Lesson 2: RIFFS & PROGRESSIONS
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Students will create original riffs and chord progressions using contemporary guitar techniques.
How do musicians create memorable musical ideas?
What makes a riff recognizable?
How do chord choices affect musical mood?
Riff, progression, accompaniment, groove, motif, harmony, rhythm
MU:Cr1.1.E.Ia
MU:Cr2.1.E.Ia
Students generate ideas, organize information, and support creative decisions.
Students create original riffs and chord progressions.
DOK 1: Students identify riffs and chord progression patterns in musical examples.
DOK 2: Students create short riffs and accompaniment ideas.
DOK 3: Students analyze how rhythm and chord choices affect musical style.
DOK 4: Students independently refine original riffs and progressions for songwriting.
Riffs and chord progressions form the foundation of many contemporary songs and guitar styles.
Students may think original music must be highly complex to sound effective.
Choice-based creation, scaffolded progression templates, peer collaboration, and modified complexity levels
OK 1: Students identify riffs and progression patterns.
DOK 2: Students create original riffs and chord progressions.
DOK 3: Students explain how musical choices affect style and mood.
DOK 4: Students independently refine original accompaniment ideas.