With its two world class riffs, one of which is played on bass, ‘All Right Now’ has been drawing generations onto the dance floor for decades. The hit was reportedly written by Andy Fraser and Paul Rogers whilst they were hanging out in Durham University Student Union. Since its release, ‘All Right Now’ has been covered by a host of other musicians, and its legacy lives on.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
Ted Nugent introduces ‘Strangehold’ with a memorable riff, that is still known to rock fans today. Nugent, a contradiction of sorts, was more likely to have been found enjoying outdoor pursuits during the seventies, than drinking and taking drugs (the perceived norm for this decade of music stars). It is interesting that the song’s extended mid-section, in which Nugent solos, would be the perfect entertainment for hippies, in diametric opposition to its composer’s intentions.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
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!
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
With lyrics reportedly inspired by the gardener at Keith Richards’ country house, ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ begins with a rolling blues riff and marks a return to a blues style after the psychedelia of The Rolling Stones’ previous two albums. The track has become the band’s most frequently played concert song and has been covered by many artists in a variety of musical styles, including a sitar based version by Ananda Shankar.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
The lyrics of ‘Brown Sugar’ use metaphors to touch on themes as risqué as interracial sex, S&M and heroin use. The title of this energising song was inspired by Jagger’s then girlfriend Marsha Hunt and it combines full-on riffs, falsetto backing vocals and a swinging groove. Blazing the way for rock lyrics for years to come, ‘Brown Sugar’ is all about the emotion and audience connection.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
A classic case of blues guitar, ‘Bad to the Bone’ features an addictive opening riff played by George Thorogood. In terms of composition, the riff bears some similarity to that in certain songs by Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry. Since its release the track has continued to grow in renown owing to its use in many films and commercials…usually during scenes which feature unsavoury characters!
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
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.
This iconic piece of music is best known for its unforgettable introduction, in which Hendrix expertly used the wah-wah pedal to devastating effect. A shorter and more succinct version of the original ‘Voodoo Chile’, this classic riff is recognised and revered by rock fans the world over, and continues to influence countless Blues and Rock players decades after Hendrix’s tragic death. I love this background video with insider views of the recording.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
‘American Woman’ is based on a riff characteristic of 1970s groove-rock. Although the lyrics of the song were largely interpreted as being chauvinistic and an anti-American statement about the country’s role in the Vietnam war, the band themselves denied such claims and said they were influenced by the urban deprivation they saw whilst touring the country.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
The Ultimate Rock Riffs 