RATT - Top 10 Guitar Riffs!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Time to get the hairspray and spandex out! Okay, maybe not the second part :) What are your favorite Ratt riffs? Let me know!.

[@Charvel1980]

No spandex, please! :D

[@Archangel89]

Mmm let's see.... Lack of communication, She wants money, The morning after, Im insane, Lay it down, Never use love, Got me on the line, Your in trouble, Eat me up alive, Last call, Lost weekend, Look out below, Garden of eden.. to name a few.. in no particular order lol. Ratt has some fun stuff and I still blast it with the windows down in my truck. I was born 89 so i never got to experience the good bands, I even missed Pantera when they were touring so I'm somewhat living in the past I guess you could say, but I'm keeping it alive.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

@@Charvel1980 LOL I promise you will never see me in spandex! :)

[@PDXguitarfreak]

@@Archangel89 Right on bro, and great choices. I was 18 in 1989 so my teen years were basically growing up on this stuff. It really was a special time in music, especially for guitar playing. :)

[@Is308enough]

The distressed look Charvel T-shirt definitely shows allegiance to the brand! Love it!

[@JacobShepherd]

Ratt is literally the most underrated band of all time.

[@JodysMusicChannel]

They are far from being underrated. They are pretty well known.

[@s.miller2648]

@@JodysMusicChannel I'd say they're under rated considering how much praise garbage like Nirvana gets.

[@JodysMusicChannel]

@@s.miller2648 Almost anyone who is into 80s metal knows who RATT is. In my opinion one of the most underrated bands, especially from that era is Y&T

[@s.miller2648]

@@JodysMusicChannel Yeah, the 80's metal fans know them, but like I said, they never get the respect that lame shit like Nirvana and Pearl Jam get.

[@mr198221]

Dream Theater is, but Ratt is definitely underrated.

[@DrFillRX]

The opening riff to "Lay It Down" isn't just Ratt's greatest guitar riff, it's the best guitar riff ever written, hands down. I'd personally add "What You Give Is What You Get" to this list, their whole second record is overflowing with insane guitar riffs! Loved the video, by the way!

[@itsonlynatural1]

It’s so easy to forget…

[@thomasaghotmail]

A great riff. Not THE great riff tho.

[@meungawa]

@@thomasaghotmailThen what is the greatest riff ever recorded?

[@kevinkentley9323]

Agreed

[@loading...3190]

​@@meungawa Through The Fire And Flames

[@briannoojin1710]

Lay It Down is probably my favorite 80's riff of all time. Great selections. But I think Body Talk from Dancing Undercover is a real gem of a guitar riff and it's so unique for a Ratt riff it should have been included.

[@Is308enough]

I used to work with Warren’s brother, Jimmy, super cool guy. He would get me tix to shows late 90’s. Got to meet his brother Warren and talk guitar over a cold one. Humble, genuine, and very nice. I’ll never forget it. As for your list, found myself air drumming when did Back for more. Thanks for posting. RATT ‘N ROLL!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

That's very cool. When I watch interviews with Warren he definitely comes across exactly as you describe. One of my heroes! :)

[@AccuracySpeaks]

Thanks for sharing your very cool story!

[@liquidbraino]

Warren seems like a really cool guy.

[@GJones462-2W1]

@@liquidbraino "Seemed" unfortunately. His story is a good one, but it didn't end well.

[@tomhathaway4941]

That solo for " Give it all"- 😲 WoW

[@victormiller3368]

One of my favorites is Nobody Rides for Free. I know Robin Crosby wasn't on that one for guitars, but it's a really good song no doubt about it.

[@davidpierce9949]

Point break

[@luananger]

Did a cover od that song. It's my favourite of all Ratt's discography

[@bulkmailbullseye70]

Appreciate your straightforwardness and content quality. Many cover-themed/how to play videos play OVER the original guitar tracks, which naturally enhances the sound. You take the higher and more difficult road.

[@cduronm]

Thanks for this awesome post bro, Ratt stands as one of the best of that era in my book....

[@irocitZ]

You probably could have done a top 20, Ratt has so many. One good lover, eat me up alive. The list can go on forever.

[@arnoldjones]

It's pretty straightforward but I always liked the "You Think You're Tough" riff.

[@HumphreyHogarth666]

Out of the cellar is a great album, however there is something about the invasion of your privacy album which is so dark and sexy, as well as in my opinion one of the best Guitar tones you will ever hear.

