Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
If you struggle to come up with new ideas when writing songs, then using theme-based riffs with embellishments can help to unlock things. The technique involves playing a main recurring riff and alternating patterns to build up sections that, because of their repeating nature, help to hook the ear.
In the first of a two part lesson, Elixir Strings artist Marc Seal demonstrates the approach with his song, “The Daily Battle”, based around a simple but effective pentatonic riff with both picked and chordal embellishments. Take some time to master this lesson and join Marc in Part 2 for more - youtu.be/NTSgg8aChLk.
Explaining why he’s a fan of Elixir Strings Marc says, “Elixir Strings always sound stellar and really last! Because of the coating, they always feel like a new set of strings to me. Honestly, I love them!”
Marc uses Elixir® Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings with Nanoweb Technology 13-56
Check out Elixir Strings: elixirstrings.com/guitar-strings
Keep current. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/ElixirStringsMedia?sub_confirmation=1
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/elixir_strings
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/elixirstrings
Follow Marc on Instagram: instagram.com/guitarseal
If you struggle to come up with new ideas when writing songs, then using theme-based riffs with embellishments can help to unlock things. The technique involves playing a main recurring riff and alternating patterns to build up sections that, because of their repeating nature, help to hook the ear.
In the first of a two part lesson, Elixir Strings artist Marc Seal demonstrates the approach with his song, “The Daily Battle”, based around a simple but effective pentatonic riff with both picked and chordal embellishments. Take some time to master this lesson and join Marc in Part 2 for more - youtu.be/NTSgg8aChLk.
Explaining why he’s a fan of Elixir Strings Marc says, “Elixir Strings always sound stellar and really last! Because of the coating, they always feel like a new set of strings to me. Honestly, I love them!”
Marc uses Elixir® Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings with Nanoweb Technology 13-56
Check out Elixir Strings: elixirstrings.com/guitar-strings
Keep current. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/ElixirStringsMedia?sub_confirmation=1
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/elixir_strings
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/elixirstrings
Follow Marc on Instagram: instagram.com/guitarseal
