Lesson 7 – First Riffs & Simple Songs

What Is a Guitar Riff?

A riff is a short, catchy musical idea that repeats. Think of it like a “hook” that your ear remembers from a song.

Single-String Riff Example

E|----------------
B|----------------
G|----------------
D|----------------
A|--0--0--2--0--3-
E|----------------
      

• Play each note slowly and evenly.
• Use downstrokes at first, then try adding some upstrokes.
• Once it feels comfortable, repeat it like a loop.

Two-Chord Song Fragment

• Use just two chords, for example Em and G.
• Strum Em for 4 beats, then G for 4 beats.
• Repeat and try different strumming patterns.

Combining Riffs and Chords

1. Play a riff once or twice.
2. Switch to strumming a chord for a bar or two.
3. Go back to the riff, then back to the chords.
4. This is how many real songs are built: riff + chords + rhythm.

Playing Along with a Beat

• Use a metronome, drum loop, or backing track.
• Start with a slow tempo where you feel relaxed.
• Focus on locking your picking and strumming to the beat.

Suggested Practice

1. Learn 1–2 simple single-string riffs from TAB.
2. Create your own riff using just one string and 3–4 frets.
3. Alternate between playing a riff and a chord progression.
4. Record yourself and listen back for timing and clarity.

Downloadable Riff & Song Ideas

Download Lesson 7 – First Riffs & Songs (PDF)

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