[@joelevans6387]

Agreed - would have added “never use love” and “the morning after”

[@jlee4360]

Agreed

[@dandrumma1]

For me invasion of your privacy is by far the pinnacle of Ratt. Banger after banger after banger, every track is killer. The greatest collection of catchy riffs ever on any hair band album. Lay it down, you’re in love, what you give is what you get, between the eyes, give it all, closer to my heart, the list goes on and on.

[@carlsurrow5538]

Number #1 Ratt riff will always be The Morning After for me. Such a unique kickass riff.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Yeah that is a great one. If I was to keep going with that list, that would show up pretty fast :)

[@carlsurrow5538]

You should definitely do this top 10 riffs segment

[@Joe-sl6is]

or "in your direction"

[@MrMan_47]

Give it all! Awesome riff! You could have just done the first three albums (future video), but the comments would have been far less! Lol

[@loginusername7]

Pretty nice list. One of my all-time fave RATT songs: “What you give is what you get” Love RATT & ROLL! 🤘

[@dirtstyles]

Awesome, Warren DM is one of my personal favourite guitar players from the 80s. Heads I Win Tails You Lose and Hard Time also great riffs 😉

[@demodick]

So sad I overlooked him back in the day. So glad I rediscovered him in 2020.

[@chrisamerriman]

You forgot my favorite riff, but I understand because “it’s so easy to forget, what you give is what you get.”

[@gregwest2028]

So pleased that Lay it down was your numero uno...It's always been mine too

[@alcoustic5297]

Love your channel and your content. Your keeping me young even though I'm 49. My Sirius radio in my car is locked on HairNation. I'll always be stuck in the 80's..

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Hey thanks bro, I'll be the same age here in a few months. For me, the years between 1967 and 1990 are the best for rock guitar, and the 80s were hands down the best for just fun music in general. :)

[@jimmyz2098]

Me too Bro. I'm 49 - 50 in December. I like other music too. But for me - it's just all about the 80's and esp Hair Rock. I'm locked on Sirius Hair Nation as well. That's what I have playing when I'm not listening to audio books. Country occasionally, because some of them still actually play guitar & drums. But mostly.... my 80's Bands. I'll always love it. My first love.

[@ustulo3488]

My band opened for Ratt in the late 90's in Las Vegas. I remember during our soundcheck they had their set lists written out on their amps. I took a peek and I was like "that was a hit, that was a hit", and on and on. I knew every song and was kind of shocked at how many hit songs they had in total. Of course their songwriting was fantastic, but it was their riffs that stood out the most to every great song they had. My favorites are Back For More, Lay It Down, Wanted Man, and Lack of Communication.

[@charlieswitzer9931]

I've always been hooked on "The Morning After ".......its tough-- all the way around!!! "She wants Money ".....dig the tempo. I just love Ratt...😁

[@YouAintChris]

I just want to say how absolutely perfect your guitars sound on this video. Stunning quality. In perfect tune, perfect intonation - and tone much like the traditional RATT sound. Every riff played sounds like you just put on new strings. Wonderful. Thank you.

[@robertgarofalodds6446]

Agreed....#1 is Lay it Down! Nice! Great Vid!

[@GJones462-2W1]

Come on, you gotta admit that Lay It Down is the most fun to jam on. Freakin' LOVE that song! Well done, bro.

[@alanjamesh.zamorano1677]

Ratt is one of those bands that taught me that there were more than power chords when playing with high distortion. Very interesting chords to learn as a young guitar player.

[@siskokidd]

I love how unapologetically 80's you are! When that era (60's - 80's) of guitar playing came to a close, I all but stopped caring about new rock music and bands.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Yeah, exactly! There were very few new bands that came out in the 90's or later that I have enjoyed. A lot of that has to do with the guitar playing, but the songs just weren't as fun after the 80s either :)

[@rr1pro]

I agree. Godsmack is one of the only new era bands iike.

[@rr1pro]

They quit playing leads in most songs. Guitar players went down hill im my opinion.

[@irocitZ]

Must of been early 1993 I was on I95 moving along pretty good, I finally flung my radio out the car window. Music was really starting to suck and guitars weren't as pointy as they used to be...

[@Tubes12AX7k]

@@PDXguitarfreak I wish I could give you three or four thumbs up for that comment. :)

[@mrscarytv8318]

Lay it down is in my opinion the best riff ever written 🔥 awesome video🤘

[@frankstit4tat]

have you thought about doing dokken riffs that would rock.

