Boston - Peace Of Mind - Famous Riffs - Guitar Lesson

About Peace Of Mind - Famous Riffs

Few riffs in Hard Rock sit as comfortably under the fingers as the main "Peace of Mind" figure, yet getting it to sound right takes more care than it first appears. Boston built the riff around E minor, and the interplay between the open low E string and the fretted notes above it gives the whole thing its characteristic punch and resonance. In E Standard tuning at 120 BPM, the tempo is approachable, but the challenge is locking the pick attack precisely with that driving eighth-note feel so the riff has real weight behind it. Pay close attention to palm muting and when to lift it, since the contrast between muted and open-sounding notes is a big part of the tone. If the transitions between positions are tripping you up, use the Practice Toolbar to loop just that section slowed down until the movement feels automatic. Once the mechanics are solid, focus on dynamics and pick consistency, because that is what separates a clean run-through from one that actually sounds like the record.

• The riff centers on E minor in E Standard tuning, making heavy use of the open low E string for its distinctive, resonant punch.
• Palm muting control is key: knowing exactly when to mute and when to let notes ring open defines the riff's rhythmic character.
• At 120 BPM the tempo is manageable for intermediate players, but clean pick attack and consistent dynamics are the real test.