Immerse yourself in the haunting soundscapes of doom metal, a genre known for its crushing riffs that delve into the depths of heaviness. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist seeking to expand your sonic horizons or a budding musician yearning to master the craft, practicing the following doom metal riffs will enhance your playing capabilities.
From the thunderous grooves of Black Sabbath to the ethereal melodies of My Dying Bride, doom metal encompasses a vast array of styles and techniques. The riffs presented here showcase the versatility and expressiveness of the genre, offering a comprehensive training ground for guitarists of all levels. Whether you favor the relentless aggression of early doom or the atmospheric nuances of modern interpretations, these carefully selected riffs will guide you through the essential building blocks of this captivating genre.
By embracing the slow tempos, downtuned guitars, and evocative harmonies that define doom metal, you’ll not only develop your technical proficiency but also delve into the emotional depths that this music conveys. Each riff serves as a gateway into a world of darkness and despair, where the boundaries of heavy music are pushed to their very limits. So, prepare yourself for a sonic journey that will test your limits and leave an unforgettable mark on your musical journey.
The Profoundly Ominous: A Symphony of Despair
Within the realm of doom metal, riffs hold a crucial role as they evoke a sense of impending doom and utter despair. These riffs often incorporate sludgy, distorted guitar tones with slow, deliberate tempos and crushing breakdowns, creating an atmosphere of overwhelming dread and melancholy. Below, we explore some of the most iconic and challenging doom metal riffs that guitarists can practice to hone their skills and delve into the depths of this captivating subgenre.
1. Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf”
The opening riff of Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf” has become a cornerstone of doom metal, serving as a masterclass in the creation of an ominous and atmospheric soundscape. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:
Main Riff
The main riff of “Sweet Leaf” consists of a descending chromatic line played on the low E and A strings, creating a sense of foreboding and doom. It starts on the 12th fret of the E string and gradually descends to the 5th fret of the A string, with haunting hammer-ons adding to its oppressive atmosphere.
Doom Notes
Interspersed within the main riff are isolated “doom notes,” which are played on the open A and D strings and serve to punctuate the riff’s ominous progression. These notes hang in the air, creating a sense of anticipation and dread.
Syncopated Drums
The drums provide a steady, plodding foundation to the riff, with syncopated hi-hat and tom hits adding to its overall sense of unease.
| Guitar Techniques |
|—|—|
| Chromatic descent |
| Hammer-ons |
| Open string drones |
Additional Notable Doom Metal Riffs
Other notable doom metal riffs worth practicing include:
- Candlemass’ “A Sorcerer’s Pledge”
- Electric Wizard’s “Funeralopolis”
- Neurosis’ “Locust Star”
- Saint Vitus’ “Saint Vitus”
- Sleep’s “Dopesmoker”
The Unholy Groove: A Descent into Darkness
1. Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man”
This iconic riff sets the tone for doom metal. Its lumbering pace, crushing distortion, and dissonant bends create an atmosphere of unrelenting despair. Mastering this riff requires precision timing, heavy downstrokes, and a firm understanding of minor pentatonic scales.
2. Electric Wizard’s “Funeralopolis”
Electric Wizard’s “Funeralopolis” features one of the most atmospheric and eerie riffs in doom metal. The slow, crawling tempo, mournful bends, and haunting feedback create a suffocating sense of dread. To nail this riff, focus on creating a thick, distorted tone, using moderate vibrato, and maintaining the slow, steady rhythm.
| Description | Execution |
|---|---|
| Slow, crawling tempo with dissonant bends | Use moderate vibrato and maintain a steady rhythm |
| Haunting feedback | Create a thick, distorted tone with the guitar’s feedback setting |
| Mournful, sustained notes | Sustain the notes for the full length of their value |
3. Sleep’s “Dragonaut”
Sleep’s “Dragonaut” exemplifies the slow, hypnotic groove of doom metal. Its massive, distorted riffs and hypnotic drones have a trance-inducing effect. Mastering this riff requires an extremely heavy, palm-muted tone, a steady tempo, and a keen ear for dissonant harmonics.
The Crushing Weight: Riffing with Brute Force
Doom metal’s defining characteristic is its crushing, heavy riffs that create an atmosphere of despair and dread. These riffs are often slow and repetitive, with a focus on creating a sense of weight and oppression. They often use distorted guitars tuned to a low pitch, and employ techniques such as power chords, palm muting, and drop tunings to achieve their signature sound.
The Alchemy of Power Chords and Palm Muting
Power chords, consisting of the root and fifth notes of a scale, form the backbone of many doom metal riffs. Palm muting, a technique whereby the palm of the picking hand mutes the strings below the ones being played, adds a percussive element and creates a more aggressive sound. By combining power chords with palm muting, doom metal guitarists create riffs that are both heavy and rhythmically driving.