[@davidpierce9949]

Fuck that

[@MediBukey]

Out Of The Cellar along with Invasion Of Your Privacy, Dancing Undercover and Detonator are in my top 10 list of albums along with Van Halen 1 and 2, Women And Children First, and Fair Warning. You’ve got all my favourite RATT riffs here... More solo lessons please 😁

[@piero50eas]

I’m having fun playing Round and Round, even just the riff

[@Yelliwj]

You got it right. Lay it down is my favorite riff of any band of all time.

[@j.aaronhoward4473]

Dude, you nailed it!! That guitar sound was a perfect replica.

[@JT-sl3ui]

You put a great list together and you played it exceptionally well! Great job! Anything from Warren and Robin in the 80’s was a finely orchestrated guitar masterpiece.

[@The80sKidRox]

Nice... I agree with number 1 for sure. Body Talk and Slip of the lip would be on my top ten somewhere. Great video, Ratt freakin rules 👍🤘

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks bro, and you have great taste (not just what you said here, but the song choices on your channel). Rock on! :)

[@bakero846]

Amazing work ! Ratt is criminally underrrated band.

[@shamifasahat992]

Yes 👍 bro! You are absolutely right and I'm 💯 agree with you indeed

[@stricknine8623]

It's impossible to screw up this list. Yours is great !!! Some I would only ADD.... - Shame, Shame, Shame - Nobody Rides For Free - Scene of the Crime (Rhythm, not intro) - No Surprise (it's swaggering) - City to City - Give it All - Never Use Love

[@michaeleaster1815]

This theme is terrific! 2:09 is not as sophisticated as the other Ratt riffs, but gave me goosebumps back then, and still does... (Btw, rare typo in the song title... I only mention in case there is ever a PDX Trivia contest, with questions to challenge loyal viewers :)

[@PDXguitarfreak]

LOL, I can't believe I missed that typo!!! Thanks, Michael! As for You're In Love, yeah it's so simple but effective... and definitely had to have been inspired by VH's Unchained.. not just the drop D tuning, but the chord choices too :)

[@Smiley-pr4rw]

Awesome! Ratt has so many great riffs. I'm really happy you demonstrated the take-a-chance riff! I think it's really cool. One that I miss is shame shame shame. I really like that one.

[@jlee4360]

Take a chance is killer song.i like bluesy feeling

[@mikewasko4964]

Takes me straight back to being 14 years old again sitting in my room pressing play and pause and rewind on my cassete player trying to figure out songs on my guitar ,lol ..no music lessons , i did it by ear back then.. Loved that Ratt album!

[@johncande1]

I think I would have had Lack of communication in there someplace.

[@kichigan1]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks "Lack of Communication" should be at the top five.

[@pointnozzleaway]

agree ! always love those opening riffs !

[@BoogyWoogyCreep]

Absolutely! I still love "You think you're tough" opening riff too!

[@neiltosolini2465]

#1

[@briannoojin1710]

Yep!

[@liquidbraino]

I have held that guitar in my hands. I always thought it was imitation leather. Nope. That's real snake skin. I was working for the TSA at Bob Hope airport in Burbank CA and I saw TONS of famous guitars up close (had to screen them). So when this one came to my table, it was just another guitar case.... until I lifted the lid and almost cried. I RAN out of the screening room to see if I could spot Warren but I didn't see him. So I went back to my job and treated that guitar as if it were the holy grail.

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

I really like the 80s rock guitarists! That's why I started my series on KZbin with Warren DeMartini. *Definitely one of my best videos from a couple weeks ago.* I like how you did your video. Good format and kept my interest. Thanks for the upload. Good to see I'm not the only one who enjoys some good Ratt tones!

[@dominicriley4945]

Lay it down - my ringtone for the past 10 years ! Never tire of hearing it

[@MIKO_MDG]

Fantastic! Something about Warren's feel and sound, for me... Invasion of Your Privacy has some of the best guitar solos and riffs I ever heard in my life. Thanks for 'laying this down'

[@losteroni]

" Back For More " Ratt that is ! "Round and Round " has to be one of my all time favorites . It wasn't a Saturday afternoon hanging out in my best friends driveway until that song played !

[@dolfan1318]

Definitely #1! And not just on the Ratt list, but all hard rock. Excellent choice 👌

[@DeadShred9]

Never Use Love is one of my Fav's to play !! Great riff bordering on Heavy Metal . Bands Like RATT , CRUE , Dokken I consider Glam Metal due to the big hair and dress which takes absolutely nothing away from the music .... Ratt is my number 1 fav 80's band along closely with George Lynch and DOKKEN George just crushes it on Tooth & Nail !!!! Great playing nice Axe !!

