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?

[@angrybadger4236]

I'm surprised at the absence of AC DC. The Intro to back in black is pretty dang iconic. Almost anyone on the planet besides my dad would recognize and jam to thunderstruck as well.

[@sergiopedro4668]

Hard agree. & I would add Hell's Bells to that list.

[@angrybadger4236]

Someone agrees Tyler. Time to fix the list LOL.

[@JoshuaWillis89]

Thunderstruck has the same issue as Eye of the Tiger that Tyler pointed out.

[@edensarnelli9373]

Im more surprised by the lack of Dragonforce. Like heroes of the storm, or obviously. Flames!

[@beforethunder4987]

lol besides my dad. good one

[@davylipton4364]

i think the intro to voodoo child (slight return) has to be the greatest riff of all time. Still gives me chills.

[@chizorama]

Zero Jimi, not even Purple Haze, but yeah, Voodoo Child should be in the top 10.

[@bryan3487]

@@chizorama honestly i think stevie ray vaughan did a better version of voodoo child than jimi did, but i also think that you almost have to have texas flood in there as well

[@davidcopson5800]

Chills.

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

It’s the ultimate rock song for electric guitar, to this day, in my opinion.

[@santablockniborhood9821]

​@@bryan3487you're smoking rock

[@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

[@HB-vt5rc]

Idk how nobody has mentioned “Aces High” as the best Iron Maiden riff, or atleast the most iconic. Cant help but get excited when I hear the opening riff

[@dominikweber4305]

YES

[@VINsational331]

This is my pick too.

[@bryantheriault]

Couldn't agree with you more

[@benkelly8170]

Anything of Powerslave tbh, but yeah probably Aces High.

[@itmightbeMishu]

This would definitely be my pick too!

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@photoshopcafe]

14:45 is why I love this channel

[@raydogedog9317]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@jtbesquire]

For Iron Maiden, probably their most iconic riffs are The Trooper and Number of the Beast, although I think Wasted Years was listed because it was one of the few Maiden songs that ever got mainstream airplay - and I happen to love the entire Somewhere in Time album. Adrian Smith and Dave Murray are perhaps the greatest dual-lead guitar duo in the business.

[@simonetorri4528]

Paschendale too

[@Sangreezy]

Where Eagles Dare

[@ningthalockdownedition3124]

One song that is iron maiden “phantom of the opera”

[@TheMrdrayerr]

i would say the trooper aswell, but since its the whole two guitars together he is gonna be nitpicky about it.

[@dominikweber4305]

Aces high

[@thedarkfalafel9323]

I’d say No Quarter is my favourite riff. Not my favourite LZ song, but this riff is beyond amazing

[@johnlemon874]

It has the same lick in it as "somewhere" from jimi hendrix. wonder who did it first

[@thedarkfalafel9323]

@@johnlemon874 oh, another legendary black musician Led Zeppelin stole from. And I didn’t know about it. NOICE

[@beeemm2578]

Such a killer track. Favorite LZ song

[@sassell3302]

I like Led Zeppelin’s version but Tools cover is also special

[@johnlemon874]

@@thedarkfalafel9323 Didn't say that, just said its the same lick lmao. I don't even know which song came out first

[@DIPRO850]

Iron Maiden's best riff BY FAR is the chorus from 2 minutes to midnight, because it's incredibly fun to play and to listen to.

[@Necroblas]

This. I'm honestly not much of a Iron Maiden guy myself generally, but this should be mandatory study material for anybody writing metal.

[@Jeroen_K]

The opening riff to Phantom of the Opera is a pretty cool one too.

[@cliffprowse3341]

I immediately thought the same!! Although Number of the Beast is also pretty killer!

[@Echo-ctulu]

That's a good one but I love back in the village

[@dwightdawson3578]

I’m politely adding “Die With Your Boots On” is a favorite of mine.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@user-br2gi8kh5s]

This Charming Man for sure

[@Avsfan-yy4if]

Jerry Cantrell is one of the most underrated riff writers of all time, Facelift is absolutely jam packed with incredible riffs. Sunshine and Put You Down are two of my favorite ever

[@smpgeek]

‘Rain when I die’ is epic as well.

[@dtabor85]

For me it's "would?"

