Blue Öyster Cult – Don't Fear The Reaper Riff

Take your guitar playing to the next level with our in-depth, note-for-note breakdown of the iconic Don’t Fear The Reaper riff by Blue Öyster Cult. This legendary track, known for its haunting atmosphere and melodic guitar work, is a masterclass in subtlety, phrasing, and dynamic control. In this Licklibrary lesson, you'll not only learn how to play this unforgettable riff with precision, but you'll also explore the guitar techniques that give it its distinct, timeless sound. Whether you're an intermediate guitarist looking to broaden your skills or an advanced player diving into classic rock stylings, this lesson offers invaluable insights. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Legacy of the Riff

Originally released in 1976, Don’t Fear The Reaper became Blue Öyster Cult’s most successful single. The song's hypnotic riff, paired with atmospheric production and lyrical mystique, has made it a staple of classic rock radio and movie soundtracks alike. At the heart of this composition lies a guitar arrangement that balances restraint and creativity — a perfect study for players seeking to develop musical maturity and expressive control.

About the Guitar Players

The lead guitarist behind the riff is Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, the founding member and primary lead guitarist of Blue Öyster Cult. Known for his melodic sensibility and tasteful phrasing, Dharma’s playing on Don’t Fear The Reaper showcases a subtle blend of hard rock attitude and lyrical expression. His innovative style, which often fused melodic lines with textural playing, helped define the band’s sound and influenced generations of guitarists — from alternative rock players to metal soloists.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

This Licklibrary lesson dives deep into the riff and reveals the nuanced techniques that make it so effective. Here's a breakdown of the main techniques you’ll encounter and master:

Arpeggios

One of the central features of the riff is the use of arpeggios. Rather than strumming chords in a traditional way, the notes are broken apart and played individually in sequence. This technique adds a melodic and rhythmic clarity to the riff, enhancing the hypnotic mood of the song. Learning arpeggios sharpens your fretboard awareness and right-hand accuracy, skills that are crucial for both rhythm and lead guitar work.

Alternate Picking

To execute the flowing nature of the riff with precision, alternate picking is essential. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes with your pick, allowing for smooth, even note articulation. Mastering alternate picking boosts your speed, endurance, and overall rhythmic consistency — a must-have for clean execution of intricate passages.

Slides

The smooth transitions between notes and chord positions in the riff often use slides. This technique adds an expressive, vocal-like quality to your playing and helps develop better fretboard navigation. Practicing slides also strengthens finger control and helps you connect phrases more musically.

Sustain

Part of what makes this riff so atmospheric is its use of sustain. Holding notes with controlled volume and tone adds drama and presence to the piece. Developing sustain helps refine your touch, picking dynamics, and tone control — important elements for expressive playing.

Chord Progressions

The riff outlines a unique chord progression that contributes to the song’s ethereal vibe. Understanding the theory and movement behind this progression gives you deeper insight into composition and songwriting techniques, helping you both analyze and create your own compelling progressions.

Open String Riffs

A signature part of Don’t Fear The Reaper is its use of open string riffs. The ringing of open strings adds harmonic richness and sustain, while also making the part more fluid to play. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to create full-sounding riffs with minimal fretting.

Why Learn This Riff?

Learning the Don't Fear The Reaper riff offers more than just the ability to play a classic rock anthem — it's an opportunity to refine core guitar skills in a musical, rewarding context. The lesson is tailored to help guitarists:

• Improve their picking accuracy and consistency
• Expand knowledge of arpeggios and chord voicings
• Develop expressive articulation through slides and sustain
• Strengthen timing and groove using subtle rhythm work
• Learn how to construct memorable, mood-driven guitar parts

These skills translate directly into better overall musicianship, whether you're writing your own material or interpreting the work of others.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Arpeggios
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Sustain
• Chord Progressions
• Open String Riffs