Which guitar riffs have truly stood the test of time and continue to resonate with musicians and fans alike? At guitarplayers.net, we’ve embarked on a sonic journey to definitively answer this age-old question. Drawing inspiration from a Guitar World reader’s poll and our own curated shortlist, we present 50 of the most iconic and Memorable Guitar Riffs ever recorded. We navigated the challenging “one riff per artist” rule, sifting through a vast landscape of legendary tracks to bring you this ultimate collection. Prepare to rediscover the riffs that shaped music history, accompanied by insights into their creation and the guitarists who brought them to life. Let’s dive into the sonic tapestry of unforgettable guitar moments.
50. Opeth – Heir Apparent (2008)
Progressive Metal Majesty from Sweden
Kicking off our countdown of memorable guitar riffs is “Heir Apparent” by Opeth, a testament to their death-metal era prowess. This track, from the Swedish progressive metal giants, is brimming with intricate riffs. However, it’s the riff that explodes into existence around the 2:30 mark that truly showcases Mikael Åkerfeldt’s sheer brilliance and sonic destructiveness.
Opeth's Heir Apparent powerful guitar riff, showcasing Mikael Åkerfeldt's progressive metal genius.
The riff commences with commanding power chords, ranging from the 1st fret to open position, creating a foundation of raw energy. It then masterfully alternates between rapid-fire descending octave shapes higher up the fretboard and guttural, palm-muted chromatic notes down below. This sonic warfare creates a spectacular tension and release. Fredrik Åkesson’s subsequent solo amplifies the chaos, injecting a dramatic blend of bluesy bends and diminished runs, perfectly complementing the riff’s unsettling and innovative feel. “Heir Apparent” is a modern classic riff that exemplifies the complexity and power of progressive metal.
49. The Beatles – Ticket to Ride (1965)
Rickenbacker Chime and a Hint of India
“Ticket to Ride,” released in April 1965, became The Beatles’ seventh consecutive UK number one single, largely thanks to its instantly recognizable and memorable guitar riff. This opening motif, played with two fingers on a 12-string Rickenbacker 360/12 by George Harrison, is pure sonic gold.
The Beatles' Ticket to Ride iconic guitar riff played on George Harrison's 12-string Rickenbacker.
The chiming, arpeggiated riff is anchored by repeating A chords, creating a hypnotic and driving rhythm. Underneath the surface, a low A drone subtly hints at the traditional Indian music that would increasingly influence the band’s later work. Harrison’s Rickenbacker lends an ethereal, slightly metallic quality to the riff. The staggered phrasing, punctuated by a quarter-note triplet at the end, further enhances the song’s carefree and innovative 60s vibe. “Ticket to Ride”‘s riff is a masterclass in melodic construction and sonic texture, demonstrating The Beatles’ evolving musical sophistication.
48. Free – All Right Now (1970)
Paul Kossoff’s Blues Rock Mastery
It might be surprising that Free’s 1970 mega-hit, “All Right Now,” only just makes it into our top 50 memorable guitar riffs. However, its impact is undeniable. The opening few seconds, featuring Paul Kossoff’s cranked-up Les Paul rhythmically locked in with Simon Kirke’s powerful drumming, is one of the most instantly recognizable song intros of all time.
Free's All Right Now powerful opening guitar riff by Paul Kossoff on his Les Paul.
Kossoff, using one of his prized Les Paul sunbursts plugged into a roaring Marshall stack, crafted a riff of deceptive simplicity and immense groove. As singer Paul Rodgers noted, “Koss had such an amazing sound on that opening chord and with his chord structure on the A chord. He had such a long reach and could actually hold the A note on the E string on the 5th fret. He could get a real ripping sound and it had a lot of depth to it.” The raw power and bluesy feel of this riff, combined with its infectious rhythm, cemented “All Right Now” as a rock anthem and a prime example of Kossoff’s guitar genius.
47. Polyphia – G.O.A.T. (2018)
Redefining Modern Guitar Techniques
Polyphia guitarists Tim Henson and Scott LePage have emerged as pioneers of modern guitar, forging a unique sound that blends fusion, tech-metal, and trap beats into a mind-bending sonic cocktail. Their 2018 track, “G.O.A.T.”, stands as one of their most popular, boasting over 50 million plays across YouTube and Spotify. Its central motif is a showcase of cutting-edge guitar techniques, making it a truly memorable guitar riff for the modern age.
Polyphia's G.O.A.T. innovative guitar riff featuring Tim Henson and Scott LePage's modern techniques.
The riff is built upon a foundation of harmonics, 19th and 20th fret taps, ringing open strings, and B natural minor arpeggios. This complex interplay of techniques creates a dizzying and captivating soundscape. For the recording, both Henson and LePage utilized Ibanez guitars, instruments synonymous with modern virtuosity. Henson’s tone was achieved through “only the Fractal and a little bit of BIAS FX,” while LePage opted for a more traditional Orange amp and cabinet setup. “G.O.A.T.” is not just a riff; it’s a statement of innovation and technical prowess, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the guitar.
46. Soundgarden – Outshined (1991)
Grunge Power in Unusual Time Signature
In 1991, the year Seattle grunge conquered the music world, Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger album marked their breakthrough, and “Outshined” became its most accessible and impactful track. The opening groove and verse drop D riff are the epitome of stoner rock dreams, instantly making it a memorable guitar riff. Guitarists Kim Thayil and Chris Cornell’s single-finger bends perfectly complement the riff’s raw, sludgy hook. It’s simply the sonic definition of badass.
Soundgarden's Outshined grunge guitar riff with Kim Thayil's signature aggressive style.