[@thefaceoffuzz]

@@dtabor85 the bass riff?

[@drjoshuamc]

I think Jerry is the 90’s version of Tony Iommi

[@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.

[@lproof8472]

It may be overly played, but “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is beyond iconic.

[@TheCkhutton12]

Perfect 5ths! It’s gonna change the game xD

[@jeremyswalley8625]

I guess!!

[@wutheringheights01]

the whole bleach album has much better riffs, they’re simple but sound so good

[@blackpilledchad1927]

Oh no! that's a recycled riff Ripped from Boston "More than a Feeling"

[@stratonicc2651]

OVERRATED!!!!!!

[@johnwhite3455]

Love War Pigs too but I'm surprised Iron Man doesn't ever get mentioned, I heard/played that riff way more than anything else, including Smoke on the Water

[@musicevangelist]

I agree, Iron Man would be my pick for Sabbath, not that you can go too far wrong with Sabbath.

[@stonaldinho1178]

Children of the Grave is underrated. Unquestionably the grooviest Sabbath riff. But Iommi could crowd out a top 20 all on his own. The guy wrote every cool riff there is and left scraps for the rest of us. Sabbra Cadabra, Snowblind, Sweet Leaf, Electric Funeral, N.I.B, Supernaut... All better than some of the picks for this list.

[@2gr82b4gotn]

Fairies Wear Boots!

[@Ernesto87]

I would have put "Into The Void" instead.

[@joey_da_blowy]

​@Ernesto87 Ooh, a fellow man of culture. If you like this song, you've got to check out Soundgarden's cover of Into the Void. It's such a dope version with Chris Cornell singing.

[@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

[@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.

[@JOTG2000]

Smoke on the water has become under appreciated. It has a solid riff, very good solo and a really good bass line.

[@GuitarsRockForever]

And who is responsible for the band has such bad rep?

[@JOTG2000]

@@GuitarsRockForever I blame all the guitarists who play this everytime they enter a guitar store. And lazy air guitarists!!!

[@profilen5181]

Church!

[@alexrobertson1472]

Yeh it became a meme, shame really.

[@jamiewhichelo9983]

@@alexrobertson1472 Not really sure about that. 035 pretty heavily contributed to the popular knowledge of the song. I didn't know of the band or the song until it was memed to death- and that's with playing guitar for a decade now

[@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

[@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_6891]

Hell yeah

[@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.

[@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

[@josephborderline]

I love that you put CKY's 96 Quite Bitter Beings in your list. Very underrated riff.

[@ImThe5thKing]

I'd add Kickstart My Heart to both yours and WatchMojo's list. The whole song gets me MOVIN

[@garthellsworth1967]

I think ac/dc's back and black is one of the greatest guitar riffs ever. When it comes to a/dc, they showed that you didn't need a complicated guitar riff to be rock n roll.

[@Kingbron007]

Definitely. The simplicity of the riff but yet the amount of fucken power that no one else besides AC/DC can give and with Malcolms playing is the reason it is so damn powerful.

[@harinezumi6164]

Yeah dude I'm surprised it didn't make the list

[@Adventrium]

Back in Black would be my #1 greatest guitar riff

[@cookieman876]

Most of their riffs are fairly simple yet absolutely genius. I love it

[@MW-dd8vk]

AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath are the 3 kings of guitar riffs in my opinion

[@brianshaddock5483]

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

[@ethanc1719]

This charming man as well

[@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

[@StevenChisham]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@vukveljovic2380]

My personal favorite riffs/licks idk the difference: Danzig - Mother Living Colour - Cult of personality Whitesnake - You're gonna break my heart again Ozzy Osbourne - Hellraiser Def Leppard - Pour some sugar on me Rush - Working man Metallica - Seek and destroy Judas Priest - Breaking the law Judas Priest - Painkiller Black sabbath - Children of the grave Ozzy Osbourne - I don't wanna stop Iron Maiden - Run to the hills Metallica - Creeping death (but that one part Kirk Hammet plays idk how to describe it it's sick af) Pantera - Cowboys from hell Disturbed - Decadence Asking Alexandria - New devil Black sabbath - Black sabbath Twisted Sister - I wanna rock Whitesnake - Here I go again Metallica - Fuel I also liked the ones you mentioned (walk this way, crazy train etc.), but i didn't wanna put them here

[@tristenmcfly7632]

"Dig A Poney" by the Beatles, I think, is an underestimated and overlooked riff that is a beautiful and has a very intriguing melody

[@orange-rv9ek]

I agree "I've Got a Feeling" is interesting as well he frets the A on the high E but also I like the way they are about to uses sevenths to build tension then how it resolved with E G D. Very cool

[@Wapohead]

There are a butt ton of great Beatles riffs and licks that are always overlooked!

