
Harmonic Discord:
Dissonant harmonies weave into the riff, creating a sense of tension and unease.
Syncopated Syncopation:
Syncopated rhythms keep the riff unpredictable, adding to its malevolent drive.
Ominous Tremolo:
A relentless tremolo picking technique sustains a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere.
Minor Melodies:
Minor melodies weave in and out of the riff, adding a mournful quality to the overall sound.
Distorted Textures:
Heavy distortion adds a raw and visceral edge to the riff, creating a sense of overwhelming sonic assault.
Ritualistic Conclusion:
The riff builds to a thunderous climax before fading into a haunting drone, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.
| Section | Time Signature | BPM |
|---|---|---|
| Intro | 4/4 | 60 |
| Main Riff | 4/4 | 70 |
| Bridge | 4/4 | 65 |
| Outro | 4/4 | 60 |
Epic and Majestic: “The Dead Shall Rise” by Cathedral
Cathedral’s “The Dead Shall Rise” is a towering monument of doom metal, with a riff that evokes both grandeur and dread. The main riff is based on a simple ascending chromatic scale, but its slow, deliberate tempo and massive tone give it an almost cathedral-like weight.
Specific Techniques
The riff is played on a heavily distorted guitar, with a thick, fuzzy tone that adds to its crushing impact. The use of palm muting helps to give the riff its distinctive percussive quality, while the occasional use of harmonics adds a touch of ethereal beauty.
Impact and Influence
“The Dead Shall Rise” has been praised for its epic scope and emotional power. Its riff has been widely imitated by other doom metal bands, and it remains one of the most iconic and influential riffs in the genre.
Key Details
*Tuning: Standard
*Tempo: Slow (around 60 BPM)
*Key: A minor
*Riff Structure: Ascending chromatic scale (A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E)
Tips for Playing
* Use a heavily distorted guitar tone with plenty of low end.
* Palm mute the strings to create a percussive effect.
* Use a slow, deliberate tempo and allow the notes to ring out fully.
* Experiment with adding harmonics for a more ethereal sound.
Best Doom Metal Riffs to Practice
Doom metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by its slow tempo, heavy distortion, and dark, brooding atmosphere. This genre is often used to evoke feelings of despair, hopelessness, and dread.
Playing doom metal riffs can be a challenging but rewarding experience for guitarists. Here are a few of the best doom metal riffs to practice to improve your skills on the instrument:
- “Black Sabbath” by Black Sabbath
- “NIB” by Black Sabbath
- “Electric Funeral” by Black Sabbath
Tony Iommi’s legendary riff on this classic track is the perfect place to start for any aspiring doom metal guitarist. It’s slow, heavy, and full of menace.
Another classic riff by Black Sabbath, “NIB” is slightly faster and more energetic than “Black Sabbath,” but it’s still a great option for practicing your doom metal chops.
This track features a slow, haunting riff that’s perfect for playing with a lot of sustain. It’s a great way to practice your vibrato and bending techniques.
People Also Ask about the Best Doom Metal Riffs to Practice
What are some other classic doom metal riffs?
Some other classic doom metal riffs include:
- “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath
- “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath
- “Children of the Grave” by Black Sabbath
- “Into the Void” by Black Sabbath
- “The Wizard” by Black Sabbath
- “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” by Black Sabbath
- “Sweet Leaf” by Black Sabbath
- “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
What are some tips for playing doom metal riffs?
Here are a few tips for playing doom metal riffs:
- Use a heavy distortion sound.
- Play slowly and with a lot of sustain.
- Use a lot of bending and vibrato techniques.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tunings.
What are some good doom metal bands to listen to?
Here are a few good doom metal bands to listen to:
- Black Sabbath
- Electric Wizard
- Candlemass
- Sleep
- Saint Vitus
- Mournful Congregation
- Bell Witch
- Katatonia
