Transcribing Riffs 2

This lesson is Part 2 of my Transcribing Riffs mini-series. Before getting started, ensure you've worked out the songs of my Transcribing Riffs 1 lesson on your own, hopefully without using the tips! :)

💡The learning curve in Transcribing is very steep, which is why you have this series in Grade 3. It allows you to work on songs that gradually increase your transcribing ability.

Now, let's check out the list of (not that easy) guitar riffs you should transcribe in this Module. The hints are at the end of the list, but don't use them unless you're stuck and can't make progress.

Song #1 - One by Metallica

The section you should try to transcribe is right at the beginning - a great riff to work out, as it sounds relatively clear.

💙 I still remember working out One by Metallica on my own; I was about 13 years old!

You can also try the solo! It's nice as well, but a little harder than the riff. If you're a big Metallica fan, have a go at it. ;)

Song #2 - Money by Pink Floyd

Money has got something weird about it: it's a 7:4 song. Some of you might not have encountered this before! The rhythm might feel weird, but Money has a cool, clear riff you can try and transcribe.

Again, it's relatively simple under the fingers, and you shouldn't have too many problems with it. Just watch out for the timing, and off you go.

Song #3 - Otherside by Red Hot Chilli Peppers

This riff happens further up the neck, so you might find yourself creeping forward a little bit from the open position. ;) The tricky thing here is separating the bass and the guitar lines because the bass line plays a different note from the guitar. You'll have to tune your ear to be capable of separating the parts, but you're just playing a single line!

Song #4 - Break In The Law by Judas Priest

Break In The Law is one of those all-time Metal classics everyone should learn on the guitar! No more comments on this; just give it a go.

Song #5 - Why Do You Only Call Me When You're High by Arctic Monkeys

This Artic Monkeys song is one of my favorite records of all time! It's full of killer wrists and a song that I'm sure you'll love to transcribe. :)

Transcribing Software

Using the correct software is super helpful! The further you get into transcribing, the more useful having proper transcribing software will be.

I did most of my transcribing in my life with a portable compact disc player, which had only a backward and forward button. It was a real pain in the butt, so do yourself a favor and get the software to help you. :)

💡 I use Transcribe! Here's a 30-day free trial for you.

No matter which program you choose, a player that always starts from the same place (and not where it just stopped) is very helpful.

Hints

Coming soon.

So, how did you go? Let me know in the Discussion tab!