[@MiguelHenrique-tj2qo]

Finally someone heard me. Thanks a lot for this video. There's nothing like it on KZbin when it comes to ratt. Now waiting for more ratt solo lessons

[@PDXguitarfreak]

You are welcome! I hope to do more Ratt solos in the future :)

[@funkrocker8011]

Funny thing is I stuck that Out Of The Cellar cd in my car for the weekend and listened to it for the entire weekend and to come and see this video here and what you said about that album. Totally agree that it's essential listening 🎶 for fans of 80s hard Rock and yes it has a tonload of great riffs on there. Some of the best riffs in rock. What I absolutely loooooove about the songs on this album is that during every sustained power chord section of the progressions there are accompanying killer riffs throughout.

[@eugenethelegend1548]

I genuinely thought this video was old and I was like maaan, imma learn me some 80's riffs! I've been playin for 10 years and it's the type I love. It brings me SO much joy to see that people are still into this stuff :) ! \m/ Rock on brother!!

[@83Mike17]

Ratt is one of my favorite bands. Love all the riffs you played. Another really great riff is Eat Me Up Alive of of their 2010 Infestation album.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks Mike! That riff you mentioned is definitely one of Ratt's heaviest. Killer song! :)

[@irocitZ]

That is a killer riff

[@prestons8476]

I saw Ratt in concert around 2014 and they still rocked!

[@Hetriani]

Awesome! Way cool jr is such a good riff! Lol totally knew round and round, and lay it down had to be on the list!!!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks bro! I actually used to hate the song Way Cool Jr back when it first came out, but once I learned to play it, I was HOOKED. :)

[@Hetriani]

@@PDXguitarfreak funny how that works hahaha i felt the same way about crazy joey by satch lmao

[@jeremymcnutt3979]

I was getting worried there for a second until #3 came up. Nice work!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

LOL thanks Jeremy! It's a pretty easy riff, but so 80s, and so perfect.

[@Locknar77]

Great job! The pinkie extensions on #1 were a mystery to many trying to figure these out off a record back in the day. So great to see it executed here with precision. Since I haven't seen it mentioned, and I'm partial to it as it was the first song I heard from these guys, I'd like to cast a vote for "You Think You're Tough". A bit stock but I recall the intro would always get a rise from the crowd whenever my cover band would play it.

[@tommcdonough6086]

Ratt will àllways be one of my favorite bands they came out when I was in highschool, loved their tone, Warren is a guitar 🎸 God!!

[@dantaylor1569]

Really great, Ratt is why I started playing guitar. This is fantastic!

[@jamescropper]

Whats up Brother? Its CROPPER from Mr St.Helens WA...we chatted on Robert Bakers show. Great job and interpretations. Very impressive. Cropper

[@aardvark493]

Freaking awesome!!! Saw the Dancing Undercover tour. Invasion of Your Privacy is one of my favorite albums

[@unoefxz]

great list, your #1 is my favorite to light up the neighbors from time to time

[@ryanj99]

Sounds great! Thank you for putting in the time to make this video. 🤘🎸

[@dmontrose7446]

"In your direction"was pretty kick ass! Nice video!

[@g3ultra]

Awesome! I knew Lay it Down would be #1. How could it not?🤘

[@mr.darkgamer8126]

Lay it down will always be my favorite riff

[@Mr911Medic]

OK, your tone is SPOT ON. Please list what gear you used for these.

[@christinadress1182]

Nice picks! Sweet Cheater and You Think You're Tough are pretty rocking too!

[@lemonsguitar]

Hey PDX! Im a big fan and your videos have helped me learn a couple ratt solos and van halen solos! Ive been playing for 6 months hive or take a few days so thank you for your help

[@PDXguitarfreak]

You are welcome! :)

[@Lavietto]

Totally agree on the no 1 spot man! Thats a killer riff and tune!

[@gothicuq470]

PDX is the man! Love that green guitar!

[@mikekopmanis2099]

Well done, sounds great!

[@calvincraft5626]

Lay it Down for the win! Such a badass song.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Yep, it's one of those riffs that I just love to play. In fact, I quite often play it when I'm dialing in tones :)

[@BPoweredLove]

When you went on about Out of the Cellar (a great album, but not the one that the best Ratt riff EVER is off of), I was slightly nervous that you'd get #1 wrong. You TOTALLY nailed it with Lay it Down as #1 as that riff is quite possibly the best 80s metal riff ever written by man. Nice job on the video!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks! :)

[@Savage1776_]

A lot of people don't know it but that's Tawny Kitaen on the Ratt out of the cellar album cover. She was then doing Whitesnake videos about 3 years later flipping on David Coverdale Jaguars for the Here I Go Again video.

