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.
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 Ultimate Rock Riffs 