The TOP 20 GREATEST GUITAR RIFFS (according to WatchMojo)

[@MusicisWin]

ok what's the greatest riff ever

[@braidencousineau2040]

thunderstruck

[@mikebutnotike]

Eruption- Van Halen

[@panossyngounis6902]

@@mikebutnotike which Riff from the song

[@Myron1010]

Black dog by Led Zeppelin

[@mikebutnotike]

@@panossyngounis6902 the tapping of course while not the most difficult part of the piece it is without a doubt the most iconic part for sure

[@dgambl1]

Iron Maiden's greatest riff by far, "The Trooper". It's one of those riffs that all guitar and bass players should learn.

[@stonetheforbidden]

Agreed. Like, the first ~30 seconds of The Trooper is simply amazing, as is the rest of the song. But Number of the Beast is also acceptable. Both have amazing riffs.

[@dgambl1]

@@stonetheforbidden I say bass as well because the galloping bass line was played fingerstyle and is just as iconic as the main riff. I can't believe Tyler seems to have no idea about Iron Maiden. I'm not the biggest fan either, but I am aware of them and some of there most wonderful musical moments.

[@Matthew_Klepadlo]

It’s addictive ear candy. It’s like an ear-worm for people who don’t know the song.

[@jomaejoestar4001]

Beat me to bastard, lol

[@dustyboi8975]

Came here to say this

[@giles815]

“The Trooper” is probably Iron Maiden’s most iconic and musically interesting riff, but my favorite is either “Fear of the Dark” or “Run to the Hills”

[@BHHartman]

Given the story of the song, I love that Run to the Hills has that galloping feel to it. It’s like word painting, but with the guitar. Tres cool

[@ulasdevrim7492]

To tame a land is my favorite.

[@Will-lh4lh]

"Fear of the dark... Fear of the dark... I have a constant fear that someone's always there !" I'll never get enough of it

[@kangalow]

Fear of the dark is a really fun riff to play in my opinion, and it’s a great song too. 11/10 would learn again

[@verniciatus8266]

There are actually a lot of riffs I think are better than wasted years, but my favourite is no prayer for the dying, I would like to understand why I can’t find anyone who said no prayer for the dying?

[@lucasagnello2409]

Shoutout to Chuck Berrry, AC/DC, RATM, RHCP, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, SRV, Jimi Hendrix, The Police... (and several others who actually became mainstream with the electric guitar). You can literally make a whole list only with them lol

[@raydogedog9317]

The opening riff of paint it black by the Rolling Stones is so amazing and iconic

[@jacobhumphrey3535]

Personally, I think the greatest Iron Maiden riff is 2 Minutes to Midnight. It's more simple than a lot of Maiden's discography, but I think that gives it more focus and drive.

[@kevin8445]

I’m a fan obv but that’s a lick dude

[@jacobhumphrey3535]

I don't think we're thinking of the same part, because what I'm thinking of is pretty riffy

[@Xbox360mIRC]

Tygers of Pan Tang Hellhound sounds very similar also.

[@josephfabriziodawson5566]

Been my favorite Maiden song since I was 15. Will always love Maiden

[@chadmurray1963]

Evil that men do chorus riff is by far one of their best. 2 minutes is great in all aspects, especially for how it fits the song. But that melodic harmony between Dave and Adrian on evil that men do is just out of this world.

[@x1PMac1x]

"Hallowed Be Thy Name" - Iron Maiden has several great riffs.

[@kazater]

imo their absolute masterpiece!

[@ieo8446]

Pretty much anything from Number of the Beast would deserve a spot

[@dominicfosmore9616]

Iron Maiden’s most fun riff to play is by far “hallowed be thy name “. From intro to bridge it changes pace so many times it’s just so fun

[@LunDeeN2003]

Either that, phantom of the opera or stranger in a strange land

[@mortyc1375]

Indeed

[@GrimmsHouseofHorror]

Number of the beast as well

[@trevorreniger5670]

I'd nominate Hallowed be thy Name's bridge for their best riff. Love it.

[@bp.pradhan9494]

Rime of the ancient mariner

[@sergiopedro4668]

The one I would definitely add is Pearl Jam's "Evenflow." Honorable Grunge mentions: STP's "Plush," Soundgarden's "Spoonman." ACDC: Back in Black, Hells Bells, TNT,

[@joelcastro-reyes1667]

I would argue Alive by Pearl Jam is more iconic than Even Flow.

[@fjp1247]

@@joelcastro-reyes1667 More iconic, perhaps, but Even Flow is much harder of a riff, and it's a constant motif

[@Darcinator-music]

@@joelcastro-reyes1667 Nah. Even Flow all the way

[@JDUBBY08]

How could they miss AC/DC? Also, Symphony of destruction by Megadeth is pretty legendary 👌

[@joeloliver2279]

Yes!

