Riffs and power chords in grunge
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a grunge-style riff using power chords and a bass line based on the riff.
Key learning points
- A key feature of grunge (and most rock styles) is the use of riffs.
- Grunge riffs often use power chords, consisting of the root note and fifth.
- To play a power chord on the piano, we remove the middle note from a triad chord, or find the fifth note in the scale.
- Distortion is often added to electric guitar sounds, creating a fuzzy effect which distorts the sound.
- Bass lines in grunge are often based around the riff, using the root note of each chord.
Keywords
Riff - A riff is a short, repeated musical idea that forms the basis of a pop or rock song.
Power chord - A power chord is a two-note chord often used on guitars, which uses the root note and the fifth of a triad chord.
Fifth - A fifth is a distance of five notes. For example, the distance from C to G is a fifth.
Common misconception
Power chords are any two notes of the chord triad.
For a chord to be a power chord it has to be the root and the fifth, not the root and the third. It also needs to be a perfect fifth. If pupils are working out their own power chords on the keyboard, some chords would use the black notes.
Teacher tip
Extend pupil learning by incorporating other, unlisted power chords. Pupils may want to work these out using a guitar. They could also add the octave. Simple riffs can be effective when played as power chords ie. Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple or Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes.
Equipment
A DAW or other suitable compositional tool or instrument.
Licence
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