What are Riffs?
Riffs are short, catchy musical phrases that are repeated throughout a song. They are often played on the guitar, but can also be played on the bass guitar. Riffs can add a lot of interest and energy to a song, and can help to make the bass part more interesting.
Playing Riffs Between Chords
One way to incorporate riffs into your bass playing is to play them between chords. This can help to create a more interesting and dynamic bass part, and can also help to fill in any gaps in the music.
Technique for Playing Riffs Between Chords
When playing riffs between chords, it's important to use the correct technique. Start by playing the first chord, and then use your fingers to play the riff. Make sure to keep your fingers close to the strings, and use a light touch to avoid any unwanted noise. Then, move on to the next chord and repeat the process.
Examples of Riffs Between Chords
Here are a few examples of riffs that can be played between chords:
- For a song in the key of C, try playing a riff that uses the notes C, D, and E between the C and F chords.
- For a song in the key of G, try playing a riff that uses the notes G, A, and B between the G and C chords.
- For a song in the key of D, try playing a riff that uses the notes D, E, and F# between the D and G chords.
Practice Tips
Here are a few tips to help you practice playing riffs between chords:
- Start by practicing the riff on its own, without any chords. This will help you to get comfortable with the notes and the rhythm.
- Once you feel comfortable with the riff, try playing it between two chords. Start with simple chord progressions and work your way up to more complex ones.
- Record yourself playing the riff and listen back to it. This will help you to identify any areas that need improvement.
- Practice slowly at first, and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable with the riff.
Now let's see if you've learned something...
⇦ 4 Combining chords and riffs