[@cesarmatayoshi]

Pantera as well!

[@bayezidahsan7309]

Thunderstruck is iconic as hell

[@jackwho593]

I prefer megadeth over metallica don't punch me

[@ljummingen]

Because acdc stink?

[@SDisonYT]

Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood is definitely one of the most iconic and recognizable riffs of all time.

[@clifftheplanteddvd6330]

Mannish boy is the original of the riff

[@nickwilliams6621]

My favorite riff by George is 'Gear Jammer' ♥ He should be on every list as far as I'm concerned lol

[@try2bcool]

@@nickwilliams6621 Hell yes it should.

[@r.b.rozier9692]

One bourbon one scotch one beer is orders of magnitude better!

[@JefAlanLong]

Definitely a Willie Dixon riff.

[@RJW14]

Best Maiden Riff has got to be the Trooper. Everyone knows it, everybody recognizes it, and it's utterly relentless. Either that or Fear of the Dark. I see cases made for Number of The Beast and yes, I agree with that.

[@ry7xsfa872]

I'll make my case for the verse riff to The Prisoner. Maybe not recognizable to somebody who doesn't listen to Maiden, but damn as a guitarist it's so fun to play

[@MaestorRasanen]

@@ry7xsfa872 That song is a killer to play live. The verse is so energetic it takes a hold on people like The Undertakes making a Chokeslam. Still my favorite riff is Powerslave.

[@justinmcwilliams6759]

Fear of the Dark is a great one too! I still think The Trooper is number one though.

[@chrislair6832]

Song gives me goosebumps still

[@evenkeel6131]

I'm going with The Wicker Man.

[@danieloreilly7926]

As far as Iron Maiden goes, Hallowed Be Thy Name has a few riffs that I think compete with a lot of the riffs on this list.

[@strawberrygoldfish]

Hallowed Be Thy Name is boss!!!!!

[@cristianconnolly2709]

Hallowed be thy name, the trooper, stranger in a strange land

[@ДаниилЛеонов-д4х]

I really like the riff from "Ace of spades" by Motörhead. It's just so energetic and fun to play.

[@philcanselmo9436]

Facts

[@mothcloth815]

Fr

[@CesarCordova]

I don't listen to Iron Maiden either, but Afraid to Shoot Strangers is a great track.

[@ws90ninety]

This guy from "music is win" doesn't like Maiden. Might as well UNSUBSCRIBE. Maiden IS WIN!

[@Mercman1010]

The whole fear of the dark album is a must listen. My faveorite is The Apparition

[@xamislimelight8965]

Oh you should. They have some great tracks. Currently, for whatever reason, Rainmaker is holding my attention.

[@hbhd308]

I feel johnny marr needs to have at least one riff on here, his guitar playing changed british music forever, his guitar playing is so unique and it created indie music which dominated the 90’s and 2000’s guitar music

[@EJleon96]

Yes I agree… some girls are bigger than others for me

[@sirdrilliam2724]

i would agree but at the same time marr didn’t really have orthodox ‘riffs’ that u can play and represent the whole song as he loved to overlay and combine

[@teddinpc]

I personally love the opining riff of Layla by erc Clapton it's just amazing

[@joey_da_blowy]

I'd bet you know this, but if you don't, you should TOTALLY check out the version of Layla by Derek and the Dominoes. It's still Eric Clapton singing and playing guitar, but also features Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band on guitar. Eric Clapton and Duane Allman are both nasty on guitar in there own individual ways, and the whole album is worth a listen (Layla and Other Love Songs). Just wanted to throw this out there because that version of Layla is up there in my favorite songs of all time. I really like Eric Clapton's acoustic version on his Unplugged album, but it still pales in comparison to the original with not 1 but 2 electric guitar greats. You've probably already heard it and maybe were referring to this one to begin with, but if you haven't, you've gotta check it out. It's a real treat. Nothing but bangers on that album.

[@photoshopcafe]

14:45 is why I love this channel

[@noahjennings9502]

The bridge of Creeping Death by Metallica is simple BUT with the whole band it's badass.

[@B-10theFuzz]

I liked the OC supertones cover of the riff (supertones strike back). Completely different feel. Great riff by Metallica, definitely iconic

[@chikinonfrydai]

@@B-10theFuzz they only used the intro though, not the bridge riff

[@sigep145]

For Alice in Chains, I have to go with Man in the Box. Satisfaction is the most iconic Rolling Stones riff but not Keith's best. Can't You Hear Me Knocking is amazing...Tumbling Dice is one of my favorite to play...Midnight Rambler could be a valid choice too...Brown Suger is unforgettable...A strong case can be made for Jumping Jack Flash...Beast of Burden is beautiful...Basically there's a whole lot of freaking options.

