Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know Riff Lesson - Riffmas 2025 Guitar Riff 1

hello everyone,

Ready to master one of modern rock's most iconic riffs? In this guitar lesson, we dive deep into the defining riff of modern indie rock: "Do I Wanna Know?" by Arctic Monkeys. We are focusing entirely on mastering the core riff and the specific tone and rhythm that make Alex Turner's playing so instantly recognizable.

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How To Enter The Riffmas Competition: (Win an Enya Smart Guitar & TC Pedals!)
To enter the Riffmas Competition, simply post a video clip of yourself playing any of the eight scheduled riff lessons in the Facebook group, which earns you one ticket into the draw for each unique lesson for a maximum of eight total entries; this competition is open worldwide, with the winners being drawn on New Year's Eve to win a TC Electronic Mojo Mojo Overdrive pedal, a TC Electronic Ditto Loop Pedal, or an Enya Carbon Fibre Smart Travel Guitar (all prizes include a KGS T-shirt), and prizes will be posted on Monday, January 5th.

Lesson Focus: Mastering the "Do I Wanna Know" Groove
We start by meticulously breaking down the riff's hypnotic, low-end rhythm. The trick to this riff is not speed, but the perfect syncopation and muted attack. We cover the specific finger pattern and note choice, showing you how to achieve the massive, driving sound using only a few simple notes. This is a foundational lesson for any player looking to master the minimalism and groove of modern rock guitar playing.

The main focus of this tutorial is on simplifying the subtle articulation required to make the riff feel huge and powerful. We analyze the use of distortion, the precise rhythm behind the notes, and the repetitive, cyclical nature of the riff that underpins the entire track. We show you exactly how to approach the pattern to maintain the energy and groove throughout the entire song. This is a masterclass in using space and repetition effectively in rock music.


Song Context:

"Do I Wanna Know?" was released in 2013 as the lead single from the band's fifth album, AM. The song instantly became a staple in the modern rock cannon, noted for its unique blend of R&B and heavy, fuzzy rock elements. The simplicity and immediate recognition of the main guitar riff propelled the song to global success and defined the sound of the band's later work.

Master this riff and unlock the driving force behind one of the most important indie rock tracks of the last decade.

Tags & Links
#ArcticMonkeys #DoIWannaKnow #AlexTurner #GuitarRiff #ModernRock #IndieRock #HowToPlayGuitar #GuitarTutorial #ElectricGuitar #RiffLesson #2013Rock #AMAlbum #GuitarLesson #Riffmas #GuitarChallenge #AdultLearner

Kirklees Guitar School is a music school based in Denby Dale, Huddersfield, UK, specialising in guitar, piano, and drum lessons. We help adults of all ages learn to play the music they love — both in-person and online.

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