Table of Power Chord Combinations
| Root Note | Fifth Note | Power Chord |
|---|---|---|
| E | B | E5 |
| A | E | A5 |
| D | A | D5 |
| G | D | G5 |
The Punishing Trem: A Test of Endurance
The punishing trem is a hallmark of doom metal guitar playing. It involves a rapid and intense up-and-down motion of the whammy bar, creating a haunting and unsettling sound. Mastering the punishing trem requires exceptional finger strength and coordination. It is a true test of endurance for guitarists.
Tips for Practicing the Punishing Trem
1. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed as your finger strength improves.
2. Use a heavy pick and a guitar with a stiff tremolo system for optimal control.
3. Focus on maintaining a consistent up-and-down motion, avoiding any jerking or scraping sounds.
4. Here is a table with suggested practice exercises for the punishing trem:
| Exercise | Description |
|---|---|
| Single-note trem | Practice alternating up-and-down strokes on a single note, gradually increasing the speed. |
| Chord trem | Perform tremolo picking over a chord, using a downstroke on the first beat and upstrokes on the remaining beats. |
| Tremolo picking with hammer-ons and pull-offs | Combine tremolo picking with hammer-ons and pull-offs for increased complexity. |
| Tremolo picking with slides | Incorporate slides into your tremolo picking to create a smoother and more fluid sound. |
The Epic Drone: Sustained Waves of Despair
The backbone of doom metal is the epic drone, where simple chords or notes are held for extended periods, creating a sense of oppressive dread. These drones can be achieved through various techniques, including:
Palm Muting
Palm muting involves resting the palm of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge, creating a muted and resonant sound.
Low Tuning
Tuning the guitar down to lower registers, such as C or B standard, results in heavier, more resonant drones.
Amplifier Feedback
Controlled feedback from the amplifier can produce a sustained, high-pitched drone that adds to the oppressive atmosphere.
Sustaining Notes
By playing a note or chord and holding it with vibrato or other techniques, you can create a drone that gradually decays.
Pedal Effects
Sustain pedals and reverb can be used to extend the duration and create a more atmospheric drone.
The Ferocious Tremolo: A Tempest of Aggression
Forging the backbone of many a doom metal anthem, the tremolo picking technique assaults the listener with its raw, unnerving energy. Its relentless oscillations mimic the cacophony of a raging storm, evoking a sense of impending doom.
Mastering the Tremolo Storm
- Choose the Right Pick: Opt for a thinner pick (0.5mm or less) to facilitate faster movements.
- Develop Dexterity: Practice tremolo picking exercises to enhance coordination and stamina.
- Control Your Arm: Minimize wrist movement and focus on using your forearm for fluid tremolo execution.
- Set a Steady Pace: Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase speed as proficiency improves.
- Experiment with Timing: Vary the duration of tremolo picking notes to create rhythmic variations.
- Practice on Different Strings: Expand your tremolo technique by practicing on various guitar strings, exploring different timbres and resonances.
By mastering these techniques, you can unleash the full fury of the tremolo, transforming your doom metal riffs into a devastating sonic force.
The Haunting Melody: A Whisper in the Abyss
1. Sabbathian Descent: Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man”
A bedrock of doom riffs, its sluggish pace and simplistic progression evoke a chilling sense of impending doom.
2. Seventh Seal Symphony: Candlemass’s “Under the Oak”
A masterpiece of mournful melodies, it paints a vivid tapestry of despair and loss.
3. Shadow of the Colossus: Sleep’s “Dopesmoker”
A colossal, hour-long epic, its hypnotic drones and cavernous riffs create an almost suffocating atmosphere.
4. The Crushing Weight: Electric Wizard’s “Funeralopolis”
As heavy as its title suggests, this riff grinds and lurches, evoking a sense of inescapable torment.
5. The Ritual of Loss: Pentagram’s “Forever My Queen”
With its haunting arpeggios and mournful vocals, this riff captures the essence of doom metal’s melancholy spirit.
6. The Gate to Despair: My Dying Bride’s “The Cry of Mankind”
A haunting dirge, its ethereal violins and crushing guitars intertwine to create a symphony of despair.
7. The Profound Void: Pallbearer’s “Sorrow and Extinction”
A journey through the depths of desolation, this riff combines intricate melodies, haunting clean passages, and explosive, cathartic doom.
| Riff | Band | Song |
|---|---|---|
| Sabbathian Descent | Black Sabbath | Iron Man |
| Seventh Seal Symphony | Candlemass | Under the Oak |
| Shadow of the Colossus | Sleep | Dopesmoker |
| The Crushing Weight | Electric Wizard | Funeralopolis |
| The Ritual of Loss | Pentagram | Forever My Queen |
| The Gate to Despair | My Dying Bride | The Cry of Mankind |
| The Profound Void | Pallbearer | Sorrow and Extinction |
The Twisted Progression: A Labyrinth of Despair
Immerse yourself in the depths of doom metal with this captivating exploration of some of the most iconic riffs to grace the guitar. Prepare to navigate a labyrinth of darkness and despair as we delve into the intricacies of these haunting melodies.