[@Jmilillo]

Man in the Box is one of the most famous rock songs ever. I definitely thing it belongs

[@oskarfrihd5779]

Without doubt, Money for nothing is the best riff. Though, it is probably one of the hardest riffs to play really well.

[@bonniegelato5261]

Yes

[@LUckybones25]

It’s a legendary riff indeed!

[@andrewmingst1797]

I was thinking sultans of swing but that's more of a whole package deal than just a riff

[@Kalervojankko8433]

@@andrewmingst1797 it’s my favourite song but i think the reason tyler didn’t like the song being on this list is because its not a riff, more like solo

[@johnwatts8346]

utter bullshit, its not the best at all, not even remotely close. the stones zep and acdc have 20 - 30 better riffs.

[@brianshaddock5483]

"How Soon Is Now?" absolutely belongs on this list. Near the top.

[@ethanc1719]

This charming man as well

[@JWCorne67]

With Ratt, like so many "Hair Metal" Bands, their work is underappreciated. I, personally love the riff from Lay It Down. Check that one out, I think you'll appreciate the musicality, and the sense of urgency the opening conveys.

[@KingBeevr]

Agreed 100%. Way Cool Junior is so different and great, too.

[@m92quad55]

100%

[@addicted_6961]

Hell yeah

[@matt_white_music]

“Back in the village” or “Sea of madness” are some killer Iron Maiden riffs. Both are challenging, but fun to play.

[@danielnett184]

yessir agreed

[@OjosDeHuever]

Yep! Sea of madness is a wonderful song!

[@dragonthesharkyt]

Not a huge Iron Maiden fan, so for me, either The Trooper, 2 Minutes To Midnight, or The Number Of The Beast. All of these, I'd say, are great introduction songs for Iron Maiden.

[@nolanbanfitch5070]

One of my personal favorite guitar riffs is "Then Came the Last Days of May" by Blue Oyster Cult. Every solo in it has so much soul

[@user-ne6nz2lb6w]

Blue oyster cult is one of the most underrated bands imo

[@carsonwood2095]

@@user-ne6nz2lb6w I only know don’t fear the reaper but that one is a masterpiece

[@acelynch8110]

Great tune, but I'm not sure if I'd put on a greatest/favorite guitar riff list. however, from the same album, I believe that the opening riff from "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll" could/should garner some consideration. Just my humble opinion.

[@rbnh9827]

@@acelynch8110 Just About to say that, "Cities..." has one of the best riffs of all time

[@biopanda4226]

Great song

[@TheShannontsmith]

More than a feeling by Boston is a great riff. By one of the most influential guitar players in history.

[@BlueeyesofSkye]

Boston showed up on Beato’s list and had he not mentioned it I would’ve forgot. I agree, Boston had great riffs and tone.

[@whilemyguitarblowsup4174]

personally Peace of Mind has always been my favorite Boston riff (and one of my favorite licks too!), but yeah I could definitely agree with More than a Feeling being included in this list

[@ajfanotreally2523]

@@whilemyguitarblowsup4174 it’s so good kurt kobain used the riff as well

[@galilalexandro4392]

@@ajfanotreally2523 *Cobain

[@galilalexandro4392]

I was thinking the exact same thing

[@duaneperkins8329]

I think "The Zoo" by Scorpions is still one of the greatest riffs. Really wish they got more love.

[@ryanjones4150]

IKR. Animal Magnetism is a great record, a clinic on how to write hard rock riffs and songs.

[@mazafesioelmadafaka1935]

For me Layla is just too good It's catchy af and It really gives you the vibes the lyrics tell

[@balajiedlyngdoh8366]

That intro is not a riff, it's a lick

[@XxNoMErcY99xX]

@@balajiedlyngdoh8366 but... A lick that you repeat and is a theme is pretty much the definition of a riff. So yeah, it's a riff.

[@Wooooosaaaaaa]

The Kinks riff was also the first ever w distortion so that also adds to the legacy

[@echoblue1822]

Yeah, exactly what I was thinking. That riff might not be the best of all time if it hadn't been the literal cornerstone for the next 2 decades, I mean imo that song is what inspired rock music as we know it.

[@jojoversus1100]

I thought Revolution by The Beatles was the first with distortion but I guess I was mistaken.

[@michaelvc2884]

Ok so "You really got me" wasn't the first riff with distortion. (Although replying to another comment it was 4 or 5 years before "Revolution"). I think it was just the first song where the distortion was intentional and utilized.

[@Snavels]

And to think that riff was originally going to be played by a saxophonist

[@Leviathan5599]

My top ten riffs are: Double talkin jive by Guns n Roses Runnin with the devil by Van Halen Don't back down by Mammoth WVH Unchained by Van Halen Straight to hell by Ozzy Osbourne Icky Thump by The White Stripes For whom the bell tolls by Metallica Man in the box by Alice In Chains Hell's bells by AC DC Children of the grave by Black Sabbath

[@SpirituallyWired]

I see you with that VH And Mammoth

[@kirkwahmmett1666]

Unchained is like the better version of the Ratt riff. (And which riff in for whom the bell tolls?)

