Weekly Riff from The Sound and The Story - John Connolly
WEEKLY RIFF FROM THE SOUND AND THE STORY
JOHN CONNOLLY
Drummer turned guitarist, Sevendust founding member, and all-around technical rhythm guitar master, John Connolly is known for his heavy, percussive, syncopated sound that went on to define an entire musical movement.
This week's riff features John Connolly performing a song playthrough of “Pieces” from Sevendust’s 2005 studio album: “Next" - a single that features PLENTY of riffs. This tune features all of the staple Sevendust elements such as down-tuned Drop B guitars, heavy drum grooves, and plenty of melody. "Next" was the first album written following the departure of fellow founder/guitarist Clint Lowery. After recruiting Sonny Mayo for the vacant guitar spot, John Connolly found himself at the helm of the band’s writing process, which took the band into newer, heavier soundscapes. Due to the song’s tuning, tempo, and closely-spaced intervals; riffs like these can be hard to figure out accurately. In this studio video however, you’ll hear all the riffs and leads, and see exactly how John plays them. He also performs the solo section, complete with heavy doses of the DigiTech Whammy pedal!
