The TOP 20 GREATEST GUITAR RIFFS (according to WatchMojo)

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[@MusicisWin]

ok what's the greatest riff ever

[@braidencousineau2040]

thunderstruck

[@michaelmassingill312]

Eruption- Van Halen

[@panossyngounis6902]

@@michaelmassingill312 which Riff from the song

[@Myron1010]

Black dog by Led Zeppelin

[@michaelmassingill312]

@@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@mi6ometala]

This would definitely be my pick too!

[@raydogedog9317]

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

[@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

[@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

[@DalbyMetalHead666]

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

[@abhay8969]

im surprised slts riff ain't on the list, its baffling

[@joeloliver2279]

Yes!

[@cesarmatayoshi]

Pantera as well!

[@bayezidahsan7309]

Thunderstruck is iconic as hell

[@jackwho593]

I prefer megadeth over metallica don't punch me

[@teddinpc]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@chickenandpizza2483]

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.

[@CarterFowler]

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

[@StevenChisham]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@thecandybarbandit6887]

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

[@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

[@photoshopcafe]

14:45 is why I love this channel

[@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

[@ImThe5thKing]

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

[@troystrain2436]

I don't know that I could pick a greatest Iron Maiden riff because they've got so many great ones. Just throwing one out there, 2 Minutes to Midnight. Powerslave, Piece of Mind, and Seventh Son have so many great riffs that it's hard to pick just one even off those, and that's such a small portion of their catalog. All in all, this was a solid list and a great video! Looking forward to checking out more.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jamarcusrussel2352]

no

[@ethanroyer5671]

You must be joking.

[@engjds]

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

[@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.

[@diego_barragan7258]

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.

[@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

[@mrcamcam76]

I think INXS "Need You Tonight" should be on here somewhere. A lot of people probably aren't familiar with INXS but I think anyone would recognize that riff. So unique and recognizable.

[@nobody48803]

I can't recall that one but "what you need" is a good one also but I guess it needs the trumpet to make it

[@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.

[@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!!!!!!

[@user-fb8fh2hf4r]

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

[@philcanselmo9436]

Facts

[@mothcloth815]

Fr

[@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.

[@Snavels]

11:40 It fits the definition of a riff. A lick would be a short phrase that isn't repeated and is often used to transition into another part of the song, the opening is definitely a riff in that it's a repeating musical phrase/idea

[@JoshuaWillis89]

Eh. Is it? Like we call “For Whom the Bells Tolls” a bass line, but it’s not really.

[@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

[@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

[@justsass]

Ain’t takin about love may be the only song that quickly fills you up with so much energy...is there another song like that?

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@michabrzyski8586]

10:08 I think opening riff from Powerslave is one of their strongest but the trooper would fit to bcs it's so iconic

[@bt_the_yank6234]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@markusfreund6961]

The riff that got me hooked on Metal was Two minutes to Midnight. Other greatest riffs on my personal list are Bark At The Moon and A Shot In The Dark by Ozzy, Hall OF The Mountain King, Jesus Saves and Power Of The Night by Savatage, Bad Boys by Whitesnake, Metal Gods (but only the version recorded on the 1986 live album), Rock Hard Ride Free and, of course, Painkiller by Judas Priest, Last In Line and Walk on Water by Dio, Ride The Rainbow by Axel Rudi Pell and Master of Puppets and Enter Sandman by Metallica.

[@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

[@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

[@MiataChannel]

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

[@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

[@brianshaddock5483]

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

[@ethanc1719]

This charming man as well

[@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

[@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

[@cybermanne]

Rime of the ancient mariner has a pretty sweet riff in it that drives the whole song. Not sure if it's their absolute best. But it could very well be. The trooper and Aces high also have some nice riffs. Remember tomorrow has a very iconic riff also. I just realized I'll just list 3-4 songs from every album if I don't stop myself now. But surely they have had some aweome riffs in Iron Maiden.