[@Leviathan5599]

@@kirkwahmmett1666 The chorus riff

[@kirkwahmmett1666]

@@Leviathan5599 Nice

[@javi5810]

Respectable list

[@jackmills4495]

My favourite Maiden riffs of every album Iron Maiden-Prowler Killers-Killers NOTB- Hallowed by Thy Name Piece of Mind- Where Eagles Dare Powerslave-2 minutes to Midnight Somewhere in Time-Wasted Years 7th Son-The Evil That Men Do NPFTD-No Prayer For The Dying Fear Of The Dark-Wasting Love X Factor-Man on the Edge Virtual IX- Clansman BNW-Out of the Silent Planet DOD-Rainmaker AMOLAD-Different World The Final Frontier-The Final Frontier TBOS-Empire of the Clouds Senjetsu-Stratego

[@amalgam5107]

Iron Maiden was a band that I overlooked for years and years. No one in my family listened to them when I was growing up but my uncles do love all kinds of classic rock. When I finally got into them it was awesome. So much good music to catch up on. You should give them another shot at some point.

[@rezaf93]

Blackwater Park from Opeth has some of my favorite riffs in it, maybe around minute 7 with that amazing transition! Bleak is another good one.

[@Thena_the_Grey]

Between Deliverance and Damnation, so many great tracks to choose from!

[@disturbiafromthebay]

Opeth has so many amazing riffs, I love all those. Also the first couple riffs in Serenity Painted Death.

[@Iyashikei-t4u]

Although Face of Melinda is my favorite song by them, Blackwater Park does have some fantastic riffs in there. My favorite however is the one where the vocals start.

[@BlueeyesofSkye]

Masters Apprentice is a riff I play so often I don’t even realize I’m playing it. It’s definitely one of favorites, then again I’m such an Akerfeldt junkie I own a PRS Akerfeldt custom SE. I love their entire catalog

[@disturbiafromthebay]

@@BlueeyesofSkye One of the best bands of all time. Such awesome songwriting and riffs

[@oneoveronethirtyseven9161]

Actually the "Check My Brain" riff is one of my favorite Alice in Chains moments. It's so simple but always makes me want to crank it up.

[@prestonhuesmann2849]

I totally agree, however, I think there are plenty of songs on “Dirt” and their self titled album with much better riffs.

[@SpecialDetermence]

Its really good! but doesnt belong on the list, like many others there.... AiC has done other waaay better riffs, like Aint like that, We die young etc

[@zakkmylde1712]

Most iconic AiC riff should definitely go to Man in the Box, its easily the most recognizable to people who don't normally listen to AiC. My personal favorite guitar part from them though is the lick from the beginning and rythm of Get Born Again, it was the second thing I learned when I got my first wah like 20 years ago. First thing I learned was Electric Funeral by Sabbath.

[@Ravelle17]

Those bends are nauseating…in a *good* way! Cantrell has a gift.

[@SpecialDetermence]

@@zakkmylde1712 yeah man in the box is so darn iconic!❤️

[@GatoPaint]

what about the riff from Photograph by Nickelback, Im pretty sure at this point its iconic lol

[@Words-of-encouragement.-.]

Lmao

[@engjds]

They play that in my local elevator, it sounds better than the original.

[@DetroitLionsDynasty]

no

[@ethanroyer5671]

You must be joking.

[@engjds]

@@ethanroyer5671 Hes deadly serious, a lot of die hard Nickleback fans out there, its like a cult.

[@anthonyorr8868]

I think the Kinks "You Really Got Me" might be one of the greatest if just for it's historical significance. Rock and punk wouldn't be the same without the Kinks.

[@peluca7135]

Some iconic riffs i love from bands that didnt make the list: Day tripper (B's) Tornado of souls (megadeth) Love me two times (doors) Bad horsie (vai) American woman (the guess who) Beatiful people (manson) Walk (pantera) E-pro (beck) La granje (zz top) Crossfire (SRV)

[@rgbjojozahau]

I AGREE

[@BHHartman]

The “B’s”?? Who the hell are the B’s?! The Bee Gees? B-52s? Beach Boys?! Hah

[@imthekbk]

Walk is overrated as hell

[@peluca7135]

@@imthekbk yeah maybe, but also a lot of these "iconic" riffs from all these top lists are overrated, walk is maybe the most famous riff from pantera and a staple of 90-2000 groove metal

[@rgbjojozahau]

@@imthekbk your way of thinking is overrated.

