(help!)adding diversity to a bland riff with a cool solo

ok, i've been having some trouble with this...lets say i got a simple chugging one or two chord riff without much tonal diverstiy-like so:

E:-------------------------------
B:-------------------------------
G:-------------------------------
D:-------2-2-------4-4-------2-2-etc...
A:-------2-2-------4-4-------2-2-etc...
E:-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-2-2-0-0-0-0-0-etc...

how do i make a lead that complies with the same rhythm and at the same time adds a melodic touch without it sounding like im just shredding away without a care in the world? im mean, sure i can play in octaves or try out different intervals, but even that will get lame after about two measures...i need a way to make it seem as though this simple progression is much larger (? for lack of a better word) than it really is...please help.

eh, the tab got screwed up, its just chugg, chugg, chugg, E5, E5, Chug some more F#5, F#5 just power chords...

Every so often, play the top E and B strings simultaneously on just one beat, try it both in between 'chugs' and with 'chugs' on the E, A and D strings, to see which sounds best. That helps for your rhythm part - the lead part requires a bit more thought! I'll post back if I have any ideas.

Afro

aye, thats something i havent thought of, i think marty friedman did that a lot with his megadeth solos

Well, I suppose you could make into a less of a bland riff by using unusual, 16th-beat rhythms, and other notes than just the root (E) and the 2nd (F#). Try using intervals like a minor 2nd/9th (F), and the b5 (Bb). If you give it a bit more tonal diversity then whatever you play over the top would automatically sound more interesting. A little bit like the outro of "Black" by Pearl Jam, where the lead guitar, piano and backing vocals play/sing the same simple line, but the chords underneath change, which gives the lead part a different feel each time.

You are doing a basic riff for a metal-type song.

Try using a little more variation when you play the E5 and F5.

Add in triplets when you are hitting the open e string, or palm mute it to get a nice rhythm.

On the B string, you can play open, 2nd fret, or 4th fret. So you can do...

|---------------------------------------------|
|---------------------------------2h4--2p0h4--|
|---------------------------------------------|
|---------2-2---------4-4---------------------|
|---------2-2---------4-4---------------------|
|-0-0-000-0-0-0-0-000-2-2-0-0-000-------------|

Most likely, the formatting will fuck up, but hope for the best.

So i mean, it goes

do, do, dug a do cha cha, do, do, dug a do, cha, cha, woooooo (the B string stuff)

well, i am collaborating with another guitarist and we're using his songs...so i cant really go and change them as i see fit...all he wants is the leads...so thats all i can do...

Aah, ok. You could meantion to him about developing the riff a bit more, you never know, he might like it and be glad you suggested it.

I'm not really sure what you mean. Do you mean you want a solo over the top, or just lead parts that would work well with the rhythm guitar?

If it's the latter, then there are three things you could do.

1) Use diads (an interval that implies a tonality) For example playing G and B while the rhythm guitar is playing an E would imply E minor tonality.

2) Play an octave melody, making use of the 3rds of the chords to imply a tonality, but don't use 3rds exclusively. As it's metal, the melody would sound best if it's generally decending.

3) If he does develop the riff a bit more, then you could harmonise his parts using 3rds, 5ths and octaves.

I'm making all this stuff up on guitar pro, and when i'm done ill screenshot the tabs, create the midi, and upload it to the licks section. I know it's not a lick as such, but it's still the best way to show you it. The rhythm guitar is panned hard left, and the lead guitar is panned hard right.

If you're looking for a decent solo, then I'm afraid I'm not very good at writing them. :(

thanks dude., i appreciate it...as far as actually writing the solo part...i can do that myself, im just looking for more ideas on how to approach this type of situation...thanks again...rock on...

it's uploaded now :)