Anyone who knows me, knows that my favourite part of any guitar based song is a great riff! For those unfamiliar, a riff is a repeating pattern in music but the term has evolved to refer to any cool and catchy guitar part in more recent years! Rock, punk and metal history is especially full of classic riffs, so I really have my work cut out for me this week. So, without further ado and in no particular order, here are my picks for the 10 best riffs of all time!
Gojira - Silvera
Starting off the list we have French groove metal titans Gojira and their massive tune, Silvera. This song is riff city so there is actually two in here, however they are side by side, so one could argue they are just one big riff! The riff in particular starts with pummelling tremolo picked, descending chromatic pattern. The next riff, or next part of the riff depending on how you look at it, is a melodic tapping pattern that returns to play in unison with the lead vocal melody of the chorus. They are the first two riffs in the song and you should definitely give them a listen!
Polyphia - G.O.A.T.
Up next we have something very different and unique in regards to guitar riffs, instrumental prog rock band Polyphia's song G.O.A.T! The riff in question for this song is the main riff/intro riff and it is absolutely chock full of different techniques without it ever sounding crowded or messy. A combination of hybrid picking, tapping, chords and harmonics lead to a mind melting musical display!
Metallica - Master Of Puppets
This song is responsible for many a metal fan becoming a guitarist out of pure inspiration. There are many riffs in Master Of Puppets that could contend for a spot on this list but for me, it is the second riff that hits at the 0:22 mark, with it's rapid down picking pace and sheer animosity. I have spent many an hour jamming this song and this is the riff I love playing and hearing the most!
Ghost - Square Hammer
A modern classic up next with Ghost's highly beloved single Square Hammer. The riff in particular for this song is the lead melody in the intro. Absolutely dripping with character, with a fun and spooky charm, aided by the fact it is doubled with an organ! This is a case of a riff just being immediately identifiable, both as a song and as well as a calling card for the band as a result of it's unique tone and catchy melody!
Coheed & Cambria - Welcome Home
This next one has to be one of my favourite riffs of all time! The opening main riff from Coheed & Cambria's song Welcome Home its truly epic, there is no other word for it! Starting off with a version of the riff performed on a nylon classical guitar before the full band coming in and the riff then being played in it's full rock glory on a double neck Gibson SG! The riff has a really interesting timbre in the beginning thanks to it's palm muted strum across the first chord then leading on to a great melodic hook and so powerful sounding chords!
Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train
This one is just down right iconic, whether you listen to rock and metal or not, near enough everyone knows this classic opening riff! Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne displays an absolute masterclass performance by the late great Randy Rhoads with blistering solo and several great riffy hooks! But the one that stands out the most is kicks it all of at the 0:18 mark! Honestly, as soon as you read the title, I'm pretty sure you knew which riff it was, it's just that good!
HIM - The Kiss Of Dawn - Intro riff
Now for an under rated gem from Finland's own HIM and their massive tune 'The Kiss Of Dawn'. A fairly simple riff on first inspection but what makes this riff is a combination of it's strong sense of groove alongside it's full and massive sounding guitar tone! The riff in question here is the opening intro riff. I could honestly crank y amp and play it all day!
AC/DC - Back In Black
Now, you might be thinking that this is in reference to the iconic main riff, and I wouldn't blame you for thinking that, but to throw a bit of a curve ball, my pick os actually the bridge riff from AC/DC's Back In Black that hits at the 2:48 mark! I think this riff hits so hard because of it's speed and energy, seeing as it really ramps things up from the mid pace of the rest of the song! It is just a whole lot of fun!
Black Sabbath -N.I.B.
Call me bias if you must but I couldn't not have a Tony Iommi riff on here, he is the king of the riff! The riff in question is the main guitar riff of Black Sabbath's classic tune N.I.B., that comes in at the 0:52 mark (0:13 in the video below). It's full of groove and character in the way on Tony can write a metal riff! Picking a singular Iommi riff for this list was a tough one because he has so many on this first Sabbath album alone! But N.I.B. just stands out the most to me, give it a listen, I am sure you will agree it's a brilliant riff!
Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze
Last but not least we have the brilliant opening riff from Jimi Hendrix's beloved classic, Purple Haze. Again, full of groove, character and is instantly recognisable, all the characteristics I look for in a great riff as it turns out! There is something to be said for how many riffs on this list are intro riffs. Really goes to show that a great intro riff can hook you from the start and turn the rest of the song in to a massive success! No one shows that off more than Hendrix, considering his innovative style of song writing and guitar playing, the fact that he was such a huge star in his time all the way to now with these uniquely styled hits shows the true power of a great riff!
And there he have it, 10 of the best riffs of all time! What do you think of this list? Is your favourite riff on here? What would you have added? What is your favourite riff of all time? Throw them at me I would love to know and I am always keen to check out new music! In the meantime, play loud, stay safe and I will see you all soon!
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