Guitar riffs are the backbone of many great rock songs, often defining their sound and making them instantly recognizable. While some riffs have achieved legendary status, others remain underappreciated despite their musical brilliance. In this post, I’ll highlight 21 of the most underrated guitar riffs that deserve more recognition.
The Smiths – This Charming Man
Johnny Marr’s intricate guitar work on “This Charming Man” is often overshadowed by Morrissey’s vocals. The riff combines arpeggiated chords with a bouncy, jangly melody that perfectly captures The Smiths’ signature sound. Marr’s use of a capo and open tuning creates a unique timbre that’s difficult to replicate. This riff showcases Marr’s ability to create complex, melodic guitar parts that stand on their own as musical compositions.
Dire Straits – Sultans of Swing
While “Sultans of Swing” is a well-known song, Mark Knopfler’s intricate fingerpicking riff doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The riff combines elements of country, jazz, and rock, creating a unique sound that’s both technical and melodic. Knopfler’s use of a clean Fender Stratocaster tone allows every note to ring out clearly. This riff demonstrates Knopfler’s masterful control of dynamics and phrasing.
The Clash – Should I Stay or Should I Go
Mick Jones’ riff in “Should I Stay or Should I Go” is deceptively simple but incredibly effective. The riff’s power comes from its rhythmic precision and the interplay between the main guitar and the answering lick. Jones’ use of palm muting adds punch to the riff, driving the song forward. This riff showcases The Clash’s ability to create catchy, punk-infused rock that appeals to a wide audience.
Pixies – Where Is My Mind?
Joey Santiago’s ethereal guitar riff in “Where Is My Mind?” creates a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere. Santiago’s use of reverb and delay effects enhances the riff’s simple melody. The way the riff weaves in and out of the song’s structure adds to its mysterious quality. This understated yet powerful riff demonstrates how sometimes less is more in guitar playing.
Radiohead – Just
Jonny Greenwood’s angular, aggressive riff in “Just” is a masterclass in alternative rock guitar. The riff’s dissonant intervals and rhythmic complexity make it stand out from typical rock guitar work. Greenwood’s effects pedals add layers of texture to the intricate riff. This riff showcases Radiohead’s ability to push the boundaries of what rock guitar can sound like.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Snow (Hey Oh)
John Frusciante’s intricate riff in “Snow (Hey Oh)” is often overlooked due to its subtlety. The riff combines complex fingerpicking with harmonics to create a shimmering, bell-like sound. Frusciante’s precise timing and control make the challenging riff sound effortless. This riff demonstrates how guitarists can create unique textures and melodies using unconventional techniques.
The Stone Roses – Waterfall
John Squire’s psychedelic riff in “Waterfall” is a perfect example of the Manchester sound of the late 1980s. The riff combines jangly arpeggios with a hypnotic, circular melody that seems to flow endlessly. Squire’s use of chorus and delay effects enhances the riff’s dreamy quality. This riff showcases The Stone Roses’ ability to blend 1960s psychedelia with modern rock sensibilities.
Television – Marquee Moon
Tom Verlaine’s guitar work in “Marquee Moon” is a masterpiece of interlocking riffs and melodic exploration. The main riff combines angular chords with twangy lead lines, creating a unique texture. Verlaine’s interplay with fellow guitarist Richard Lloyd adds depth and complexity to the riff. This riff demonstrates Television’s innovative approach to guitar-based rock in the punk era.
Blur – Song 2
Graham Coxon’s distorted, aggressive riff in “Song 2” is often overshadowed by the song’s famous “woo-hoo” chorus. The riff’s simplicity belies its effectiveness in driving the song’s energy. Coxon’s use of heavy distortion and palm muting gives the riff its distinctive punch. This riff showcases Blur’s ability to create powerful, grunge-influenced rock that stands out in the Britpop era.
The Cure – A Forest
Robert Smith’s hypnotic riff in “A Forest” is a cornerstone of gothic rock. The riff’s repeating pattern creates a sense of unease and mystery that permeates the entire song. Smith’s use of chorus and echo effects enhances the riff’s atmospheric quality. This riff demonstrates The Cure’s ability to create moody, evocative soundscapes with guitar.
