Metal Riffs and Licks
Chapter 5: Writing Riffs and Developing Your Style
This video pairs with the Writing Riffs and Developing Your Own Style chapter in your Metal Riffs and Licks book.
There are no tabs or backing tracks here - it's just you and me sitting down together, going over 7 methods of writing your own music.
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How to Write Riffs That Sound Like You (Not Everyone Else)
If you’ve ever played something and thought, “This just sounds like someone else…” — this is your turning point.
In this chapter, I’ll show you how to take even the simplest idea—two chords, a few notes—and use seven powerful methods to turn it into something entirely original.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Apply variations to power chords for a more dynamic sound
Add single-note runs to create flow and movement
Change picking styles to shift the feel
Adjust tempo to go from aggressive to atmospheric
Move your riff to a new key or part of the neck
Build beyond a riff into full progressions
Channel the emotion or subgenre feel you want
These are the same tools I use when writing my own music—and they’re what help you go from playing metal to creating your own.
This is where your style starts to take shape.
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Real Feedback from the Academy
-Dustan Kaup
Dustan Kaup
I tried getting into a different course a few months ago, and it ended up being a less than satisfying experience.
It was way too focused on stuff I have zero interest in.
Playing the same few chords and strumming patterns. Mostly for country and campfire crap.
Nowhere near the stuff that I'm interested in, or the direction I want to go as a guitar player.
Then I stumbled across some Jason Stallworth videos on YouTube, and I was hooked.
As soon as I could I bought in to the guitar academy.
Started out in the metal guitar apprentice course, to start building that foundation as the kind of player I want to be.
Within just a couple of weeks I'm already working on module 3.
Jason's teaching style is awesome, and I'm making noticeable progress.
100% the best decision I've made in a long time !!
Ready to Go Even Further with Your Metal Guitar Playing?
You’ve seen what’s possible—now imagine having full access to all my riffs, solos, tabs, backing tracks, and structured courses to keep your momentum going. Join below and let’s take your playing to the next level together.
Join Monthly - $19/month
Cancel Anytime
Join Yearly - $99/year
Save 57% vs monthly!
- 14-Day Risk-Free Guarantee- try it and if it's not for you, just reach out for a refund
You’ll get instant access after checkout—no fluff, just real metal guitar lessons, riffs, and techniques you can actually use.
And you won’t have to keep figuring it all out on your own—everything’s structured so you can make real progress.