Adding to the band’s signature left-field approach, the riff is in an unconventional 7/4 time signature, lending it a slightly off-kilter, yet powerfully driving feel. In Soundgarden, arguably grunge’s most experimental and inventive band, Kim Thayil’s role was pivotal. He masterfully blended Stooges-esque aggression with psychedelic Sabbath heaviness through his 70s Guild SG-100 guitar. “Outshined” is a testament to Soundgarden’s ability to craft heavy, memorable riffs with a distinct artistic edge, solidifying their place in grunge history.
45. Queens of the Stone Age – No One Knows (2002)
Stoner Rock’s Defining Riff
Queens of the Stone Age’s breakout hit, “No One Knows,” boasts a riff so potent that it effectively functions as the song’s chorus. While the lyrics “I realize you’re mine” do repeat, the electrifying guitar riff is undeniably what audiences eagerly anticipate at every live performance, making it an incredibly memorable guitar riff.
Queens of the Stone Age's No One Knows iconic guitar riff by Josh Homme, a stoner rock anthem.
Josh Homme, known for his unconventional gear choices, famously avoided Marshalls, Voxes, Fenders, or Gibsons during the Songs For The Deaf recording sessions. For “No One Knows,” he ingeniously combined three amplifiers: a solid-state Peavey, an Ampeg VT40, and a vintage Tube Works head. The unique recorded tone is a carefully crafted blend of microphones capturing the sonic character of this idiosyncratic rig. This dedication to sonic experimentation, coupled with the sheer catchiness of the riff, propelled “No One Knows” to become a stoner rock anthem and a defining moment for QOTSA.
44. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can’t Stop (2002)
Funk Guitar Fret-Hand Muting Masterclass
Few rock guitarists embody funk as profoundly as the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante. “Can’t Stop,” the third single from their 2002 album By The Way, features the album’s most rhythmically infectious and memorable guitar riff. Frusciante, a devotee of vintage Stratocasters and Telecasters, achieves a sharp, punchy single-coil bridge-pickup tone that perfectly complements his funky style.
Red Hot Chili Peppers' Can't Stop funky guitar riff by John Frusciante showcasing his muting technique.
The verse riff centers around a repeated two-note figure, D to E (played on the G string, 5th and 7th frets), outlining the flat 7th and root of the E minor key. Frusciante expertly hits the root notes of the chords (Em, D, Bm, C), maintaining clarity through his deceptively complex fret-hand string muting technique. Combined with his aggressive and funky right-hand attack, this creates an unstoppable groove. “Can’t Stop” is a masterclass in funk guitar riffing, showcasing Frusciante’s rhythmic genius and signature style.
43. Eagles – Life in the Fast Lane
Country Rockers Embrace Hard Rock Edge
“Life in the Fast Lane,” another monster riff that originated as a warm-up exercise, began as a jam by Joe Walsh that quickly captured his bandmates’ attention. The riff’s brilliance lies in its rhythmic displacement. It’s essentially the same musical idea repeated three times with subtle variations, but the fourth repetition begins half a beat earlier, generating a palpable sense of urgency and making it a highly memorable guitar riff.
Eagles' Life in the Fast Lane driving guitar riff by Joe Walsh, a hard rock infused classic.
The Eagles’ guitar tones during the Hotel California era were largely Fender-driven, and “Life in the Fast Lane” embodies the raw energy of overdriven Fender Tweed Deluxes and Champs. Walsh played a Stratocaster, while Don Felder wielded his iconic ’59 Les Paul, creating the ultimate guitar tag team and sonic synergy. “Life in the Fast Lane” marked a departure for the Eagles, showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend their country-rock roots with a hard rock edge, fueled by this unforgettable riff.
42. The Police – Message in a Bottle (1979)
The Police’s Breakthrough Number One Hit
Powered by Andy Summers’ signature hook-laden riff, “Message in a Bottle” distilled The Police’s distinctive fusion of post-punk and white reggae into what Summers himself described as “a very different-sounding pop song”. This memorable guitar riff was instrumental in catapulting the band to international fame.
The Police's Message in a Bottle signature guitar riff by Andy Summers, blending reggae and rock.
Despite the internal tensions within the band, Summers recognized that The Police provided the perfect platform for his unique guitar style. “It was a unique chemistry,” he reflected, “between the guitar, the bassline, the high vocals that Sting had then, and Stewart (Copeland)’s unique drumming. Never to be repeated.” “Message in a Bottle” stands as a testament to this unique chemistry, with Summers’ innovative riff at its heart, driving the song and defining The Police’s signature sound.
41. Rainbow – Stargazer (1976)
Ritchie Blackmore’s Unstoppable Guitar Power
“Stargazer,” an epic track from Rainbow’s classic second album, Rising, features a main riff with a distinct “walking” feel. This is achieved through the incorporation of passing tones within its pentatonic framework. Notably, a three-note chromatic run, starting on the fifth fret of the fifth string, moves from the minor 7th to the major 7th and finally to the E octave, adding a layer of sophistication and making it a truly memorable guitar riff.
Rainbow's Stargazer epic guitar riff showcasing Ritchie Blackmore's neoclassical style.
Around this period, Ritchie Blackmore primarily used an Olympic White ’73 Stratocaster and a sunburst ’74 Stratocaster, both equipped with scalloped necks. He ran these guitars through a Marshall Major amplifier, modified for increased power and distortion. “This extra output stage basically made the 200-watt into a 280-watt,” Blackmore once revealed, “So I did have the loudest amp in the world.” “Stargazer” is a showcase of Blackmore’s neoclassical-influenced guitar mastery, with a powerful and intricately crafted riff that anchors this epic track.
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