[@jarodivey9033]

@@Wapohead I Want You(She's So Heavy), Because, Helter Skelter, Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except For Me And My Monkey, just to get us started

[@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

[@culidl0803]

I think my most favorite riff of all time would be Into The Void by Black Sabbath. I just love the tone and the articulation of Iommi's playing :)

[@ivancortes7622]

Agreed

[@Wapohead]

Hearing and see it live was even better, especially with those stacks and speaker arrays just blasting it in to your face and body!!! I am lucky to have seen them multiple times. Their farewell show here, in Japan, was so killer - even though Tony flubbed a couple chords, with Ozzy giving the "Da fuq?!" look :D

[@culidl0803]

@@Wapohead I would love to see them live :( Sadly got into metal like 4 years ago. Envy u a lot :)

[@bigpapamanman1550]

You could argue the first metal album came before Master Of Reality, but you absolutely cannot argue that it came after.

[@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

[@MrDMF567]

Dude you’re so right about the “walk this way” best part being the shuffle. It’s so fkn sweet. Such ridiculous swagger to it

[@fyretnt]

I haven’t seen the video yet, but when you say walk this way do you mean Aerosmith or run dmc

[@joelcastro-reyes1667]

@@fyretnt Walk This Way is originally by Aerosmith. They collaborated with Run DMC for a rap-rock crossover. Similar to Anthrax and Public Enemy doing Bring the Noise

[@fyretnt]

@@joelcastro-reyes1667 yeah I knew that I just hadn’t watched the video yet lol

[@JoshuaWillis89]

Sure, but it’s utterly unrecognizable out of context. Just sounds like generic guitar comping.

[@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.

[@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.

[@crazypomp927]

8:08 HELL FUCKING YES WAR PIGS IS THE GREATEST!!! You'd think that having a verse where everyone does two notes and then just silence with nothing but a soft hi hat for two measures would be boring, but no. It's badass. Having the balls and patience to just be silent for a bit is badass. AND EVERY RIFF IS AMAZING!!!

[@Orphim]

It's true. I'd say the only thing more important than knowing when to play, is knowing when not to play. Rests and silence can have way more of a dramatic impact in a song than just being busy all the time, even at high technical levels.

[@Ballin4Vengeance]

Tension

[@moncalimarimoncalimari8964]

I've counted the amount of riffs Tony put in the song. There's eight in total. Its a law to include at least one in this list.

[@falconbaker8553]

I think the riff at the end is freaking awesome too

[@crazypomp927]

@@falconbaker8553 yes that's the best one!!!

[@mkxwc]

Fear of The Dark by Iron Maiden is one of their most iconic of all time musically satisfying and instantly recognizable

[@W.L.Campbell]

Coming late to the party, but Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" as covered by Nirvana is up there. It sends shivers down my spine every time. Something about the crunch in the tone paired with Cobain's vocals and the counter-tone of the cheerful acoustic guitar just...dunno. Hits all the feels.

[@JoshuaWillis89]

To quote Tyler: that’s a lick, not a riff

[@thecandybarbandit]

I love the opening riff to Everlong, doesn’t get old. It’s so simple, but so catchy and recognizable

[@ricardobrasil20]

Black Sabbath - Into the Void, Black Sabbath, Iron Man AC/DC - Highway to Hell, Back in Black, Shoot to Thrill Roy Orbison - Pretty Woman Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the name, Freedom, people of the sun Beatles - Something, Day Tripper Pearl Jam - Alive U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday The Smiths - this charming man The list can go on and on…

[@joshtonkin7684]

i think alive might be a lick. i’d say the ending to the chorus in “Given to Fly” is better than alive anywata

[@guitarist2463]

Forgot Know Your Enemy by RATM

[@41g28]

Run Like Hell?

