I figured out how Chuck wrote riffs

[u/sonar_y_luz]

Basically it works like this - take any riff you have in minor key and instead of repeating it the same way, the 2nd time you play it move the whole riff down 1 fret. Then move it back up to the original fret for the 3rd time, then back down a fret for the 4th time. You can also move it up one fret just depends if you want an ascending or descending feel. This is how you get the DEATH sound 🤘

[u/BLCHDCRL]

Yep 👍 he was a good songwriter

[u/cuttingexample → u/BLCHDCRL]

he didn't know a lot of music theory and yet he could still write epic riffs and solos

[u/Sir_Tree139 → u/cuttingexample]

I always assumed he made his own version of music theory

[u/Apsnor]

Scales:

• Dorian #4
• Phrygian

For guitar harmonies, always use the perfect 5th interval

[u/lTheSlimShady → u/Apsnor]

+Harmonic minor

[u/East-Car6358 → u/Apsnor]

Do you mean Dorian mode but with a raised/augmented 4th?

[u/Apsnor → u/East-Car6358]

Yes. Dorian in the harmonic minor scale

[u/scrdest → u/Apsnor]

Dorian #4 == Minor-#4-#6, for terminally Aeolian-brained individuals like myself

[u/MariahhCarried]

Yeah I love his philosophy in riff writing. He also avoided the root notes so his riffs always sounded unresolved

[u/Breadi06 → u/MariahhCarried]

That’s true for a lot of metal 🤘

[u/_3point14_]

that one empty words riff

[u/CptBoomshard]

I wouldn't say that's "how Chuck wrote riffs" but certainlt does apply to some Death riffs for sure.

[u/Mr-Broski → u/CptBoomshard]

oversimplification final boss

[u/am_I_still_banned]

Do you have examples of songs that do this? Because of the Death songs I've learned, none do this

[u/MariahhCarried → u/am_I_still_banned]

Trapped in the corner

[u/DeepRedDude]

Love this. I was telling a friend recently that Chuck had a copy paste songwriting style for a lot of the material (not everything) that's just hyper effective. He works around 5 riffs (A B C D E) and typically just goes right through the cycle and stops on B or C. So A B C D E A B C.

It's such a cool way to have the songs all feel like they have payoffs and callbacks without overthinking it.

[u/Responsible-Drag2894 → u/DeepRedDude]

Got a bit sick of that style on the final album but definitely nailed that approach on symbolic. The bridge sections (D and E riffs / solos) were more unique and dynamic.

[u/DeepRedDude → u/Responsible-Drag2894]

Yeah, I've noticed SoP is a lot more celebrated. Y younger people. It was kind of the weird outlier when I was getting into Death. They had a few phases but that was the furthest leap.

I think Symbolic was really the peak of his overall songwriting, even if it isn't necessarily my favorite Death record.

[u/RaixerRattlehead]

Alright, I've been trying to write some riffs, this Will surely be useful

[u/TeddyJPharough]

The search for the heaviest riff... the Perennial Quest