The guitar is one of the most popular and versatile instruments in the world, and has been the backbone of many great songs over the years. In the 21st century, there have been many incredible guitar riffs that have captured the hearts and ears of music lovers around the world. In this article, we will take a look at some of the greatest guitar riffs of the 21st century.
1. Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Released in 2003, Seven Nation Army is one of the most iconic guitar riffs of the 21st century. The simplistic yet powerful riff has been covered by countless artists and is instantly recognizable to music fans around the world.
2. Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet
Are You Gonna Be My Girl, released in 2003, features a catchy and upbeat guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s energetic vocals and driving rhythm section. It has since become a staple of rock radio and is one of the most recognizable riffs of the 21st century.
3. The Pretender by Foo Fighters
The Pretender, released in 2007, features a powerful and aggressive guitar riff that sets the tone for the entire song. The riff is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most iconic in the Foo Fighters’ extensive catalog.
4. Lonely Boy by The Black Keys
Lonely Boy, released in 2011, features a simple yet infectious guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm section. The riff has since become a fan favorite and has helped cement The Black Keys’ place as one of the top rock bands of the 21st century.
5. American Idiot by Green Day
American Idiot, released in 2004, features a powerful and aggressive guitar riff that perfectly captures the song’s anti-establishment message. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Green Day’s extensive catalog.
6. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor by Arctic Monkeys
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor, released in 2005, features a catchy and upbeat guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s infectious chorus and driving rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Arctic Monkeys’ extensive catalog.
7. Dani California by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Dani California, released in 2006, features a powerful and driving guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s energetic vocals and pounding rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Red Hot Chili Peppers’ extensive catalog.
8. Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses
Sweet Child O’ Mine, originally released in 1987 but still popular in the 21st century, features one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time. The riff is instantly recognizable and has become a staple of classic rock radio and guitar lessons around the world.
9. Knights of Cydonia by Muse
Knights of Cydonia, released in 2006, features a powerful and epic guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s sweeping orchestration and soaring vocals. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Muse’s extensive catalog.
10. Last Nite by The Strokes
Last Nite, released in 2001, features a catchy and upbeat guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s infectious chorus and driving rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in The Strokes’ extensive catalog.
11. Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon
Sex on Fire, released in 2008, features a powerful and bluesy guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s gritty vocals and driving rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Kings of Leon’s extensive catalog.
12. Seven by Sunny Day Real Estate
Seven, released in 2000, features a haunting guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s introspective lyrics and emotive vocals. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Sunny Day Real Estate’s extensive catalog.
13. Go With the Flow by Queens of the Stone Age
Go With the Flow, released in 2003, features a powerful and driving guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s infectious chorus and pounding rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Queens of the Stone Age’s extensive catalog.
14. No One Knows by Queens of the Stone Age
No One Knows, released in 2002, features a powerful and catchy guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s driving rhythm section and soaring vocals. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Queens of the Stone Age’s extensive catalog.
15. The Middle by Jimmy Eat World
The Middle, released in 2001, features a catchy and upbeat guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s uplifting lyrics and driving rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Jimmy Eat World’s extensive catalog.
16. Smooth by Santana ft. Rob Thomas
Smooth, released in 1999 but still popular in the 21st century, features a smooth and sultry guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s Latin-inspired rhythms and soulful vocals. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Santana’s extensive catalog.
17. Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys
Do I Wanna Know?, released in 2013, features a hypnotic and brooding guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s moody atmosphere and introspective lyrics. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Arctic Monkeys’ extensive catalog.
18. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
Boulevard of Broken Dreams, released in 2004, features a melancholic and introspective guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s haunting vocals and introspective lyrics. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Green Day’s extensive catalog.
19. In the End by Linkin Park
In the End, released in 2001, features a powerful and driving guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s soaring vocals and pounding rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Linkin Park’s extensive catalog.
20. Chop Suey! by System of a Down
Chop Suey!, released in 2001, features a frenzied and chaotic guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s intense vocals and pounding rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in System of a Down’s extensive catalog.
21. Reptilia by The Strokes
Reptilia, released in 2003, features a catchy and upbeat guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s infectious chorus and driving rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in The Strokes’ extensive catalog.
22. Burn the Witch by Radiohead
Burn the Witch, released in 2016, features a haunting and unsettling guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s eerie atmosphere and provocative lyrics. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Radiohead’s extensive catalog.
23. Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz
Feel Good Inc., released in 2005, features a catchy and upbeat guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s infectious chorus and funky rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Gorillaz’s extensive catalog.
24. Float On by Modest Mouse
Float On, released in 2004, features a catchy and upbeat guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s uplifting lyrics and driving rhythm section. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in Modest Mouse’s extensive catalog.
25. Kids by MGMT
Kids, released in 2008, features a catchy and upbeat guitar riff that perfectly complements the song’s infectious chorus and electronic beats. The riff has become a fan favorite and is one of the most recognizable in MGMT’s extensive catalog.
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