Polyphia Riff Formula

<p> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="LvqKqw9LrTA" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LvqKqw9LrTA?rel=0&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><h2 style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-huge"><strong>Polyphia “Ego Death” Riff Formula</strong></span></h2><p> </p><h3 style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-big"><strong>Step 1. Bass</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;">The first thing you notice in the opening riff of “Ego Death” by Polyphia is that there are two layers. There’s a bass line and a lead melody all in one riff, played by one guitar. By adding bass notes below the melody they’re implying chords and creating harmony. This adds a beautiful depth to the riff. And yes, this technique is not new. In fact, it’s hundreds of years old and is common in classical guitar pieces. But, it’s actually rare to hear it in popular music where the guitar usually plays either chords or melody, not both at the same time. So, you’re gonna start by writing a bass line for your riff. You can make this complex, or you can keep it simple and just play the root note of each implied chord. That’s what Polyphia does here, so we’ll do that too. Also, make your bass line at least 4 bars long. We’re in the key of G minor, but whatever you use, start on the root chord to establish your key.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><h3 style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-big"><strong>Step 2. Melody</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;">Next, you’re gonna write a 2-bar melody over the top. Once you’re happy with this, then copy and paste it over the rest of your bass line. Some of your melodic notes may not sound as good over different bass notes, but just move those ones. And that actually creates some nice variation too. By repeating the melody over different bass notes you create both familiarity and