3 chords.
No effort.
Just a warm up.
A world, epic riff that makes it stand out and recognizable all over the world (and time).
That’s how this song was made.
However, Dominic Miller’s first intention was to make it about the song and himself until he heard:
– “That’s the riff!”
– “Wait. Hang on a minute, mate. I’m gonna do something really epic that’s gonna show not only great your song is, but how great i am” (I’m just warming up!)
When he understood it was not about him or about how epic his riff could be, but about what they wanted, what the band he was going to play for (his “clients”), it changed things.
This riff didn’t take a lot of effort. I’d even say, ANY effort, as it was that simple for him. “Just a warm up”. And it made it a big hit.
He didn’t need to try that hard to show he was good.
Here’s the thing
1- For something to be highly valued, it doesn’t need to be highly complex or take lots of effort. (Effort ≠ Value).
2- If you fail to listen to what your client wants, you might be trying too hard “to show how great their thing is (and how great you are)”, when what your client or their customers value is right there, in your “warm up”.
You don’t need to try that hard.
You got this.
PS: You can check the extended version of that story here.