In the world of music, a powerful guitar riff can define a song, an artist, or even an entire era. These distinctive and catchy sequences of notes have the power to evoke emotion instantly, and they often serve as the heartbeat of a track.
What is a guitar riff?
A guitar riff is a repeated sequence of notes or chords that forms the main theme of a song, often serving as a hook or motif in a piece of music. It’s a distinctive and catchy musical phrase typically played by the guitar.
From the pulsating energy of rock ‘n’ roll to the mellow vibes of jazz, guitar riffs transcend genres, captivating audiences worldwide with their rhythmic allure.
In this article, we journey through the chronicles of music history to explore some of the best guitar riffs of all time. From classic hits to lesser-known gems, these are the guitar riffs that have left an indelible mark on our musical landscape.
Different riffs and licks can be accentuated or modified using tone knobs. Understand Your Instrument: The Function of Guitar Knobs
What Is A Guitar Riff?
A guitar riff is a short, repeated musical phrase, typically used as a hook in a song and often played by a guitar. It is one of the key elements in many styles of popular music, including rock, blues, jazz, and heavy metal.
A riff can be used as an introduction, a verse, a chorus, or even a solo in a song. It is often catchy and is designed to be memorable and to capture the essence of the song.
While riffs are most commonly associated with the guitar, they can also be played on other instruments. While riffs are usually repeated throughout a song, they can also evolve and vary as the song progresses.
Technique plays an important role in playing riffs and licks effectively. Holding a guitar pick correctly can be beneficial in improving their playing technique. Learn How to Hold a Guitar Pick and Why It Matters: Speed, Strumming, Tone
Why Is It Called A Guitar Riff?
The term “riff” in music comes from the term “riffle,” which means to leaf quickly through. In a musical context, a riff is a short, repetitive phrase that plays through a song, somewhat analogous to quickly thumbing through the pages of a book.
When applied to guitar, a “guitar riff” refers specifically to these repeated phrases as played on the guitar. The term has been in use since the early 20th century, popularized by jazz and blues musicians, and later adopted widely in rock music and other genres.
What Is A Guitar Lick?
A “guitar lick” is a term used to describe a sequence of notes that can be used in solos or to make up the melody of a song. Licks are often incorporated into larger pieces of music and are typically short phrases.
Unlike a riff, which is generally repetitive and forms a significant part of a song’s structure, a lick is more often used as a decorative embellishment. Licks can be used to enhance the rhythm and melody of the song, often showcasing the technical abilities of the guitarist.
Guitar licks are often characteristic of certain styles or genres of music and can be seen as the musical equivalent of a writer’s favorite phrases or idioms. Many famous guitarists are known for their distinctive licks, and these can be important elements of their individual styles.
In practice, the line between a lick and a riff can sometimes be blurry, as some musicians may use the terms interchangeably. However, typically a riff is a repeated, foundational phrase in a song, while a lick is a shorter, more decorative series of notes.
Why Is It Called A Guitar Lick?
The term “lick” in music is believed to derive from the phrase “licking one’s chops,” which is an idiom meaning to prepare for something enjoyable, often used in reference to food.
The phrase was later used in the context of jazz and blues music in the early 20th century, where “lick” began to refer to a quick, improvised phrase played by a musician.
In a musical context, a “lick” is a small, often improvised phrase that a musician has “prepared” and can “serve up” during a solo or performance. When used by guitarists, it becomes a “guitar lick.”
These licks are like musical phrases that guitarists can pull from their repertoire and insert into a performance, often using them to showcase their skill or to add flavor to a song.
Just like riffs, we often hear about “guitar licks,” the concept of a lick is not exclusive to the guitar. Musicians who play other instruments, such as the piano or saxophone, also use licks in their performances.
Guitar Lick Vs Riff
While both “guitar licks” and “guitar riffs” are musical phrases used in songs, they have different roles and characteristics:
- Guitar Riff: A riff is a repeated musical phrase that often serves as the main hook or theme in a song. Riffs can be the backbone of a song, playing a key role in its structure. They are often memorable and repetitive, helping to define the song’s identity. Riffs are associated with many genres but are particularly central to rock, blues, and jazz.
- Guitar Lick: A lick is a series of notes that is used as an embellishment in a piece of music. It is often used in solos and is typically more decorative than a riff. Licks can showcase a guitarist’s technical skills and are often used to add flavor or flair to a song. They can be improvised or pre-planned, and musicians often have a repertoire of licks that they draw from during their performances.
A riff is typically a foundational, repeated part of a song, while a lick is more often a brief, flashy phrase used to enhance a performance.
The boundaries between the two can be somewhat blurry, as some musicians may use the terms interchangeably, and a phrase could be considered a riff in one context and a lick in another.
However, understanding these general distinctions can help you better appreciate the structure and artistry of music.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between guitar riffs and licks:
| Feature | Guitar Riff | Guitar Lick |
| Length | Longer | Shorter |
| Repetition | Often repeated throughout the song | Usually played once or twice |
| Function | Creates structure or momentum | Adds interest or excitement |
| Examples | “Smoke on the Water”, “Iron Man”, “Back in Black” | “Blues lick”, “Pinch harmonic”, “Tapping lick” |
Guitar Riff Example
Here are some examples of famous guitar riffs:
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses: This song is known for its opening riff, which Slash has described as a “circus” melody that he initially intended to be a joke. It was the band’s first number one single in the U.S. and helped define their sound. The guitar line is known for its melodic, catchy tune and is often cited as one of the greatest riffs of all time.
- “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple: It’s one of the most famous rock songs, known for its distinctive four-note “blues scale” opening riff. The song tells the true story of how the band recorded their Machine Head album in Montreux, Switzerland. During their stay, a fire at a Frank Zappa concert at the nearby casino inspired the lyrics to the song. The riff itself is played by Ritchie Blackmore with a finger-plucked Fender Stratocaster electric guitar.
- “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” was named after a black Labrador Retriever that wandered around the Headley Grange studios during recording. The song’s guitar riff, played by Jimmy Page, was designed to be a call and response to Robert Plant’s vocals and features a mix of blues and Eastern influences. The riff is played in a mixolydian mode and is known for its complex rhythm, which makes it difficult for amateurs to play.
- “All Right Now” by Free: The stirring riff that opens this global hit was written after a dispiriting gig at the University of Durham. Bass guitarist Andy Fraser started singing “It’s All Right now” when the inspiration for the opening chords struck. The riff was initially written on piano and then transposed to guitar by Paul Kossoff.
- “I Can’t Explain” by The Who: This song, about a boy who can’t articulate his love for a girl, starts with a recognisable riff. There is some debate over who actually played the riff at the start, with some attributing it to Pete Townshend and others to Jimmy Page1.
- “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry: This iconic song features a memorable guitar intro that’s based on a blues riff. The song tells a semi-autobiographical tale of a country boy who could “play a guitar just like ringing a bell.” It’s often considered one of the first rock and roll songs and has been covered by numerous artists. The riff itself is high-energy, played fast, and sets the tone for the rest of the song.
Conclusion
In exploring these incredible guitar riffs, we’ve embarked on a tour through time, genres, and the creativity of various remarkable musicians.
From the sultry blues of John Lee Hooker to the electrifying rock of The Who, these riffs have shaped the soundtracks of our lives and continue to inspire generations of guitarists.
They remind us that the power of music lies not just in complex compositions but often in the simplest sequences of notes, repeated with passion and precision.