[@wllmmttwht7240]

“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.

[@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.

[@infinitetgaming]

My personal favorite guitar riff is Slow Chemical by Finger Eleven. I'm a massive wrestling nerd, that's most of the reason I went for it, but every guitar bit in the song is great, especially the opening. WWE, more specifically Jim Johnston has made some of my favorite guitar riffs ever, and if it wasn't for wrestling and my parents buying Rock Band, I might not be typing this. So I have to give it to this song specifically, and although I could've went with Motorhead's The Game, Slow Chemical always gets me to rock out, and I never skip it unlike The Game.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@Darbobski]

This would never make the list, but I'd like to share it with some of the riff lovers here. It's "God Sends Quails" by the 77s. Also one of the best baselines I've heard.

[@Michael_VG]

I have three favorites, possibly the best though I don't love comparing everything without regarding different genres. Mine are all from the same genre however. They are: the opening riff to Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne/Randy Rhoads, the verse riff of Creeping Death by Metallica, and the opening riff of The Trooper by Iron Maiden.

[@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

[@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

[@SROWilkerson]

One of my personal favorite riffs is the pinch harmonic riff in the background at about 0:56 in valhalla by blind guardian

[@scipug3048]

to me the greatest is the one i have most fun playing. I love Dream Theaters Intro section in Dystopian Overture (or the riff at second 55 in "false awakening suite, i wish they made a hole song with that riff...). Slow but epic af. I also LOVE Blackwaterpark by Opeth especially that first (first 2 riffs) after the chords of the intro. when i play i just naturally move with the beat lol. I also love the intro riff to OMEGA by periphery. very articulate. i like. there are 100 more but i cant list all and these are only the greatest TO ME. BUT its not realy the "greatest" bc the "greatest" i think means "most popular" or something. so i gues something like AC/DC s Thunderstruck is probably the "greatest" or something like that. something everybody has heared even if they arent into rock or metal.

[@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

[@josephborderline]

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

[@squidwardshouse5431]

Speaking of The Kinks, Dave Davies son has a band called Year Log Disaster and they have some really cool riffs there. Leda Atomica is definitely one of them.

[@ajjacobs1338]

Lay it down by Ratt is pretty good too. Great video as always🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@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.

[@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.

[@YumiVanherck]

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

[@chrisduitsman2918]

For me, my favorite Iron Maiden riff is Fear of the Dark. it's very melodic and somewhat sounds scary in a way. And it's also a clean intro riff.

[@grandadmiralmanatee]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@minotaurtis]

One of my favorites is one I leardned the other day, Brian May’s we will rock you solo

[@llucsimon418]

I gotta say Blue Cheer's rendition of Summertime Blues is a sleeper pick for me, that thing goes SO hard, and before Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath were a thing too! (1968)

[@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

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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!🤘🏻

[@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

[@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.

[@moncalimarimoncalimari8964]

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

[@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

[@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)

[@jojozahau]

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

[@jojozahau]

@@imthekbk your way of thinking is overrated.

[@Glaedr11]

I recommend you all check out the riff at the end of Let Me Leave by Currents.

[@azedt376]

How can you have a list like that without ACDC? I also got a few underrated ones i love. 1. Train kept a rollin - Yardbirds. The nastiest simple guitar riff ever, unfortunately they never really got a great recording of it. 2. All Right Now - Free 3. Candy Song - Masters of Reality 4. Rock Candy - Montrose 5. Mannish Boy - Muddy Waters

[@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

[@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.

[@bjertus]

Better late then never, but my favorites are Rammsteins riffs from Sonne, Du Riechst so Gut, Du Hast, Ich Tu Dir Weh and others. FYI: NOT a guitar player. New here, but love you content

[@MorrisonsProphecy]

It's impossible for me to picck and choose. There are so many I love, from so many different genres and styles. if I were to try to list them, it would be "these are my ten favorite guitar riffs.....today".