Top 5 Greatest Guitar Riffs - Ireland. (With Lessons!)

[@ernstjo3888]

Great list... but you missed the band 'Horslips', their song 'Dearg Doom' would easily make this list, come to think of it, several of their songs have fantastic Irish riffs, 'Trouble with a Capital T', 'Power and the Glory'... a great Irish band.

[@peterthornton1969]

Exactly what I was going to suggest - 'Dearg Doom'. No.1.

[@LeeMcDaidDonegal]

To Irish people (of a certain age, {cough}) The song "Dearg Doom" by Horslips would be considered Irelands greatest Guitar riff - In fact it's almost seen as Irelands second national anthem.

[@kevburke]

Olé

[@MrAldo68]

Thin lizzy . Man o man . What a sound . They had it all . If I was going to battle I would be blasting thin lizzy on my head phones . Great job on the lessons

[@hod8931]

Rory and Moore wins it for me 😊 Thanks!

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

That's why they're one and two!

[@hughwphamill]

Thanks for doing this from one of your Irish fans!

[@rockeee]

I'm Irish, Horslips simply need to be there in future. 'Dearg Doom' 'Trouble With A Capital T'

[@skeletalwreck]

I clicked on this link specifically to hear some Horslips riffs. Unbelievable!

[@gregring895]

There's not much left that you haven't covered or tutored on to my mind. Helluva catalog you've built. In short order too! Extremely impressive 👏

[@alanbroome7163]

slf and undertones. you have excelled yourself good sir !

[@joelyons886]

Horslips: Dearg Doom Lizzy: Whiskey in the Jar Can't have a list and miss these

[@eddiecotter7201]

Just subscribed thanks for your respect for our beloved artists👍

[@tomweekes5602]

And you say Rory's surname bang on!

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

Finally, haha. After years of pronouncing it wrong.

[@brendankelly1643]

Super list. I love the way you're not remotely technically snobby and call a good sound when you hear it be it a power chord repetition or something a little more. Greetings from Cork!!!

[@PaulAndersonDonegal]

Dearg Doom by Ireland's second best guitar player Johnny Fean of Horslips is missing otherwise a good selection - Any of his live versions were magnifique

[@bloke1348]

Loved this but definitely horslips should have been in there

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

@@bloke1348 I know, shouldn't have overlooked them.

[@CarrigansGuitarClub]

John and Damien are my cousins....plus you must have an Irish link, as a while ago you done Mamma's Boys - Needle To The Groove.....nobody does that classic!!!

[@elflakeador09]

That's a cracking tune

[@edwardmaher3811]

Great work and choice as always🇮🇪🎸💪 rock on Eire👌👌👌👌😀

[@Steve--RR666]

Great picks from home Cheers Kelly.Pat McManus still plays the small pubs around seen Rory twice one vid still to be found on youtube @ the Ulster hall.as there at the front left

[@grandadslads1911]

Totally fair choice. You could also insert any number of alternatives from Rory or Lizzy. The opening of Where the Streets Have no Name is a powerful and simple guitar intro (although it may not qualify as a riff). The riff on Celebrate, by An Emotional Fish is instantly recognisable and hooky.

[@SGC90-t5y]

Greetings from Ireland!

[@frankcarty]

Super list. Nice that you also mentioned Mamas Boyd and horslips. Two fantastic bands

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Belfast born and bred and I loved this video !

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

@@TheHumbuckerboy cheers mate and thanks!

[@bloke1348]

Màith an fear! Love from Ireland

[@jeffreyhall76]

Happy new year Kelly. I’ve got a request for a lesson from Irish band Thin Lizzy how about Romeo and the lonely girl!