[@ricardobrasil20]

@@41g28 money riff maybe more iconic imo

[@41g28]

@@ricardobrasil20 Yh but imo Run Like Hell better

[@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.

[@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.

[@CarterFowler]

For Ratt, Opening riff to Way Cool Junior had me hooked. Great job mate, always entertaining, love your stuff!

[@BrettMathe]

It's never too late to pick up some Maiden!!! The most iconic Iron Maiden riff is The Trooper at (0:12) or the intro to Fear of the Dark, or the chorus of Hallowed Be Thy Name (0:59), or the intro to Aces High (0:28), .or Revelations at (1:07), or the Dance of Death intro... I could go on and on and on.

[@Ferrari1945]

Iron Maiden has so many awesome and underrated riffs. I never actually listened to them as a kiddo either, but I decided to dig deep into their guitar playing and found some very cool stuff. Here are some of my favorite Iron Maiden riffs to play: 1. Murders in the rue morgue (chorus riff) 2. Sea of Madness (intro riff) 3. Invaders (intro riff) 4. Wrathchild 5. Innocent Exile 6. Die With Your Boots On (intro riff) 7. 2 Minutes to Midnight (this is a no-brainer) 9. The Wicker Man 8. The Writing on the Wall These songs include some riffs that are very iconic but somewhat underappreciated for reasons unknown to me.

[@Southpaw114]

Phantom of the opera's opening riff is one of my favorites from them. Also the riff when the full band drops in is great too.

[@raymondbenjamins5884]

The Wicker Man is among my top riffs. It's so good. Didn't even think about The Writing on the Wall, but yeah, that one is incredible as well.

[@eliharbert4921]

Also the moonchild chorus riff

[@iplayesp]

RATT absolutely belongs on this list... however, the riff chosen should have been "Lay It Down" without question. That opening riff STILL gives me chills.

[@Happylink75]

Nah round and round is better

[@ckmoore101]

Totally agree.

[@springbloom5940]

@@Happylink75 You're insane... I mean... I'm Insane

[@klauswigsmith]

@@Happylink75 Maybe...but Wanted Man is their best song ever, IMO

[@RaptorV1USA]

Fuck. Yes.

[@bt_the_yank6234]

For me it's tied between Holy wars, and wake up dead. I love those technical thrashy riffs.

[@BadToad1963]

"Fairies Wear Boots " is loaded with some of the best riffs ever.

[@dominikweber4305]

Honestly the whole band is loaded with the best riffs ever

[@prashantsarkar821]

I would say that Iron Maiden's best riffs are either in Fear of the Dark, or Where the Wild Wind Blows. But Blood Brothers has some great riffs too, and their new album is full of amazing riffs. Honestly, Iron Maiden should be know for their riffs, because they have so many amazing riffs.

[@aidenknouft5126]

Thank u for shouting out the newish stuff! It’s so underrated

[@djjodav]

I second this

[@alech5280]

Fear of the dark is the better one

[@djjodav]

@@alech5280 I second this to the degree of giving it its own comment! I mean any time you hear that riff its like "oh mint, its fear of the dark"

[@michaelharverson2063]

Aces high fan myself but yeh

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@toddpalmer5656]

Great video, as always! The opening riff to Wasted Years is actually a little trickier than it sounds to get it right (it’s often cheated with hammer-on’e and pull-offs) but super-iconic for those of us “growing up guitar” in the 80’s as we all attempted to learn it. That being said, Number of the Beast! It’s not the hardest Iron Maiden riff by any means, but it’s so recognizable and (more importantly) so FUN to play. It represented the angst and rebellion for so many of us, and playing the Number of the Beast riff in church in between sets for the youth ministries always invoked amusing and hilariously irrational reactions from people. Miss those days!