[@milk__toast_5798]

Personally I think the best Iron Maiden riff is “Back in the Village”, very underrated

[@autumnoraki]

It's so good, Powerslave has so many great riffs

[@jameslewis2635]

The intro riff on 'The Trooper' is the one that sticks out for me. Possibly because it is the first Iron Maiden song I ever had to learn (I am also not a big Maiden fan personally) but the intro riff from 'Run To The Hills' is extremely iconic.

[@dominikweber4305]

Aces High

[@ahhdee2814]

"Silhouette" by KANA-BOON really kickstarted my love for guitar as a kid with that catchy intro. Not saying it's the best but imo it made a huge impact.

[@mirata7748]

naruto

[@ritesh146]

I see a man of culture.

[@4wardfr3ak23]

Yes! Totally agree, such a great melody and overall an uplifting song despite the Great ninja war

[@kagenotatsumaki]

Always been one of my favorite OP's of any Anime period.

[@SlyHikari03]

Ah yes

[@shockinsanity4185]

Cemetary gates man, that main riff hits every time

[@chikinonfrydai]

wholeheartedly agree, that riff alone cemented the song as one of my absolute favorites

[@billsanderson1442]

For me, it's the opening of American Woman by The Guess Who. I also love Terry Kath's solo in Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4.

[@LVNARESENCE]

i strongly think that the start "women in love" riff by Van Halen is amazing think about it this way he figured out that you can tap harmonics then made a actually quit difficult riff with it, its just amazing to me

[@RiderVilly]

This list could’ve been mostly Van Halen songs

[@marcusshepert105]

slipknots duality riffs are awesome, I love the open power chords with the pinch harmonic

[@Ballin4Vengeance]

Spit it out is groovin doe

[@Dclerkin17]

Psychosocial

[@StevenChisham]

When you played the barracuda riff, the legato and tone reminded me of the final guitar part in the crossroads movie guitar battle

[@o.g5211]

"Cherub Rock" by the smashing pumpkins is one of the greatest riffs ever imo

[@MaquiladoraIII]

_Siva;_ _Zero;_ _I am One:_ all absolute classic riffs too.

[@andrewkelley3434]

I love playing Cherub Rock! Great tune.

[@sunny1992s]

Zero is the better riff. Though Cherub Rock is a better song.

[@alexbitzan8747]

I feel like a skynyrd riff should be on there - they have so many great guitar parts!

[@oFFtheWall518]

Might I submit Saturday Night Special?

[@Redoubt1989]

Simple Man has a pretty nice intro riff

[@rockdaddy2168]

Sweet Home Alabama. Probably the most recognized.

[@HarambeKojima]

Molly Hatchet had some killer riffs as well.

[@alexbitzan8747]

@@HarambeKojima true

[@somefecker1807]

On the topic of Iron Maiden, I know alot of people would recommend The Trooper or Number of the Beast. That said, one that I think is definitely worth a mention for the intro riff alone is Writing on the Wall. Dudes are grandfather age now and still writing bangers.

[@HarambeKojima]

Hell yes they are. The new album is great.

[@ryos.5974]

"The Writing on the Wall" has some incredible riffs. Other relative "deep cuts" (for the non-Maiden-fan) with great riffs would be songs like "The Book of Souls", with that stomping palm-muted riff, or "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns", especially the heavy 7/4 main riff--although maybe going into A Matter of Life and Death is cheating because all the songs have terrific guitar parts.

[@the0wolf15]

I honestly like the guitar riffs in Ram Jam's Black Betty. The licks fit nicely, the drum and bass doesn't detract from the guitar or try to steal the spotlight and the guitar player is really good. Though the ending solo to Hotel California is a close second

[@spec_opsgaming]

Black betty is such a good song...up until the halfway point when they change up the style...i very much dislike the latter half of it.

[@hyprmastr4208]

The trooper by iron maiden is by far the best riff they made

[@ZYkun20]

Hands down The Trooper. I would say is the most iconic riff for Iron Maiden!

[@andrewpappas9311]

Trooper is definitely up there and I’d also include Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills (verse riff), Aces High, 2 Minutes to Midnight, Hallowed Be Thy Name or Alexander the Great

[@the12gage37]

+1

[@Justcolby0000]

I definitely think the Ratt riff belongs in the list…very iconic and very instantly recognizable

[@barriem5318]

Lay it Down is killer riff too

[@tacopepe2019]

If your gunna put ratt on the list I think it’s gotta be way cool jr. that riff is jumping

[@Win7ermu7e]

@@barriem5318 This. Lay it Down is more iconic and a bit of a bugger to play properly.

[@GeeVanderplas]

Has to be Lay It Down though, that riff is sick!

