Ever wish you could move a riff to a different spot on the fretboard? That’s exactly what transposing is. Think of it like moving furniture 45 miles—you’re moving something the same distance but to a new location. With guitar riffs, you move every note an equal number of frets.
Let me show you how.
Moving Riffs Up the Fretboard
We’ll start with a hammer-on riff in open E pentatonic minor. Then we’ll move it to the A position (that’s the 5th fret). After that, we’ll jump to the 12th fret, which brings us back to E—but one octave higher.
Here’s the key idea: an open pattern becomes a closed pattern when you move it. On an open string, the nut acts like a fret. When you move up, you need your fingers to do what the nut did.
One Finger Per Fret
This is the rule. It keeps your hand organized and your transitions clean. When we get to the 12th fret, we’re going to bar with the 1st finger and hammer with the pinky. This move strengthens your pinky—one of the best things you can do.
Watch your pinky here. It shouldn’t curve over onto the 1st string. Let it stay straight so it doesn’t mute other notes.
Transposing String Stretch Riffs
String stretch riffs transpose just as easily. The same fingering pattern works no matter where you move it. This is why learning transposition matters. You learn one riff, you really learn dozens.
If the 12th fret feels too far away, start at the A position (5th fret). Get comfortable there first. Then move up when you’re ready.
This lesson is part of the Beginner’s Blues Riff course. Once you master transposing, you’ll see how many songs share the same shape.
Check out our full collection of guitar riffs for more lessons. You might also like our guide to SRV-style licks and how to add slides to your riffs.