[@mikebeechey8592]

Great list & you definitely nailed them! The one I'd add would be "Nobody Rides For Free," just such a great riff & song.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks, Mike! Yeah, if I kept my list going, that song would have made it into the top 15 for sure! GREAT choice! :)

[@daveyoung7523]

You're in Love is my all time fav, next to Lay it Down! Love the finger picking you did in Way Cool Jr!

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

Brings back some memories! Great playing

[@CapnfloydR6S]

Lay it down is currently my favorite riff to play, so stretchy

[@thesouthsideshovlerleonard13]

Your page has totally gotten me out of my stagnate guitar playing thanks!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thank Leonard, I appreciate your support over the years. You ROCK :)

[@zzzx8017]

You nailed the sound on way cool junior! Awesome! Great list of songs for sure, I'd add in "Can't wait on love" and "Dance" All their songs are great though!

[@maxpatriota578]

SUPER !!! I love "You're in Love" riff for its simplicity and power but I'd say one my fav is "Never Use Love"

[@jafl1971]

What happened with Morning After, Slip of the Lip and Body Talk?

[@sicfrynut]

yes, no love for dancing undercover................... drive me crazy, one good lover. loved the harmonics on dance and body talk.

[@williamdon3442]

Body talk is kick ass

[@stringfellowhawk4843]

Damn, there's just so many killer riffs. Impossible to make a top 10 list...IMPOSSIBLE.

[@iliafigueroa4820]

And i want a woman!

[@DarthBaeza]

New Subscriber here.... all I could do is APPLAUD............ Well done!!! Can't wait to learn from this. Was watching a Warren interview today and I found this in search of Warren Riffs. Bad-Ass...I know the difference between talented and posers.👍

[@savagelouie7007]

Damn this was awesome! Brings back childhood memories in L.A. love it

[@tonybuchanan3730]

I was thinking if Lay it down wasn't your number one riff you are fired!! But you totally came through...good guitar work...

[@jeffersononetwo]

Awesome selection bro! Warren & Robin laid down song killer riffs - I did enjoy this video mucho! Rock on!

Great picks all of 'em. They were riff-masters. Two that I've always been partial to not included here are Slip of the Lip and Chain Reaction.

[@matjj676]

Nice work! So many great ones from Ratt... I'd add Lack of communication!

[@Ali-yh9qi]

Its strange....80s music was over 30 years ago and simply by virtue of time ...we hear our favorite songs over and over again. I'm ashamed to say there are many bands that I kinda just bypass on my mp3 like maybe priest, crue, VH etc. But dang namit everytime I hear ratt the excitement and adrenaline is the same as when I was in my 20s. These guys were very special and u did a great job man.....thank you.

[@te_gucci303]

Got that right check out some of Tesla's stuff to they're the closest band to ratt I've found

[@joeysmith8482]

Sounds great! Love some Ratt! Really great band

[@bambambamVB3]

I totally agree with your #1!

[@theaterdreamer]

I couldn’t make a top 5 by Ratt without Givin’ Yourself Away. The riffs, and the entire song, really, are fantastic.

[@moisesnefras5624]

Wow awesome bringin back the eigthies rock i had some of their albums excellent jamming dude😀👍🎸👏🎼

[@timothypadilla1277]

I gotta give you props man I've always thought Way Cool Jr is one of Ratts best nice to see you agreed.

[@kevinmacdonald8667]

Good mix. I wouldn't complain. Lay it down is my number 1 also, to this day.

[@masonnnuff7994]

Got damn, lay it down still gives me chills up the spine

[@hugosex]

What an awesome tone mate!

[@rhornjr]

Ratt is my favorite 80's hair metal band (and second of all time behind Rush), so I love that folks are posting videos like these. For those that don't know, Ratt came out with Infestation in 2010 and it includes what may now be my favorite Ratt song: Eat Me Up Alive. If you're not familiar with it, check it out. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and thanks for including You're In Love. I remember that video opening with Warren playing that riff and I couldn't get enough of it.

[@danwilhite]

Great job! That green Charvel is awesome!

[@Halenrocks5150]

So accurate and holy crap you nailed the tone!!!!!!!!

[@guitagious9464]

Dude, great job with these Ratt song intros!! They were one of my top 5 favorite 80's hair metal bands! Warren is a genius rock riff creator - Robin was good too! I really miss those days and wish there could be an 80's rock come back, in a big way!!!