[@johnroche7541]

Absolutely top class tutorial. With the name "Kelly" you must have some connection to Ireland somewhere. 😂😂 Shining the light on the Emerald Isle which produced great guitarists from both North and South was a great idea. Rory Gallagher was actually born in Ballyshannon,Co.Donegal which is at the top left of the island. It is the north west of the island but it is in the Republic of Ireland. He grew up in Cork. This great tutorial of yours is very timely as a statue to Rory Gallagher has been unveiled recently in Belfast. It has sparked controversy as fans are angry because the statue is holding a Telecaster and Rory was synonymous with the Stratocaster. Rory was head hunted by the Rolling Stones. Alex Lifeson of Rush and Brian May of Queen were big fans of Rory"s and also personal friends. There is footage of these guys speaking highly of Rory both as a guitarist and person. I know it was difficult to incorporate some guitarists from North and south for this tutorial. To be honest I expected to see the great Vivian Campbell(Northern Ireland) who played for DIO,Whitesnake Shadowking(with Lou Gramm of Foreigner on vocals) and Def Leppard. Vivian gave us the mighty riff to "Holy Diver" which every rock guitarist learns at some stage. Then you have the original guitarist of Thin Lizzy Eric Bell who gave us the famous riff to Thin Lizzys version of the Irish folk song "Whiskey In The Jar" which was also covered by Metallica. This tutorial is a great treat. Thank you. I also wish you a belated Happy New Year and all the best for 2025 and beyond. God Bless.

[@andyglamrock]

Yessir! Subscribed for life!

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

@andyglamrock cheers mate, and thanks!

[@TomaisMac]

It's pronounced RowSheen Dove (bh is a V sound in Gaelic) and yeah as someone said...no Dearg Doom or Sword of Light by Horslips... seriously? Great video especially the playing tips, thanks 😎❤️

[@johnmeikle4397]

Good pick and agree Lizzy/Moore are superb 🎸

[@simonwoods6165]

Great job 👏

[@thelolguy007]

So many Lizzy songs to chose from 🙌 ‘ChinaTown, Suicide, The Boys Are Back In Town, Emerald, Whiskey In The Jar’ …… and many more…..inc the amazing ‘Black Rose’ 👏👏👏💚🎸🔥

[@elflakeador09]

Jailbreak too

[@Dreyno]

You missed a few. Them - “I Can Only Give You Everything” came out in 1964. The riff was used by Beck for “Devil’s Haircut” in 1996. And Horslips - “Dearg Doom”. It’s an old Irish melody that they gave the rock treatment to in 1973. One of the most beloved riffs in Ireland.

[@basstrap3430]

Brilliant video. So many U2 and Lizzy tunes could have made that list and great to see SLF and The Undertones on there. Another Irish band, still going but who originated in the late 80s, who pen some great catchy guitar intros, is The Stunning. To The Bright and Shining Sun and Brewing Up a Storm are two tunes where the opening riff carries the song. Play bass to most of these greats. Thanks for posting 👍🎸

[@mickyferris4308]

KDA love you lessons and I’ve learned a lot from you. Thought I could help you with your Irish, Dubh is pronounced Doo. 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@kerryfromaj9032]

Rory Gallagher 👍🏻

[@gregring895]

Dang Kelly...you are relentless 👍

[@trinacria1956]

🎉fabulous, 😮 your the man!

[@conorsmith7009]

"north of Ireland"

[@bobthebass72]

Thanks for Pronouncing Rory’s Surname Correctly!!!😁😁😁🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@garymoore2674]

Where's Horslips?

[@derry3344ii]

Ohhhh the Irish 😮❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@alanjohnston2743]

Can't agree with all your picks but you save the day with Gary Moore as No1 😊

[@CAP21]

U2 and Cranberries, I approve this list 👍

[@warrenburroughs3025]

Great list, well done (though I have to question the inclusion of U2, I mean the Edge is English, no reason that we Irish should be blamed for him). Kudos for including Rory, a very well deserved entry to the list. I came here to suggest a couple of others that you also mentioned in your video but a quick glance at the comment section and I can see that they are getting plenty of mentions already. Maybe the list should have been a top 10? Any of your viewers who are unfamiliar with Horslips should check out Dearg Doom and Trouble, with a Capital T. I also have to strongly recommend Mamma's Boys and their song Needle in the Grove. It features a great guitar riff by Pat McManus.

[@washerdryer3466]

Ooooh such trendy cool anti-U2 spite . How cool you are. 🙄

[@musefan12345]

The Edge was raised in Ireland though. He moved there a year after he was born. A person’s nationality is defined by a lot more than just their place of birth.

