Exploring the Best Guitar Riffs of All Time: Personal Favorites and a Sound Legacy
For music enthusiasts, the question of 'What is the best guitar riff of all time?' often sparks debate and introspection. While there is no definitive answer, as personal opinions and tastes vary widely, many guitar riffs have left an indelible mark on the music world.
My New Favorite: A Dual Riff from 'Hey Hey Mama'
After years of adoring classic tracks, my taste has recently evolved. A newfound favorite is the fingerpicking riff from Hey Hey Mama by Robert Jon and the Wreck. What sets this riff apart is not just its complexity but a single nuanced note that resonates deeply. It's not just a riff; it's a note that captures the heart.
The Dilemma of Recording and Exposure
While talented musicians often write brilliant riffs, the sad reality is that without recording and proper airplay, these exceptional riffs remain obscure. As a songwriter myself, I understand the frustration of creating stellar riffs that never see the light of day. This highlights the importance of recording and promotion in the music industry.
Personal Selection: Some Great Examples
Choosing the best guitar riffs is a highly subjective process. However, based on my personal affection for certain genres and styles, here are some riffs that stand out:
Bad Company, "Rockroll Fantasy" Blue Oyster Cult, "Godzilla" Dire Straits, "Money for Nothing" Don Felder, "Heavy Metal" Neil Young, "Down by the River" Robin Trower, "Bridge of Sighs" Ted Nugent, "Stranglehold" Z.Z. Top, "Sharp Dressed Man" Black Sabbath, "Snowblind/Warning" AC/DC, "Thunderstruck/Squealer" Crowdence Clearwater Revival, "Green River/Sweet Hitch Hiker" Aerosmith, "Back in the Saddle/No More No More" Deep Purple/Whitesnake, "Still of the Night/Smoke on the Water" George Thorogood, "Who Do You Love/I Drink Alone" Rush, "Working Man/Xanadu" Tom Petty, "Mary Jane's Last Dance/Running Down a Dream" Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Saturday Night Special/On the Hunt" Eric Clapton, "Sunshine of Your Love/Layla/Cocaine" Led Zeppelin, "Heartbreaker/Immigrant Song/Rock and Roll/Dancing Days/The Ocean/The Rover" Yes, "Owner of a Lonely Heart"The Legacy of Hubert Sumlin
Despite the diversity and complexity of riffs, there is a universal standard that many blues rockers consider the greatest of all time. This pioneering riff belongs to Hubert Sumlin. Every blues rocker who is alive has played and recorded it. Sumlin's contribution to the music industry is immeasurable, and his riff serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of blues rock.
Note: The riff in question attributed to Hubert Sumlin is often associated with his work with Howlin' Wolf, particularly in the track 'Smokestack Lightning'.
While the music world is rich with exceptional riffs and talented musicians, the journey of discovering and appreciating these gems is what truly enriches our musical experience. From personal favorites to universal legacies, each riff tells a story and leaves its mark on the heart of music lovers everywhere.
Keywords: best guitar riffs, Hubert Sumlin, classic rock