[@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

[@Hype-MF]

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

[@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!❤️

[@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

[@franktremblay8281]

*Answering before watching the video* Will come back a see how many I got 😅✌. But this is my personal one... even if I don't care about AC/DC 😒 -La grange - ZZ Top -Hot for teacher - Van Halen -Psychosocial - Slipknot -Layla - Eric Clapton -Aerosmith - Walk this way -Ace of spades - Motorhead -School's out - Alice Cooper -Shism - Tool -Tom Sawyer or YYZ - Rush -Snow (Hey oh) - RHCP -Land of confusion - Genesis -Master of puppets - Metallica (No... Not because of Stranger things...) -All along the watchtower - Jimi Hendrix -Killing in the name of - Rage against the machine -Thunder - AC/DC ... 😑 had too -Barracuda - Heart -Crazy Train - Ozzy Osbourne -Beat it - Michael Jackson -No one knows - Queen of stone age -Eye of the tiger - Survivor Edit* Yes !!! War Pigs definitely. I forgot that one 😅. AC/DC can f*** off and be replace by Black Sabbath 🤟 Edit** Welp... Sry for Layla I guess 😆 Soooo 8/20 😌

[@thesemichrist333]

Love Heartbreaker, but Black Dog is the best Zep riff by a mile.

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

Black Dog definitely #1. Heartbreaker is not even the best riff of the Zeppelin II album.

[@TimBitten]

Hard agree

[@dustingunter6202]

In my time of dying is easily my favorite riff of theirs

[@chadbouterse8617]

Great riff, but hard to no pick The Ocean as the best to my ear

[@padmakshkhandelwal1832]

I adore Heartbreaker but my favorite is Kashmir.

[@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

[@leighhauck8806]

The Tropper by Iron Maiden is by far their best riff. Country Girl by Black Sabbath is another highly underrated riff.

[@josiahp.6960]

Love The Tropper

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@dangerousmatt522]

“Run to the Hills” is a super iconic Maiden song, with probably one of the best opening metal riffs of all time. I also really enjoy “Fear of the Dark” and “Powerslave”.

[@j.h.s.9361]

Run to the hills is great but the whiny-ness of the intro always bugs me a bit, still love maiden tho, greatest riff tbh i really like the intro to rainmaker

[@googlyboogly1060]

Powerslave riff underrated imo

[@grandadmiralmanatee]

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

[@harinezumi6164]

As for Iron Maiden, I'd recommend Aces High because that's the song that got me into them! I couldn't stop listening to it for dayyyys; and I'd also recommend Wasting Love, which I think is a rather unique song in their catalogue; it's a power ballad and it grew on me a lot the more I listened to it.

[@GrimmsHouseofHorror]

I was thinking the exact same thing, definitely underrated, or number of the beast

[@TheStrykerProject]

YES! RATT's Round 'n' Round does indeed belong on this list. Your guess, uhhh, wasn't it, and good luck looking up an *accurate* tab! Rocksmith has the closest, if not actually correct, tabs. I encourage you to seek it out - it really is fun to play.

[@skatertrev7]

Lay It Down and You're In Love by Ratt are also contenders.

[@ashayarekar2331]

@@skatertrev7 Never Use Love is a phenomenal one too

[@sebastiandececchis5102]

I was half expecting them to put Stairway in all 20 spots but they actually did a pretty good job!

[@erickbloomquist1620]

George Thorogood on One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.. that lick before the muted verse is one of my all time favorites

[@brianvillatoro6588]

Based pick

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@MiataChannel]

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

[@kingoffire9373]

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

[@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

[@garrettgraf2514]

If we’re talking riff vs lick, because I do think there’s a difference, I’d say The Ocean by Led Zepplin is a definite contender. It’s got the perfect mix of a cool melody and a killer rhythm

[@TheRubenMar]

I think a lick can be a riff, depending on how is use

[@garrettgraf2514]

@@TheRubenMar I tend to think that a lick is more melody focused where as a riff has a distinct melody, but arguably the more iconic part of it is the rhythm

[@shayneauffarth4406]

I think a lick is something that is only played once in a song, where a riff is played over and over and the main focus of the guitar part

[@garrettgraf2514]

@@shayneauffarth4406 I wasn’t sure if there was a defined difference, but it’s good to know there is

[@shayneauffarth4406]

@@garrettgraf2514 oh there isn’t lol that’s just my opinion

[@ingibjorgsalvor4104]

The new-ish Iron Maiden song Writing on the Wall has some pretty awesome riffs in it. But I agree, their strength has always been the melodies, solos, lyrics, drums.. well almost everything except riffs.