Here is a sequence of metal / rock riffs for you to enjoy and practice. This is a typical format for many 'riff-based' songs found in rock.

These riffs move through a fairly simple F G and E minor progression. The key to getting the flow between riffs is timing - learn each riff one by one, and then work on stringing them together. Try and get the rhythm in your blood - All riff based music needs a good sense of timing. Use a metronome if that helps!

Whenever working on your own progressions and riffs for songs remember that you can have 'fills' between them - much like a drummer would use. You can see that in this ActionTab - with the short, catchy metal scales used between 2 of the main repeating riff patterns. There is a short harmonic 'fill' between the G and E riffs for all you nu metal fans. Little 'fills' like this offer variety and can smooth the transition between chords. The other fill is at the end of the E riff - leading back into the F riff.

Remember - Fills don't have to be massively long to work. Simple is often best (and doesn't tire out your drummer). Anything too long becomes a solo.

The other main thing to see here is the difference between riffs. Notice how the 'fast' parts in both the F and G riffs are descending downwards from octave to octave. Whereas the E scale ascends. This is a very common technique in all riff-based music. This change suggests to the listener that this is the chorus. The previous 2 riffs set a similar feel and pace by using similar descending patterns. By reversing it and ascending - the tune changes dramatically - even though the timing and pace remains true to the rest of the song. Lifting the scale by ascending suggests a significant transition in the music - relative to the previous riffs.

We used a diminished scale variation for the 'E riff' ascending notes. Also palm muting the notes gives that nice metal feel. This further distinguishes this particular section of the song from the rest (the F and G riffs use only open notes).

Try working on your own riff patterns and integrating them together. Experiment will your own 'fills' and vary the ascending / descending notes to suit your own ideas!