Music’s 10 Most Famous Riffs

You’ve most likely encountered countless riffs in your time, with some of them most likely being stuck to your head for days. Riffs are most often the famous guitar pieces or the melodic parts of the song that act almost like the motif of the song. If you are looking for the most well known riffs, these ten iconic melodies are bound to get you humming along.

Smoke On The Water – Deep Purple

Deep Purple’s Smoke On The Water has to be on top of the riff list. It is hard to find anyone who hasn’t heard this iconic melody, as it regularly plays on sports events and TV shows. Even if you’ve never heard the whole song, you surely have encountered the riff.

If you are a guitar player, then you most likely have played this tune as you were learning the ropes. It is perfect for beginners, since it is simple and takes advantage of the most basic chords.

We Will Rock You – Queen

Although some people would argue that a drum pattern in this Queen song is not technically a riff, it still needs to be on this list. We Will Rock You has such a unique pattern and the melody makes the song powerful and memorable.

The drumming is something everyone must have heard off at some point, as this song is such an iconic song to play at big events. Still looking for proof why the riff or the melody should be on the list? According to Queen Online, the song has played over 3 million times in the US radio and TV since its release, which is more than 18 years of continuous play!

Sweet Child o’ Mine – Guns ‘N’ Roses

Slash from Guns ‘N’ Roses has plenty of famous guitar pieces, but the riff in Sweet Child o’ Mine is perhaps the most famous of them all. The song works well as a combination of different elements. The bass line by McKagan, for instance, cleverly supports the guitar riff.

In a VH1 special, Slash revealed that the guitar riff was actually played as a joke! Quite a joke in turned out to be, since it is one of the most famous riffs on the planet.

Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana

Nirvana was one of the most iconic bands of the 90s and anyone who was a teenager then must recognise this riff immediately. Smells Like Teen Spirit’s guitar riff is another one of those melodies that beginner guitarists should definitely practice.

This iconic song has also been a big influence in songs that came after and countless musicians have since covered the track. In fact, NME blog by Al Horner even argued it is the greatest song of all times.

Satisfaction – Rolling Stones

You can’t compile a list of the most famous riffs without the Rolling Stones classic: Satisfaction. Satisfaction is very fresh and popular song that features in TV ads and sports events.

For Rolling Stones the riff is also important, as it made them big around the world. It is the perfect song for guitar players and you should definitely learn to play it, if you are into guitar music.

Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin has produced some famous guitar pieces over the years, but Whole Lotta Love is definitely among the greatest. If you are into rock music, then this song is the song to learn.

The great thing about Led Zeppelin and this song is the way it mixes other music genres. Even though the sound is classic rock, you can still hear the jazz influences in this song. No wonder then that it is a riff everyone loves.

Careless Whisper – George Michael

Since we already had a Queen’s drum riff on the list, we should also include another famous melody that isn’t played with a guitar. The saxophone solo in Careless Whisper is another one of those melodies that everyone knows and should therefore be included in this list.

If you are learning to play the saxophone, then this is definitely a melody worth learning. If you didn’t know, the guy behind the saxophone part is Steve Gregory, who has played with many of the greatest musicians and bands of all time.

Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry

If you go back to the roots of rock ’n’ roll, then you’ll find plenty of great songs and guitar riffs. Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode is definitely among the most famous guitar pieces of all time.

The guitar riff is melodic and fun. You are guaranteed to start tapping your feet after you hear this song. The Smithsonian Magazine has a great video of Chuck Berry performing the song live.

Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

There are new songs as well, which have already cemented their spot in the most famous riff list. The White Stripes’ tune Seven Nation Army is definitely one of them and you can’t go to a sporting event without hearing this song. It’s also a regular song featuring in countless TV ads.

Seven Nation Army is a perfect song to learn to play on the guitar as well. It can teach a lot about chord progression and melody.

Layla – Eric Clapton/Derek & The Dominos

Finally, the classic song Layla is something plenty of people will recognise as soon as it hits the airwaves. The song was the title track in the Derek & the Dominos album, with Clapton and Duane Allman providing the guitar leads to the song.

Layla is one of the most famous guitar pieces and one of the examples of why Clapton is considered as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. It is definitely worth adding Layla to your guitar repertoire.

If you are into learning the above famous riffs, then check out the guitar riff series here at Pro Music Tutor.

Are you a guitarist? Check out our full range of online guitar lessons

Are you a saxophonist? Check out our full range of online saxophone lessons

Subscribe to Pro Music Tutor from as little as £7.99 per month