Greatest Guitar Riffs Of All Time List

Introduction

Music has been an integral part of human life since the beginning of time. From classical to rock, music has evolved and transformed over the years. One of the most important aspects of music is the guitar riff. A guitar riff is a repeated chord progression or melody that is played on the guitar. In this article, we will explore the greatest guitar riffs of all time.

1. Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple

Smoke On The Water Riff Image
This iconic riff is played by Ritchie Blackmore and is instantly recognizable. The riff is simple but effective and has been covered by many musicians over the years.

2. Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses

Sweet Child O' Mine Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history. Slash’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

3. Enter Sandman by Metallica

Enter Sandman Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is heavy and powerful. Kirk Hammett’s guitar work on this song is exceptional.

4. Iron Man by Black Sabbath

Iron Man Riff Image
This riff is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history. Tony Iommi’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

5. Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix

Purple Haze Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Jimi Hendrix’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

6. Layla by Derek and the Dominos

Layla Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history. Eric Clapton’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

7. Back in Black by AC/DC

Back In Black Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is heavy and powerful. Angus Young’s guitar work on this song is exceptional.

8. Sunshine of Your Love by Cream

Sunshine Of Your Love Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Eric Clapton’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

9. Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix

Voodoo Child Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is heavy and powerful. Jimi Hendrix’s guitar work on this song is exceptional.

10. You Really Got Me by The Kinks

You Really Got Me Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Dave Davies’ guitar work on this song is legendary.

11. Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin

Whole Lotta Love Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is heavy and powerful. Jimmy Page’s guitar work on this song is exceptional.

12. Day Tripper by The Beatles

Day Tripper Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. George Harrison’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

13. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

Stairway To Heaven Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history. Jimmy Page’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

14. All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix

All Along The Watchtower Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Jimi Hendrix’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

15. Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry

Johnny B. Goode Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Chuck Berry’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

16. Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne

Crazy Train Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is heavy and powerful. Randy Rhoads’ guitar work on this song is exceptional.

17. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Sweet Home Alabama Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Ed King’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

18. Sunshine of Your Love by Cream

Sunshine Of Your Love Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Eric Clapton’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

19. Black Dog by Led Zeppelin

Black Dog Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is heavy and powerful. Jimmy Page’s guitar work on this song is exceptional.

20. La Grange by ZZ Top

La Grange Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Billy Gibbons’ guitar work on this song is legendary.

21. Runnin’ with the Devil by Van Halen

Runnin' With The Devil Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is heavy and powerful. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar work on this song is exceptional.

22. Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love by Van Halen

Ain'T Talkin' Bout Love Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

23. Walk This Way by Aerosmith

Walk This Way Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Joe Perry’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

24. Money for Nothing by Dire Straits

Money For Nothing Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Mark Knopfler’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

25. Lay Down Sally by Eric Clapton

Lay Down Sally Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Eric Clapton’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

26. The Chain by Fleetwood Mac

The Chain Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

27. Pride and Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Pride And Joy Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

28. Layla by Derek and the Dominos

Layla Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history. Eric Clapton’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

29. Money by Pink Floyd

Money Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is instantly recognizable. David Gilmour’s guitar work on this song is legendary.

30. Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Free Bird Riff Image
The opening riff of this song is heavy and powerful. Allen Collins’ guitar work on this song is exceptional.

Conclusion

Guitar riffs are an important part of music history, and these are just a few of the greatest guitar riffs of all time. Whether you are a musician or a music lover, these riffs will continue to inspire and excite for generations to come.

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