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About H-Bomb
Expertise
I'm the BS-artist's dream. I'm self-taught, and my technical understanding of musical theory is limited. However in many cases if I hear it and my A.D.D. isn't in overdrive I can figure it out. I relate more to classic artists like Angus Young, Keith Richards & Tony Iommi, but have figured out some of the tricks of the trade used by more modern players as well. I know anything you'd ever want to know about Gibson SG's & Flying V's, and am one of the few cats you'll find here in South Carolina who doesn't worship all things "Skynyrd". Always willing to go out of my way to help budding young players, and most of my students have been disenfranchised youth and females...being kind of the aging punk-rock/hard-rock guru I've taken many folks under my wing who might not have otherwise had the confidence. It's a pleasure to see someone succeed with things I've passed on to them. So try me, I might be able to help! I'm NOT one who knows a ton about vintage guitar values, dating or specs unless it's a Gibson SG, so if you have questions regarding other models of guitars you might want to ask someone else.

Experience
I've played bass, guitar, drums, lap steel & tinkered with several other instruments for over a decade. I've unfortunately not found my 'way' yet and remain a semi-pro, but have had enough experience to write a book.

Education/Credentials
School of Rock, baby!

Past/Present Clients
I currently provide rock guitar lessons to students ranging from 7 years of age to 24 years, and am the de facto gear tech for my band and some other musicians when they let their equipment go. Want a no-nonsense, everyman's answer to help you along? I'll do my best!

You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musical Instruments > Guitar - General > basic steps for composing black metal

Guitar - General - basic steps for composing black metal

Expert: H-Bomb - 10/15/2009

Question
Hi I'd like to know if u could tell me what to do when trying to compose my own music (my style is balck metal and death metal) normally I start with something simple and then try to improve it and make it more complex, but that process is not always that simple. Am I doing it wrong,could u please give me a few tips?
Thank you.

Answer
My first question is, are you LIMITING yourself to a genre? If so, I would strongly suggest not doing it. Having a "preferred" genre or style is one thing, being a slave to one form of music is a mistake. Listen to a little bit of everything (from bluegrass and traditional folk music to blues and industrial, punk to pop, rock to reggae, etc), and you will find elements from various genres you can use to spice up your own compositions.

Next question is why are you going for "complex"? My biggest beef right now with newer metal in general is that it all sounds the same. Either it's sludgy and screamo nonsense or it's overtly-complicated with no real hooks or memorable parts. Instead of writing something complex, fast and cookie-cutter, try to simply write something...well...GOOD. Work on a melody line that people can hum or sing over the "heavy" background music. Try to think of something that the average listener can remember in the song, not what you think will impress the guitar player inside you. Songs come first. Always remember that. I mean, that is if you're wanting to play out, record, etc with people other than yourself. Always think of "what will make this a GOOD song", not "what will make this sound complex and hard to follow". Your listener will appreciate that more than pretention or heroics for the sake of heroics.

Listen to classical music, music that comes from your heritage even...the influence is all around. You'd be surprised how much people would appreciate an ethnic touch to otherwise mundane, typical music. Diversity will make you stand out, AND will make you a better player. So take a deep breath, listen to some different stuff, and apply it in a way that will improve your compositions.

As silly as it seems, I recommend also listening to Dethklok (from the animated TV show "Metalocalypse")...Brendan Small's understanding and usage of melodies to make "brutal" songs that you can actually remember tomorrow is impeccable. "Thunderhorse" is a personal favorite of mine.

Good luck, and remember: DON'T GET STUCK IN ONE MINDSET. We already have too many guitarists who do that. Stand out, be unique, be yourself! And most importantly, HAVE FUN. If it's not fun, move on to something that is. Take care!

H

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