Hack Music Theory

Meshuggah Hack for Better Djent Riffs

03.31.2022 - By Kate & Ray HarmonyPlay

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Meshuggah Hack for Better Djent Riffs

 

In this lesson you'll learn how to improve your Djent riffs using a hack from Meshuggah "I Am That Thirst", which is off their new album "Immutable". But first… Tea!

 

Hello revolutionary music makers, we are Kate and Ray Harmony (AKA Revolution Harmony), and welcome to Hack Music Theory, the fast, easy and fun way to make music! If you’re new to theory, or if you just want a refresher, then read our free book "12 Music Theory Hacks to Learn Scales & Chords". It’ll give you a super solid music theory foundation in just 30 minutes. The free download is below. Enjoy!

 

INTRO

Is your djent riff currently sounding something like this? (click play above)

 

FAULT

One of the most common faults in djent is that all the emphasis is placed on writing a crazy rhythm, but then that rhythm is often played on one note. How disappointing! So, here’s a hack from the new Meshuggah single to fix this fault.

 

HACK

Meshuggah use arguably the most djenty scale: the octatonic. This 8-note scale is made by repeating the pattern of one semitone followed by one whole tone. So, instead of djenting your riff away on only one note, add a melodic run into it using the octatonic scale. That way you’ll have a crazy rhythm and a crazy melody! 

 

NEXT

Hope you found this hack helpful, and if you did, then check out our DJENT page for more!

 

 

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