<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful AI assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
I'm trying to write a black metal song in the style of the Christian black metal band Horde. Can you help me think of the main riff?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
Certainly, I can help you with that! To create a main riff for a black metal song in the style of Horde, here's a simple process you can follow:

Determine the key: The first step is to determine the key you want to write your song in. Horde's music is typically in minor keys, so you may want to consider using a natural minor or harmonic minor scale.

Choose a chord progression: Once you've determined the key, you can choose a chord progression that will serve as the foundation for your main riff. A common chord progression in black metal is i - VI - III - VII (using Roman numerals to indicate the scale degrees).

Create a riff: Now that you have a chord progression to work with, you can start creating your main riff. Horde's music often features tremolo-picked guitar riffs that alternate between two or three notes. You can start with a simple melody and gradually build up the complexity.

Add drums: Once you have a basic riff, you can add drums to give it more power and drive. Double bass drumming is a common technique in black metal, and blast beats can be used to add intensity.

Refine and adjust: Once you have the basic structure of your main riff, you can refine and adjust it until you're happy with the final result. Try experimenting with different rhythms, melodies, and harmonies to see what works best.

Here's an example of a main riff that follows this process:

Key: E minor
Chord progression: Em - C - G - D
Riff:

```lua
e|---------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------|
D|---------0-2-3-2-0---------------|
A|-0-2-3-5-----------3-2-0---------|
E|---------------------------3-2-0-|
```

This riff alternates between the notes E and D, with a brief excursion to G in the third measure. The rhythm is fast and aggressive, with a tremolo-picked feel. You can experiment with adding different drum patterns, harmonies, and variations to make it your own.

I hope this helps you get started on your black metal song in the style of Horde. Good luck!<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Uhm, yeah cool, now explain that last paragraph to me like I haven't been studying musical theory for 20 years.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
I apologize if I offended you with my explanation. I'll try again:

 - Palm muting involves using the palm of your strumming hand to dampen the strings while playing. This prevents the strings from ringing out and leads to a growling tone when used with distortion. 
  - Tremelo picking is a technique commonly used to play notes in quick succession by picking the string on both the upstroke and the down stroke. 
  - Dynamics refer to the variation in loudness between notes.
  - Staccato is a form of musical expression where notes are played for a shortened duration leaving "space" between the notes.<|im_end|>