How To Compose COMPLEX Prog Riffs! (Prog Metal Riff Lesson)

I get a lot of questions about constructing complex prog metal riffs. This is a very advanced skill that takes years to develop. In this prog metal riff lesson I want to break down one of my own complex riffs and offer some advice on how to compose these kinds of riffs.

This riff comes from my song Escape Velocity. Watch the full playthrough video here:

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00:00 - Intro
02:41 - 1st Half of the Riff
10:57 - 2nd Half of the Riff
13:27 - Lead Guitar
16:57 - Full Riff

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[chester]

you deserve more views man. keep at it.

[Nickshreds]

Hell yeah! I've been trying to write my own prog metal music for some time. And I find your videos very helpful Morgan !! Thank you so much :)

[johannesberger]

At 3:20, you use Aeolian b5. I have a sort of silly question. This mode is also described as Locrian natural 2. My silly question is: what is the difference between the locrian and the aeolian viewpoint? I guess in aeolian, you would put some more emphasis on the minor 3 to drive the minor feeling home?

[robertpien]

What a gift so much great information here breaking down all the elements that puts helps put music structure together. Harmony, Melody and Rythem. Ty so much

[jaredwilliams]

What do you think of the 'Have a Blast' break riff from Periphery? It seems to me that part of what makes it so impactful is that the harmonic rhythm is kind of varied; they don't just change chords every bar, or every other bar.

[nuke]

This is great. Left me wanting more videos like this.

[beanzthumbz]

Good stuff, I love prog nerd shit like this haha. That really does sound like exivious, reminds me of Entrust. Has a similar feel with the lead guitar running over a complex progression. Love exivious.

[insertanynameyouwant]

this channel is gold, just recently came across with it, I`m sure it`ll help me in future, I like prog metal but play myself like a Slayer fan lol
hope your channel will grow wat more

[jollz]

Man I wish I could play guitar like you. It’s inspiring to see. Thanks for the video! Will keep practicing 😂

[istillsuckatguitar]

Dude, you are something else. Mind=blown.

[gilernt]

sick vid man, this channel is exactly what i've been looking for

[digital]

Just discovered your channel and subbed!

I would love to see a bit of your typical recording workflow order. Do you lay down drums, bass or guitar first when writing in odd time signatures? How do you record time signatures changes in your daw?

One other video idea would be your take on how to count (hear/feel) non-typical time sigs. Love your content!

[SamBrockmann]

I am a simple man. I see a great video about writing prog, I like it.

[greg]

nice the first melody kinda reminds me of erotomania

[Kaisiilerite]

Which processor, amp and drum software etc should we own to play progressive metal ???? Pls suggest....

[morganvonbogel]

Good video. Do you have tabs for your songs?

[travelingmusician]

Which program is used to write the tabs?