[@ayeyobossman6151]

maybe just me but ive never heard it before in my life

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Round and Round isn't so much a riff as it's "movement" with the chords and the melody together on the chorus. And it's pretty friggin awesome. The solo in Wasted Years is throughly unique. The way it extends into the chorus with that melodic quarter note triplet phrase is beyond epic. You must check it out. You Really Got Me? I think you have to be a boomer to get it. Never before was there a recorded guitar sound so raw. And those two punctuated chords coming over a transistor radio was life altering. But I can go the rest of my life without ever hearing it again. The same goes with Satisfaction and Smoke on the Water. Greatest Guitar riff of all time? Well, of course -- it's Ticket To Ride.

[@plasmakitten4261]

Maiden riffs... damn, there's so many. Number of the Beast intro, and the riff after the solo which is criminally under-discussed. Both of the riffs in The Trooper are amazing. Ace's High has like 5 godlike riffs. Fear of the Dark has 3 different incredible riffs built on the same chord progression. The list goes on - Hallowed Be Thy Name, Powerslave, 2 Minutes to Midnight...

[@bryangoad9061]

Everything you mentioned in here I would have included as well! I also think The Wicker man is a good one, that intro is pretty sweet. But I also like the deeper cuts off albums.

[@theHound-bd1fb]

Rime of the ancient mariner gets missed cuz it’s long but it deserves love, all of the riffs are amazing especially in and out of the slow part

[@tdkdgh]

@@bryangoad9061 I thought of Wicker Man too.

[@miika4828]

Afraid to shoot strangers, or is it a lick?. Well anyway there is a lot Iron Maiden riffs what could be on the list. I can’t believe he is not ”listening” them 😀

[@joshdouglas1911]

Yeah wicker man gets the old ticker goin!!!

[@ConansHair1972]

Iron Maiden's "Hallowed Be Thy Name" is a guitar masterpiece from start to finish...

[@BrokenRealityYT]

I think the best part of round and round is the riff that plays in the verses, it’s a lot of fun to play and it sounds very cool, especially with a couple pinch harmonics.

[@artheriford]

Ain't Talking "bout love...the absolute genius of Ed. He messes up, figure out where, and DUPLICATE it

[@marcelbuhler1157]

Talking about Ratt: Lay it down is definately one of my favourites! But also Dio’s Egypt (The Chains Are On) deserves much more recognition! That intro riff for me is one of the “heaviest” riffs out there… :-)

[@lordslothrop365]

Lay it Down is a much better riff than Round in Round, in my opinion.

[@wulfenii64]

@@lordslothrop365 agreed

[@boostracer]

Lay it Down is probably the catchiest riff Ratt wrote during their time, i instantly recognize it whenever I hear the first few notes

[@grandadmiralmanatee]

Personally I definitely agree with the ratt riff! Round and round is iconic and a great riff

[@Zwellop]

Round and round absolutely deserves a spot on the list, one of my favorite riffs of all time! It's also quite hard to play because of the big stretches

[@Zwellop]

@@roof1975 They both have stretchy parts but yeah Lay it Down is harder I think

[@kelseygraham1484]

There are so many good Iron Maiden riffs that it’s hard to choose, but these are some of my favorite riffs of theirs: When the Wild Wind Blows - 9:04 (the whole song is amazing and severely underrated) The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg - 1:57 Powerslave - intro Judas Be My Guide - intro Dance of Death - intro and 2:58 If you get a chance to listen to any of those, I hope you like them!

[@ryos.5974]

"When the Wild Wind Blows" appreciation, finally! Personally my favourite riff is what they play after Adrian's breathtaking solo, with Janick and Dave harmonising while Adrian plays some heavy chords underneath.

[@kingoffire9373]

I would say Them Bones for AIC as well. Also, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is just killer riffs all the way through

[@MiataChannel]

My favorite Iron Maiden riff is "Two Minutes To Midnight". Super catchy and awesome.

[@10acious_D]

My personal top 20 (in no particular order): 1. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) // Jimi Hendrix 2. Start Me Up // The Rolling Stones 3. Rock Candy // Montrose 4. Sweet Home Alabama // Lynyrd Skynyrd 5. 25 or 6 to 4 // Chicago 6. Crazy Train // Ozzy Osbourne 7. Stayin' Alive // Bee Gees 8. Smokin' // Boston 9. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting // Sir Elton John 10. Holy Diver // Dio 11. Whole Lotta Love // Led Zeppelin 12. Day Tripper // The Beatles 13. Too Rolling Stoned // Robin Trower 14. Satori (Part 1) // Flower Travellin' Band 15. Paradise City // Guns N' Roses 16. Oh Well // Fleetwood Mac 17. Living After Midnight // Judas Priest 18. Blue Morning, Blue Day // Foreigner 19. Stone in Love // Journey 20. Flirtin' with Disaster // Molly Hatchet Yes, I'm aware that I threw some obscure ones in there. And if you haven't heard of any of these, I strongly suggest checking them out.

