This lesson takes apart one of my favorite riffs from Metallica's instrumental "Orion" off Master of Puppets, and pulls out the compositional tricks that make it work.

It's much better watched than read. You need to hear the rhythm, and how the parts stack for any of this to click. Hit play above and give it 12 minutes!

What It's Made Of

Multi-tracked bass guitar - a rare production choice that Cliff Burton actually pulled off
E minor with the leading tone - how Metallica uses both the natural minor and harmonic minor scale to write their riffs
Double Tresillo rhythm - the 3+3+3+3+4 Latin rhythmic pattern that drives the riff (and why it works so well in metal)
Bass as the lead voice - how Cliff plays the lead line while the guitars support, another unusual compositional choice
Turning power chords into real chords - a practical takeaway for arranging metal riffs for acoustic or string ensembles

Why Cliff Burton Matters

"Orion" was on the last album to feature Cliff Burton before his death. His fingerprints are all over this track, and the composition choices made during his time in the band, multi-tracked bass, classical influence, adventurous rhythm, basically define the best parts of early Metallica.

The bass on the following album is an entirely different discussion!