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Riff Playbooks

Riff Playbooks: Steffen Kummerer of Obscura

Introduction

The "Riff Playbooks" column is designed to make you a better player. By gleaning some insight into the technique, composition, and execution of these fine riffs by fine SH artists, you are bound to make headway in your own playing. We cordially invite you to steal a page from our books in order to expand your own diabolical playbook of musical wizardry (not literally though, the books are expensive to create).

Posted — March 27, 2023

Steffen Kummerer has been crafting and refining his bands sound for just over two decades, and their latest - A Valediction - lays bare the work and progress achieved in all of that time. The stylistic, technical and melodic sensibilities on display throughout the record are masterful and well earned, and we were lucky enough to have Steffen stop by Sheet Happens HQ to share some of said skill and sensibility with us, and subsequently you! Below, Steffen runs us through some riffs from said record (and guitar book options, which you can check out here), and explains some of the thoughts, ideas, and techniques behind them. Watch the videos, grab the free tabs, and learn a thing or two from one of Tech Metals greats!

First thing's first: Click here to grab the free tabs for the sections below, and play along! 

"Devoured Usurper" - Intro: Bars 1-10 in "A Valediction - The Complete Guitar Transcription"



"A Valediction" Chorus: 
Bars 41-56 in "A Valediction - The Complete Guitar Transcription"


Flash Interview + References Below:


References / Links:

  1. Death - The Sound of Perseverance - Streaming Link
  2. Paul Masvidal / Cynic Catalog
  3. Testament Streaming Link
  4. Megadeth Streaming Link
  5. Kreator Streaming Link
  6. Steffen's ESP Guitar Details Video
  7. Cynic - Focus - Tab Book 
  8. Revocation / Dave Davidson Catalog

Highlighted Products

Deluxe Book Bundle
$55
View
The Complete Guitar Transcription
$27 - $42
View
Custom Dunlop Tortex "Sharp" Picks
$12
View
11x17 Print
$14
View

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