[@roland4730]

Good one with the robin trower

[@joolz666]

Well done Tyler for not breaking a string whilst playing Heart's 'Barracuda'. I've experienced about 35 years worth of pinged strings every time I attempt it...Ann and Nancy Wilson probably owe me hundreds of pounds worth of guitar strings by now... 😉

[@cornela1]

What part of that riff/song causes you to break strings? I'm only asking because it's mostly chugging on the low strings and I can't imagine ever breaking a string doing that, let alone dozens of strings?!

[@r3x_delta30]

@@cornela1 yes I’m also confused how you managed to do that for barracuda

[@chizorama]

The significance of You Really Got Me is that it brought distortion to the mainstream. They didn't invent it, but they popularized it, so in that context(including the era) it definitely belongs.

[@Ryoka666903]

For me it would be "Bark at the moon" by Ozzy , the part after slight divebomb at 1:17, i just love that part.

[@joshhill5932]

Thought the same for an ozzy riff. Not really anOzzy fan but I have always thought Jake e Lee was his best guitarist.

[@jeffberg8015]

My current favorite riff (yes, I know I'm old) is Can't You Hear Me Knockin' by the Stones. Possibly the best rock guitar intro of all time, gives me jolts when it comes on.

[@Drgreenthumb1177]

I change my tuning on guitar just for this song haha its a pain but worth it

[@dooddood5828]

Sweet child o mine is definetely a riff. A lick to me is a recurring line between two chords, like hendrix in little wing or Frusciante in under the bridge verses, or a recurring line in guitar solos. Riffs are repeated guitar parts in a song that are instantly recognizable, and sweet child intro is that thing. I feel like if it was in the lower strings no one would ever not call it a riff

[@fistoftulkas7335]

There are countless great riffs, from any genre, coming to mind. But if i had to pick a classic rock/metal's one, wich is somewhat mainstream, my mind always goes back to Bark At The Moon by Jake E Lee. I mean, that riff and song is basically a clinic in terms of how to crush it with style. And not just the main riff, all the others with those stretches, the patented arpeggiated passages, so many unbelievable parts. Jake is a genius and the definition of a musician.

[@leerobbo92]

Bark at the Moon's a genuine masterpiece. So interesting to play too. Not learned anything like it, before or since.

[@ΛευτερηςΣαλονικιδης]

My personal favorite riff is the last baron by mastodon, that one riff with the harmonics around the 8 minute mark, it's amazing

[@solemnbrigade2502]

My go to Iron Maiden song is Fear of the Dark. Specifically the live version from Rock in Rio. You know your guitar line is great when the audience sings along to it.

[@GIANTCADET]

I'm gonna give Johnny Marrs this charming man riff some love.

[@Motownisyourtown]

Sweet Child O' Mine is definitely a riff. A lick is more like a passing phrase like what Iommi does in War Pigs when he starts adding licks. You might use a combination of licks to make up a solo. Layla is NOT a lick, it's a riff. A riff is a repeating and identifiable phrase in a song, like the riff in Layla. I'm surprised you're confusing the two.

[@thezeek2745]

Just no

[@erike76]

Overlooked here - almost any riff of the 1987 Whitesnake album. Still of the night - Crying in the rain - Bad boys - Is this love. John Sykes is a riff beast!🤘🏻

[@slidedaggydagg]

Great vid, Tyler. I have to say for me, the Maiden riffs that top the list are "Wasted Years" (for its iconism), but for imho one of their most under-appreciated tunes i'd have to say "Stranger in a Strange Land". It has so much great stuff going on, fun riff to hear, play, has 'the Iron Maiden gallop' we all love, and even a hidden VH similarity (theres a part you think to yourself 'weird.. this feels almost like part of "Drop Dead Legs," but it's Maiden... crazy pants.) And Adrian Smith's solo in this song is amazing and even Pink Floyd-esque in the quiet section I dare say.

[@ryos.5974]

Ah one of Adrian's penned songs. That's a favourite of mine. "Infinite Dreams" also has a unique, surreal atmosphere.

[@moncalimarimoncalimari8964]

The riff to Hallowed Be Thy Name by Iron Maiden is very iconic and easily recognizable.

[@nikolapirsic5970]

In my opinion Iron Maiden's greatest riff is "Fear of the dark" and "The trooper".I can't decide between the two

[@dutch_and_dimes]

Considering actual Skill in Riffs, probably Tornado of Souls For catchiness, RATM's "Bulls on Parade" just never leaves my head

[@phewiss3066]

Black Dog is in my opinion, the greatest riff ever written. Thank you John Paul Jones.

Same

[@cold_chili3356]

I actually quite like both of your lists. And I even shouted out yes when I saw you included CKY on your list. I feel like that song never gets enough love and most people have never even heard of it. Also, what do you say the difference is between a lick and a riff, because the songs you dismissed as licks didn't really seem any different to me, musically speaking.

