Songwriting techniques?

[Bassman1905]

Hello, I'm bassman1905 and I'm starting a band. We're going to be a mixture of metal and punk (polar opposites!!!). We'll have: the raw, trebley distorted guitars & basses of punk, the vocals of pop-punk and old school punk, the speed of a thrash metal band, and heavy metal/style drums. I just needed some tips on writing riffs. I've written a large amount of guitar/bass riffs before, but I want something fresh. Something that seperates us from the others. What should I incorporate into my playing? Any will be appreciated. I'm pick style, btw.

Rock on, and PUNK FTW!!!

[wayleft]

Punk and metal are not polar opposites, they're both the bastard/redheaded step-children of Rock & Roll. In many ways they blend fast hardcore punk and thrash can sound an awful lot alike.

That aside I certainly don't have any good advice but when you get something recorded let us hear it. Maybe constructive criticism can help you find cool new hooks or whatever.

[Dirty Basstard]

I would start out by checking out Metallica's "Kill 'em All" and early Slayer. Probably the first two bands mix punk and metal. Not saying thats what you will sound like, but a good place to start.