[@washerdryer3466]

@ Also the surname "Burroughs" is predominantly English. 😆 I doubt very much that this Burroughs character above is Irish at all. 😂

[@musefan12345]

@ Possibly, but again, like I said above, one's nationality can be defined in many ways. I'd never claim that someone isn't Irish just because their name doesn't sound Irish. I mean my surname has Scottish origins, but I was born and raised in County Louth, and I have traced my ancestors back to the mid 1750s, and they were all Irish born and bred. A name doesn't mean anything

[@washerdryer3466]

@@musefan12345 I know, But Irish-related comment sections do tend to have an abnormally high presence of the Irish neighbours weighing-in with predictable "observations" :)

[@Moorzo83]

very good video, you may enjoy the band Ash from Northern Ireland, their debut album 1977 is a good Green Day style pop punk record

[@LeeMcDaidDonegal]

Actually, Kelly we've all missed probably the most important Guitar riff to come out of Ireland .. "Gloria" by Them! The riff that launched a thousand garage bands! (And also "Whiskey In The Jar" )

[@satamique]

What a great riff 7:25

[@eoinjennings519]

The Undertones brings back memories !

[@danmcglade7708]

Thanks for recognising Black Rose as a great track/riff as most would choose a more common song i.e Boys are back in town. By the way SLF are my ringtone.

[@GerryLittle-i8s]

thanks, great mix of songs. have a look at some Aus bands.😊

[@Earthshaker1965]

Anything Bernie Torme did!!!❤

[@dmac2850]

Rory! Irelands greatest ever musician

[@matthewryan2060]

Waiting for an Alibi from Thin Lizzy is the best guitar work ive ever seen.

[@declanfitzpatrick8268]

I'm a massive Thin Lizzy fan, but I'd have Dearg Doom by Horslips on the list ahead of Roisin Dubh, as a better example of an Irish trad flavoured rock riff. For Thin Lizzy, I'd have Whiskey On The Jar, Suicide, Emerald or Chinatown on here. Actually, there are lots to choose from.

[@eoin474]

Amazing video! Thanks!! P.s, dubh is pronounced “duv” 😉😂👍👍

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

@eoin474 thanks mate! Yeah, I looked up the pronunciation, and still got it wrong, 😆

[@Domn879]

I’m a 90s guy so for me, Ash deserve at least an honourable mention. Lose control is a simple but killer riff and the chords from Goldfinger stand apart from music at the time in terms of unusual and interesting choice.

[@FiachMoriarty]

The correct answer is Dearg Doom by Horslips

[@elflakeador09]

No argument with number 1 👌😀

[@Dusty_Pinch]

Rory > Clapton

[@declanfitzpatrick8268]

But of course

[@themojoman]

My no. 1: Gary Moore - Over the Hills and Far Away

[@barryholland8280]

Row Sheen dove = Black Rose!

[@darrellkelly7614]

Bravo

[@banjodenjo]

Roisin Dubh is pronounced as Ro-sheen Dove. Great lesson by the way.

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

I looked it up so I wouldn't get it wrong. Still got it wrong, haha.

[@ducky63]

You didn’t really get it wrong, but it’s definitely not dove 😂. What you did get right that almost everybody gets wrong was Gallagher. Well done. I salute you. In case anybody asks, the h near the end makes the g silent.

[@okee9]

You pronounced Gallagher correctly so you get a thumbs up for that 👍

[@jeffpecosky5682]

Great As Always Kelly , Just wondering if you could do a tutorial on Band Faster Pussycat " House of Pain " I know you have a million requests but just thought id ask .🎸🎸🎸

[@johnroche7541]

@@jeffpecosky5682 Check out Michael Warren at "Essential Guitar Lessons" who does a great tutorial on this great Faster Pusscat classic and he also does a great tutorial on another great Faster Pussycat track "Poison Ivy".

[@jeffpecosky5682]

@johnroche7541 Thanks John****

[@stewy4158]

Happy new year to you. Great choice

[@pedraw]

Black Rose sounds much like the later song Emerald. Emerald was so kick ass. Great list and thanks for your time.