[@alansmith9948]

Revolution, War Pigs, Heartbreaker, Mississippi Queen, Crazy Train, Foxy Lady, Highway to Hell, Can't you hear me knocking, The Wanton Song... to name a few but there are hundreds.

[@HemiSlant6828]

My Top 20 is a little biased, but i try to keep it objective: 20: Pull Me Under - Dream Theater 19: Roundabout - Yes 18: Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana 17: Money For Nothing - Dire Straits 16: Daughter - Pearl Jam 15: War Pigs - Black Sabbath 14: Silent Lucidity - Queensryche 13: Too Many Puppies - Primus 12: You Really Got Me - The Kinks 11: Twice As Hard - The Black Crowes 10: Bulls On Parade - Rage Against The Machine 9: Here I Go Again - Whitesnake 8: You Could Be Mine - Guns N Roses 7: Kashmir - Led Zeppelin 6: Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden 5: Rooster - Alice In Chains 4: Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix 3: Crazy On You - Heart 2: Interstate Love Song - Stone Temple Pilots 1: Satisfaction - Rolling Stones

[@TheNightmareRider]

I'm a bass player, but because they're both so iconic, I'd say "The Trooper" has the most iconic Iron Maiden guitar and bass riff of all time.

[@ClintsCrypt]

I think Black Sabbath's Iron Man is much more recognizable to the general public now than Paranoid due to it being used in so many mainstream events, movies and commercials over the last ten years. Not my favorite, but the most recognizable.

[@Ernesto87]

I would have put Either Sweat Leaf or Into The Void.

[@ClintsCrypt]

@@Ernesto87 I love into the void. I have just recently started practicing it.

[@thejohnnerparty]

It is like all the "things" we try categorize (sports/music/art/....). It is imposable to name the best of anything. There are so many greats in every category.

[@ian_strachs]

Would just recommend the Number of the Beast album from start to finish, SUCH good riffs songwriting and drumming. Especially The Prisoner, Number of the Beast itself and Run to the Hills. Powerslave is a good place to go to afterwards but Beast is just a brilliant album

[@ianmakesfilms4335]

I don’t know number of the beast at the very beginning really just does it for me with the slow crescendo 🤯

[@danieldavis9832]

I would definitely dive into the Alice In Chains discography!

[@muddro420]

These tend to be super big hit songs that are instantly recognizable, but for me (Tool) 7empest's early riff (beginning @1:19) takes the cake. That whole section is better music than 90% of everything I've heard.

[@jacobcarey7621]

If you need Maiden, I’d say listen to the newest album cos Writing On The Wall has some amazing riffs in them

[@davidhernandez4156]

I like your definition of “A greatest riff” over “The greatest riff”. I agree. Lemon Song by Zeppelin is a lot of fun to play but Over the Hills is my fave.

[@lepurpleboi3266]

Here’s my top 5 personal favorite riffs in no particular order: Beck - Loser Queen - Fat Bottomed Girls Temple of the Dog - Hunger Strike Heart - Crazy on You Pearl Jam - Even Flow

[@NaturalFork]

According to Steve Lukather (the guy that actually played the riff on the album) MJ himself came up with the guitar riff for Beat It.

[@m4nu003]

Iron Maiden has such greateast riffs. Killers, Wrathchild, Phantom of the Opera, Hallowed Be Thy Name, 22 Acacia Avenue, Children Of The Damned, Were Eagels Dare for example.

[@OleZ-BGuitar]

Ratt 100% deserves a top 20 spot! Not the riff I'd pick, but it's a sick riff nonetheless! I'd probably go for something like Lay it Down, Way Cool Jr. or Heads I Win, Tails You Lose

[@kkarx]

Lay it Down 100%. Shame Shame Shame could be another one.

[@paulh9657]

I concur - Lay it Down is where the great riff is in the Ratt catalog!

[@spec_opsgaming]

The money for nothing riff is ABSOLUTELY in my top 5 greatest riffs ever, right behind cliffs of dover and just slightly ahead of all along the watchtower...the number one spot is a hard pick and number 5 tends to float a bit as it can change if I hear another riff I like even more..

[@LyricClock-fo8he]

This guy turned his attick into a hall of fame, filled it with guitars and turned it into studio Respect+

[@benevans7551]

Phantom of the Opera by Maiden has sooo many class riffs, even more than War Pigs I'd say

[@cradem01]

Personally I think Sad But True by Metallica belongs on this list. Straightforward, simple, fun to play, and James has an absolute unit of a tone in that song that would be incredibly difficult to match

[@rynothealbinoryno]

I would say my favorite Alice in Chains riff could be Rain When I Die.

[@dualtahunter4043]

I think died is the best