The Art of Riffing

Skill Building Guitar Course from David Wallimann

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  2. Guitar Lessons
  3. Skill Building

  4. Lead Concepts & Techniques

Are you ready to start writing your own riffs but not sure where to start? In this series, David divulges some of his secrets to crafting great riffs and helps establish the building blocks for you to start creating your own.

10 Lessons

Complete course with step-by-step lessons and practice examples.

Multi-Camera

Course filmed with 6 cameras for the perfect angles.

81% Appoval

29 of 32 of our members have given this their approval.

Tabs & Info

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Included

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Full Course Breakdown

Are you ready to start writing your own riffs but not sure where to start? In this series, David divulges some of his secrets to crafting great riffs and helps establish the building blocks for you to start creating your own.

Begin the Course
1

Series Introduction and Subdivisions

David kicks off his new series with a brief introduction and then jumps right into the content. In this lesson we'll look at the basics of subdivision and get a handle on the incredibly important concept of timing.

15:46 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

2

Pentatonic and More

In this lesson, David utilizes variations on the Pentatonic scale to craft some new riffs and help give you a starting point to create some of your own.

11:38 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

3

Attack Variation

Dynamics can take a run of the mill riff and push it to the next level. Adding variations in the speed and volume throughout can breathe new life in an otherwise mediocre line. Join David as he demonstrates some ideas to help you start expanding on this crucial concept.

7:14 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

4

Flashy Inserts

In this lesson, David demonstrates how you can start making your riffs jump out by mixing the role of lead playing with the traditionally rhythmic focus of the riff.

11:48 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

5

Chord Fragments

Building off of the understanding you should have of riffing with scales, David utilizes chord structures as the backbone of his riffs for this lesson.

10:57 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

6

Ghost Notes

To the discerning ear, this technique of ghost notes is a crucial element in crafting riffs that are rhythmically fascinating. Join David as he demonstrates how he typically employs this technique.

6:13 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

7

Harmonics

Harmonics is musical concept that is mostly unique to the guitar or bass and it is a great tool for expanding the sound of your instrument. Join David as he demonstrates the concept and plays some riffs that utilize it.

9:30 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

8

Arpeggio Blocks

In this lesson, David teaches some four note arpeggios, both major and minor, and utilizes them in riff variations over some fun backing tracks.

8:24 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

9

Open Strings

Anytime you can use less finger movement to create a riff it automatically allows for an increase in speed. In this lesson, Dave teaches some fast, flashy riffs that take advantage of open strings.

8:11 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

10

Odd Times

While not common in rock music, occasionally you'll meet a song that is not in 4/4 time. Stepping out of that comfort zone and learning how to count in different time signatures is not only a handy tool for creating unique riffs, but it will make you a better player over all.

8:36 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

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David Wallimann

29
  • Fort Collins, Colorado
  • Playing since 1992
  • 54 lessons at JamPlay
Begin Course
David was born in Aix-en-Provence, South France in 1977. At the age of 15, he picked up the guitar and started developing a true love for instrumental music and composition.

In 1999 he was recognized by Ibanez for his promising musical achievements and received an artist endorsement. That early recognition in David's musical career encouraged him to consecrate more time on crafting his musical art and apply to the school of modern music Artist' in Cavaillon, France. He received a full scholarship there where he graduated with honors.

In 2001, David won first place for the Tal Farlow French national jazz contest which gave him a full paid scholarship to the CMA school of modern music in Valenciennes, France. He graduated specializing in advanced guitar with honors.

Following his school years, David spent the next 5 years working with several bands recording, writing and playing shows in France and Belgium. It's during that time that Wallimann was exposed to the world of progressive rock which opened new doors to his musical creativity.

Deep inside the Mind is his first release as a solo artist in which he exposes his Christian faith. The album was well received in the specialized press and was compared several times to some of Frank Zappa's approach to music adding an element of humor to deep subjects.

In 2005 he joined the internationally renowned progressive band Glass Hammer based in Chattanooga, TN. He released several studio albums and live DVDs with the band.

Reviews & Feedback 81/100 with 32 ratings
weezel912

All of the above. And it was short and to the point.

rarebird0

This is wonderful. David's work has helped me the most. This lesson was just like what I am looking for. I do however think the tracks should contain his playing. There is no such word as "interiorize" though. There would be no loss of distinct

jpr67

cheer`s David,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, topman

jfoley31

Very good lesson, I have been playing rhythm for 25yrs and now finally starting to understand lead.

marcofi

One of my favorite teachers at Italki. Fun, knowledgeable and easy to understand, perfect combination