Rage Against the Machine – Bulls on Parade
Tom Morello’s innovative riff in “Bulls on Parade” showcases his unique approach to guitar playing. The riff’s scratching sound, created by running his pick along the strings, mimics a DJ’s turntable technique. Morello’s use of a toggle switch to create stuttering effects adds to the riff’s hip-hop-influenced sound. This riff demonstrates Rage Against the Machine’s fusion of rock and hip-hop elements.
Nirvana – Come As You Are
Kurt Cobain’s watery, effects-laden riff in “Come As You Are” is often overshadowed by the song’s vocal melody. The riff’s simplicity is enhanced by Cobain’s use of chorus and flanger effects, creating a distinctive underwater sound. The riff’s chromatic movement adds an unsettling quality to the song’s mood. This riff showcases Nirvana’s ability to create memorable hooks with unconventional sounds.
The Strokes – Last Nite
Albert Hammond Jr.’s driving riff in “Last Nite” perfectly captures The Strokes’ garage rock revival sound. The riff’s staccato chords and precise rhythm create an urgent, energetic feel. Hammond’s clean tone with just a hint of overdrive gives the riff its distinctive clarity. This riff demonstrates The Strokes’ ability to create fresh, exciting rock music inspired by classic sounds.
Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know?
Jamie Cook’s slinky, seductive riff in “Do I Wanna Know?” is a standout example of modern rock guitar. The riff’s heavy, fuzzed-out tone and slow tempo create a sense of tension and anticipation. Cook’s use of slides and bends adds expressiveness to the relatively simple riff. This riff showcases Arctic Monkeys’ evolution from indie rock to a more mature, blues-influenced sound.
Cream – Sunshine of Your Love
Eric Clapton’s iconic riff in “Sunshine of Your Love” is often cited as a classic, but its true brilliance is sometimes overlooked. The riff’s use of the tritone interval, known as the “devil’s interval,” gives it a distinctive, bluesy sound. Clapton’s heavy tone and precise articulation make each note of the riff stand out. This riff demonstrates Cream’s ability to blend blues influences with psychedelic rock.
The Kinks – You Really Got Me
Dave Davies’ power-chord riff in “You Really Got Me” is often credited as one of the first examples of hard rock guitar. The riff’s simplicity and raw power had a huge influence on future generations of rock guitarists. Davies’ distorted tone, achieved by slashing his amp’s speaker cone, gives the riff its distinctive fuzzy sound. This riff showcases The Kinks’ pioneering role in the development of heavy rock music.
Blur – Girls & Boys
Graham Coxon’s disco-influenced riff in “Girls & Boys” is a departure from typical Britpop guitar work. The riff’s funky, staccato rhythm and use of muted strings create a dance-friendly groove. Coxon’s clean tone and precise playing allow the riff to cut through the song’s busy arrangement. This riff demonstrates Blur’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
Soundgarden – Black Hole Sun
Kim Thayil’s haunting riff in “Black Hole Sun” creates a dreamlike, psychedelic atmosphere. The riff’s use of unconventional chords and a wah-wah pedal gives it a distinctive, swirling sound. Thayil’s creative use of effects and alternate tunings adds depth and complexity to the seemingly simple riff. This riff showcases Soundgarden’s ability to blend heavy rock with more experimental, psychedelic elements.
Muse – Plug In Baby
Matt Bellamy’s classically inspired riff in “Plug In Baby” is a tour de force of technical guitar playing. The riff’s rapid arpeggios and chromatic runs demonstrate Bellamy’s virtuosic skill. Effects like fuzz and wah-wah add a modern rock edge to the baroque-influenced melody. This riff showcases Muse’s ability to blend classical music influences with hard rock energy.
Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
While the opening lick of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is famous, Slash’s verse riff is often overlooked. The riff’s interplay between chord stabs and melodic fills creates a dynamic, expressive sound. Slash’s use of hammer-ons and pull-offs adds fluidity to the riff’s rhythmic structure. This riff demonstrates Guns N’ Roses’ ability to create emotionally resonant hard rock.
The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
Jack White’s bassline-like riff in “Seven Nation Army” is famous, but its true genius is sometimes underappreciated. The riff, played on a guitar through an octave pedal, mimics a bass guitar, creating a unique texture. White’s use of space and simplicity in the riff allows it to become instantly memorable and chantable. This riff showcases The White Stripes’ ability to create massive sounds with minimal instrumentation.
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