in terms of riffs, The Doors’ most recognizable work is undoubtedly ‘Roadhouse Blues’. It isn’t known whether the guitar track on the final cut is Robbie Krieger or Lonnie Mack, but that hooky opening riff – a simple pedalled note and turnaround – is all Krieger. No wonder it was an instant pull to Doors audiences on Morrison Hotel’s release!
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Perhaps featuring one of the most infuriatingly catchy riffs, ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ was not just a little ditty of a track when country-rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd released it in 1974. Dealing with political issues (the song mentions the pro-segregation Alabama Governor George Wallace) amid America’s perceived north/south divide, it was written in response to ‘Southern Man’ and ‘Alabama’ by Neil Young, which dealt with issues of racism and slavery.
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Led Zepplin had already become one of the biggest rock bands on the planet when they released ‘Black Dog’ a notable highpoint of their IV album. The song is also highly regarded due to its complicated arrangement, making it not only recognisable but also difficult to cover thanks to its complex riff which moves back on itself over several different time signatures.
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What a hit! This song not only saw Boston rockers Aerosmith well on their way to platinum success, but also inspired a sensationally original cover by rap group Run-DMC. With an opening riff based on a sequence of single notes which is repeated throughout, this is great practise choice for any budding rock guitarist. Run-DMC’s 1980s cover beefed up the drum intro and increased the impact of the guitar riff, and with it the first significant combination of hip-hop and rock exploded onto the music scene.
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This is blues-rock anthem at its best! Centred around Eric Clapton’s unrequited love for 60s model Pattie Boyd, the opening riff of this song is both complex and instantly recognisable, featuring a two-stringed performance by Clapton, accompanied by two other guitar tracks and a higher-register version by Duane Allman. Clapton’s epic riff-writing ability was well and truly rewarded in 1990 when ‘Layla’ won a Grammy for Best Rock Song.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
The Ultimate Rock Riffs 