[@DavidDArcy1975]

Rory was NOT from Cork... he was from Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal - about as far from Cork as you can be on our fair green isle. also, you're right about Mama's Boys... Needle In The Groove would have been worthy choice Go n'éirí an t-ádh leat ☘ p.s. Róisín Dubh is pronounced - row/roe sheen dove... tá fáilte romhat 😎🤘

[@Itsok202]

More Rory Thaks KDA

[@mslm48]

Great choices. Not an easy task with so much to choose from. Top marks for your name pronoucinations too.

[@JacktheHand]

Dubh pronounced DUV or DOVE

[@mickstuff2754]

In Irish bh sounds like a V. Dubh sounds like duv or dove

[@robertpirsig5011]

Thin lizzys whole live and dangerous album could be on this. Derg dome

[@chrishh03]

U2 is not on here....THANK YOU!!!

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

@chrishh03 They are actually. Sunday Bloody Sunday.

[@chrishh03]

NOOOOOOOO!!! LOL

[@rossco78]

Ah…you are soooo cool making that comment. Mummy proud?

[@manuvere1986]

If there was ever a need for an unlike button for this comment

[@Sasanthropas]

Do you know what a riff is? Zombie= no riff

[@simonwoods6165]

Thin lizzy!!!

[@seanocobhthaigh7096]

Iontach! 🇮🇪

[@sicksquid3258]

Thank you for using a strat for 'Bad Penny' as has been mentioned a statue of RG has recently been unveiled in Belfast,not only is he holding a tele but the statue looks nothing like the great man, They've even given him a big set of Moobs ffs.

[@elflakeador09]

Yeah it's desperate looking 😮

[@andrewclenaghan9377]

He played a Tele for Belfast gig that the sculpture is based on.

[@sydneyirishblues]

Dearg Doom

[@CaptainG-xs3yo]

👍⛵🌎🎸😎

[@youshaveice]

You could just dedicate your entire channel to Thin Lizzy and I'd be content.

[@langerdan11]

Zombie? What? So many great bands, so many great riffs. Zombie. ZOMBIE? What? Jesus Christ. Maybe bewitched could have made it. Thats a great riff in cest la vie.

[@tomweekes5602]

whiskey in the jar?

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

@@tomweekes5602 more of a melody line than a riff.

[@Fkku-r6d]

Hey Kelly you wanna get involved in the war against Tom Bukovac and Jittboy1 , and others, a massive guitarist war, Lol. the shits getting deep guys, Lol.

[@shocko77]

9:02 yikes.. thats fairly butchered Row-sheen dove would be how its said

[@declanfitzpatrick8268]

Ooooh! The Nordies won't like that. They're a separate country, and have their own flag

[@unaoconnor3628]

Not a separate country. Think you may be referring to the flag of Ulster.

[@declanfitzpatrick8268]

​@@unaoconnor3628The United Kingdom (of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to give it its full name), includes Northern Ireland and it is a separate country to Ireland. Northern Ireland's *official* flag is the Union Flag, but the Ulster Banner is generally used, for example, beside the name of Rory McIlroy in golf tournaments. The Flag of Ulster is a different flag which represents the whole province of Ulster. It is a yellow flag, with a red cross, featuring the red hand at its centre. I hope that's clear enough for you. The poster mentions bands from Ireland, and Northern Ireland, while displaying the tricolour. Play the video for someone in Northern Ireland who identifies as British/Unionist/Loyalist and then tell me how that works out for you.

[@unaoconnor3628]

@declanfitzpatrick8268 Ah yes, poor Rory also thinks there is a country called Northern Ireland. Interesting that he competed for Ireland in the Olympics under the Irish tricolour.

[@jbourke33]

I see what you’re trying to do in giving Gary his props, but if it’s really the riff itself and not the artist you’re ranking then I think it has to be Whiskey In The Jar. I’m learning the solo from your lesson video and can’t thank you enough.

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

@jbourke33 Whiskey in the Jar is much more of a melody line than I riff I think.

[@musefan12345]

Eric Bell wrote the Whiskey in the Jar riff, not Gary Moore.

[@Irish780]

Man, you can play best wishes from a mediocre guitar player /learner / 😅

[@anthonycranney]

Van Morrison was a waste of a riff.... great song but not a riff

[@shaneglackin]

Dearg Doom or gtfo

[@Sasanthropas]

A chord progression is not a riff Clueless video

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

That's exactly what it is.