I. Sweet Leaf by Black Sabbath
An enduring classic, this riff reverberates with an otherworldly groove that sets the stage for doom’s journey.
II. Solitude by Candlemass
A haunting dirge that encapsulates the essence of doom, its mournful progression lingers in the air like a fading echo.
III. Into the Void by Black Sabbath
Prepare for an ethereal descent into the abyss as this menacing riff hypnotizes with its ominous tones.
IV. Lord of This World by Black Sabbath
An exercise in precision and darkness, this technical gem demands skill and patience to master.
V. The Day That Never Comes by Metallica
A modern masterpiece that bridges the gap between classic doom and heavy metal, its emotive power resonates deeply.
VI. War Pigs by Black Sabbath
A timeless anthem of anti-war sentiment, its menacing stomp and haunting melody leave an indelible mark.
VII. In League with Satan by Venom
Dive into the depths of black doom with this sinister riff that conjures images of unholy alliances.
VIII. Dying Light by Katatonia
A complex and atmospheric creation that weaves sorrowful melodies and haunting harmonies into an epic tapestry of despair.
| Passage | Difficulty |
|—|—|
| 1-4 | Beginner |
| 5-7 | Intermediate |
| 8 | Advanced |
The Abyssal Arpeggio: Echoes from the Depths
Descend into the murky depths of doom metal with this haunting arpeggio. Its slow, deliberate oscillations create an atmosphere of dread and desolation, evoking the boundless expanse of the abyss.
9. Opening the Gates of Despair
The ninth iteration of the arpeggio delves further into the heart of despair. It adds a subtle shift in the rhythm, introducing a syncopated pattern that adds a sense of unease and turmoil. This progression is a harrowing journey into the depths of sorrow, where the boundaries between hope and despair blur.
Here is a detailed tablature for the ninth arpeggio variation:
| String | Fret |
|---|---|
| Low E | 10 |
| A | 9 |
| D | 7 |
| G | 6 |
| B | 7 |
| High E | 8 |
Remember, each arpeggio variation builds upon the previous one, adding layers of complexity and emotion to your doom metal playing. Embrace the abyssal arpeggio and let its haunting notes guide you through the darkest depths of despair.
The Apocalyptic Crescendo: A Final Descent
| Riff Name | Album/Band | Tuning |
|---|---|---|
| Into The Void | Black Sabbath/Master of Reality | Standard (EADGBE) |
| Black Sabbath | Black Sabbath/Black Sabbath | Standard (EADGBE) |
| N.I.B. | Black Sabbath/Black Sabbath | Standard (EADGBE) |
| The Mob Rules | Black Sabbath/Heaven and Hell | Standard (EADGBE) |
| Sweet Leaf | Black Sabbath/Master of Reality | Standard (EADGBE) |
| War Pigs | Black Sabbath/Paranoid | Standard (EADGBE) |
| Iron Man | Black Sabbath/Paranoid | Standard (EADGBE) |
| Children of the Grave | Black Sabbath/Master of Reality | Standard (EADGBE) |
| Planet Caravan | Black Sabbath/Paranoid | Standard (EADGBE) |
10. Electric Funeral: This haunting riff from Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album perfectly captures the essence of doom metal. It’s slow, heavy, and features a distinctive descending chromatic scale that adds to its ominous atmosphere. Tuning: Standard (EADGBE).
Best Doom Metal Riffs to Practice on Guitar
Doom metal, a subgenre of heavy metal, is characterized by its slow tempo, heavy distortion, and atmospheric sound. The guitar riffs in doom metal are often simple and repetitive, but they create a sense of foreboding and doom. Here are some of the best doom metal riffs to practice on guitar:
- Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath”
- Electric Wizard – “Funeralopolis”
- Candlemass – “Solitude”
- Sleep – “Dopesmoker”
- Sunn O))) – “Báthory Erzsébet”
These riffs are relatively easy to play, but they will help you develop the techniques and tone necessary to play doom metal. Practice them slowly and with a heavy distortion sound. Use a lot of palm muting and open strings to create a sense of space and atmosphere.
People Also Ask About Best Doom Metal Riffs to Practice on Guitar
Which doom metal guitarist is considered the best?
Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath is widely considered to be the best doom metal guitarist. He pioneered the genre with his heavy distortion sound and slow, atmospheric riffs.
What are some other good doom metal riffs to practice?
Here are some other good doom metal riffs to practice:
- Cathedral – “Fountain of Tears”
- My Dying Bride – “She Is the Dark”
- Paradise Lost – “Gothic”
- Type O Negative – “Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare-All)”
- Count Raven – “High on Infinity”
What are the essential techniques for playing doom metal guitar?
The essential techniques for playing doom metal guitar are:
- Palm muting
- Open strings
- Slow tempo
- Heavy distortion
- Minor scales
