guitar riffs

Guitar riffs are short, repeated sequences of notes or chords that often define the identity of a song.

They are typically played on electric guitar and rely on techniques like palm muting, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to create texture and rhythm.

Famous riffs often use power chords or blues scales, as in Smoke on the Water or Sunshine of Your Love.

Riffs became central to rock music in the 1950s and 1960s, with players like Chuck Berry and Keith Richards pioneering their use.

In heavy metal and punk, riffs are often faster and more aggressive, while progressive rock riffs may incorporate odd time signatures or complex harmonies.