‘Master of Puppets’ comes from one of the most accomplished thrash metal albums ever recorded. This complex song contains several classic metal guitar patterns – the second and third riffs are both spidery affairs played with millimetrically precise down strokes by rhythm guitar genius James Hetfield. The fact that Hetfield recorded this song at the tender age of 22 still beggars belief!

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This classic track gave Texan trio ZZ Top their first true taste of international success. With Billy GIbbons on lead guitar, his legendary solo riff provided a deep rocky sound to perfectly complement the solid bass and drums of bandmates Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. Throw in a hooky chorus and the infamous beards sported by Gibbons and Hill, and it’s no wonder that this song became one of ZZ Top’s chart toppers.

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Sometimes it is the meaning behind a song that can help its popularity.  A tribute to the band’s deceased singer, Bon Scott, ‘Hells Bells’ begins with a sinister riff and was the first song of the Back in Black album.  Interestingly the song was American baseball player Trevor Hoffmann’s entrance music for over a decade!

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When grunge band Soundgarden released their single ‘Outshined’ in 1992, they offered a more metallic sound than most members of the classic grunge wave.  With a riff that is pure Black Sabbath circa 1972, Soundgarden clearly absorbed their metal influences directly into their sound.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

Inspired by George Orwell’s cult classic 1984, this song is a testimony to the statement that the best heavy metal music is based on fantasy literature. Tapping into their creative genius, Judas Priest transformed Big Brother paranoia into a great song with an almighty opening riff. Usually preceded by the instrumental introduction known as ‘The Hellion’, Electric Eye has become one of the 1980s most recognisable heavy tunes.

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This iconic song by Australian Hard Rockers AC/DC is immortalised for its arresting stop-start opening riff composed by lead guitarist Angus Young. Ahead of his time, Angus was acclaimed for his use of the palm-muting technique when performing the riff on his faithful Gibson SG. Reportedly inspired by the trials and tedium of life on a tour bus, the lyrics for this tune have secured it as an all time classic rock hit.

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‘Runnin’ With the Devil’ was carefully placed as the first song on Van Halen’s debut album, showcasing their talent and sky-rocketing them to fame. The track begins with a seemingly simplistic bass-line by Micheal Anthony, consisting of single notes being played in fourths. The intro then gives way to lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen’s  series of impeccably-executed guitar riffs, complete with slides and harmonics. Quickly securing Eddie’s status a a guitar god, these are riffs that have to be heard to be believed!

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiM6waSsGTY

As one of their best known singles, ‘Breaking the Law’ confirmed Judas Priest as Britain’s first true heavy metal band. Its opening minor-key guitar riff, simple melody and air punching chorus produce such a mesmerizing combination that fans implore the song to be played at every Judas Priest gig. Featured repeatedly throughout, and especially towards the end, this song’s main riff has helped secure its reputation as a classic heavy metal song which has influenced hosts of other musicians.

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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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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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohVf8n3TnEI