Thanks to @klaasvakie and the latest installment of his thread Learning Guitar World's Top 100 solos, where Kelly takes a detour to share his top 10 riffs and it got me thinking what are your Top 10 riffs?
Here's two lists to get ya started
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-guitar-riffs/
https://www.thetoptens.com/greatest-guitar-riffs/
There's a bit of overlap, mostly I'm not surprised. - now I wonder what your lists would look like? Sound off below!
Hmm, nobody sharing their top riffs? Wellll, I had fun thinking through mine and even got stoked to find a new riff to learn...winning!
Of the udiscover list, I knew 12/15
Of the toptens list, I knew 9/10
...though if I can still play em correctly is another question!
Here's mine
10. ACDC - I can't pick just one. Different approach to riffing, more chordy but with that rhythm section - undeniably awesome. I could pick a bunch of tunes...Thunderstruck, Back in Black, Hells Bells, Highway to Hell.
9. Doors - Break on through. Nostalgic choice, first complete tune I could play recognizably - earnt me a upgrade to electric guitar!
8. Chic - Good times. it's rare to find a tune where you could play either the bass line or the guitar part and people recognize the song. And it's funky than my socks!
7. Joe Satriani - Satch boogie. I'm not sure there is a catchier riff for the rock/blues guitarist? Soo much fun to play.
6. Jimi Hendrix - 3rd Rock from the sun. Just love the voicings over the ringing open low E. Easy to play and a real ear catcher for the listener.
5. Megadeth - Hanger18. First time I heard this I almost quit guitar - so fast!
4. Black Sabbath - Iron Man. Needs no explanation. If you don't agree. You are wrong.
3. Cream - Sunshine of your love. EC at his best. How anyone could pick Layla over this I couldn't fathom.
2. Slayer - South of heaven. Nostalgic choice...This riff is the reason why I started playing guitar!
1. Metallica. For me, The Riffiest band ever. I could pick ten tunes from them alone...Battery, Master of Puppets, Seek n Destroy, Enter Sandman, For whom the bell tolls, Wherever I may roam, Sanatarium, One, Four Horsemen, Jump in the Fire.
This list definitely dates when I started learning guitar...hmmmm. The 80's wasn't entirely bad!
And of Kelly's top 10 list...I'm reallly into his No1. - so much so I'm learning it. Joe Walsh Funk #49 has got a bluesy groove that...scratches an strat-y itch!
Down Home
Georgia on a Fast Train (always loved the Working Mans Blues Type Riff)
Trying So Hard Not To Know
Her Strut
Caddilac Ranch
Interstate Love Song
Beautiful Ones
Where do you want it
Wrong To Love You
Long White Caddilac
Disclaimer: I can play none of these riffs ?
1. Spin Doctors – Jimmy Olsen's Blues
2. John Lee Hooker – Chill Out (Things Gonna Change) feat. Santana
3. Jimmy Page – Embryo no. 2 (from the documentary, "It Might Get Loud")
4. Led Zeppelin – Ramble On
5. Smashing Pumpkins – Bodies
6. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Coffee Shop
7. Jane's Addiction – Just Because
8. Blur – Beetlebum
9. Apollo 440 – Lost In Space (Theme)
10. Depeche Mode – I Feel You
I don't have a list.... ?
I'm currently listening to the 'Reload' Album - Metallica. Just 'remembered' the epic Riff in ''Prince Charming".
Whoowee. Some epic stuff there.
My top ten has changed quite significantly over the years. Lemme give it a bash
guidothepimmp Lenny Kravitz - are you gonna go my way
That tune is a goldmine of riffage ?
Just realised this isnt a top 10 without an Extreme song..
So Kid Ego from Extreme
