Top 10 Greatest Keyboard Riffs in Rock

[@winter1235]

I guess The Final Countdown is too European for WM.

[@zoegappa125]

I see what you did there.

[@jsbmx2039]

that song should have been at least top 3

[@ccubsfan94]

I watched this vid a couple hours ago, heard it on the radio and could not figure out why it wasn't number one. I knew that song before I knew what songs were.

[@cypher_temjin]

When I saw the title of this video, I knew Final Countdown was in there. Man was I sadly wrong.

[@denisdrozdoff2926]

The Final Countdown is just as good as any of Swedish successful hair/pop-rock song, you can't put a whole country on that list.

[@WatchMojo]

By the sounds of things we're going to have to do ANOTHER Top 10 Keyboard Riffs in Rock! Drop your suggestions on our Suggestion Tool watchmojo.com/suggest/Another+Top+10+Keyboard+and+Synth+Parts+in+Rock

[@furripupau]

the safety dance obviously (it's rock because i said so)

[@SwedishBrownEye]

The Final Countdown by Europe is way more famous than most entrys on this list. Missing that one is a major fuck-up!

[@thegregors8484]

+Robert Sidén you got that right one of the best.

[@guibox3]

Dire Straits';Walk of Life'; is a must! Same thing with 'See Forever Eyes' by Prism. Check it out! I can;t believe you forgot it and put something like Joy Division over those!

[@chrisbassani1152]

oh and "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who

[@baileyyeates3261]

I’m glad they added the doors, people forget that the doors had one of the best keyboardist/organist in rock history.

[@awaken77]

Nobody forgot, one of very influencial bands

[@76Draeger]

Sad part is that it lists Van Halen Jump as 1983 when the album was titled the same as the release year --- 1984

[@rogexpo9430]

Roundabout by Yes deserves to be on this list and not just an honorable mention.

[@peggyfranzen6159]

roger esposito True.' Six Wives of Henry the Eighth'- live .Then listen to " Rock and Roll Prophet"-awesome.' I Am So Straight, I'm A weirdo."

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

Agree; I was assuming it was going to be #1 or #2 when I started watching.

[@siler7]

@@publiusvelocitor4668 Same. I could hear it in my head before I could remember the name.

[@beljorge701]

I am. Agree. Yes deserves the first place

[@fixitdude74]

There's quite a few Yes tracks with awesome keyboard riffs: as mentioned "Roundabout", Starship Trooper, Awaken, Perpetual Change, Your's is no disgrace, The Fish(Schindleria Praemeturus), Heart Of The Sunrise.

[@bravevoice2771]

Mojo..... learn the difference between a riff and a solo.

[@Daberney]

A.D. Stubbs: "Yikes" as in, "Yikes, I've got a massive erection"?

[@mark-o-man6603]

​@A.D. yo, if had been in jail with those two guys, I'd definitely smashed them in the shower.

[@poet7158]

Riff noun : a short repeated phrase in popular music and jazz, typically used as an introduction or refrain in a song. Rush's subdivision is not a riff , but a solo

[@ChristianIce]

How can a list lack a final countdown?

[@settratheimperishable4093]

I dunno it's like the most popular one... They need to put their shit together.

[@naughtygawd3269]

not even a honorable mention

[@localplaguedoctor8270]

Wasnt that a trumpet

[@hamsteralliance]

It's a keyboard playing a "synth brass" sound.

[@naughtygawd3269]

jesse boer it's still a synth sound

[@josephancion2190]

It's basically "top 10 keyboard parts in rock", and not "riffs".

[@josezazueta19]

Ozzy Osbourne's Mr. Crowley.

[@MrBelmont79]

96 Tears- Question ? Wully Bully-Sam the Sham I'm a believer- The monkeys... These guys left out the most famous and catching tunes.

[@awaken77]

Almost everything from ELP, Deep Purple, Yes, The Doors, Genesis, Atomic Rooster, have great keyboard riffs

[@juliofc56]

Definitely Atomic Rooster, Tomorrow Night etc

[@matheusmartins1449]

In the cage

[@Emersonlakeorpalmer]

Elp first😏

[@vicferrari89]

Problem is, this song is so.............ya know, cheezy.

[@thetruthhurts6652]

Jon Lord’s Lazy is epic.

[@SilverSting420]

Final Countdown? Most iconic keyboard riff of all time? Actually a riff?

[@mozartronic9]

Agree! Totally absurd!

[@uzielonga5311]

Me temo que la mayoría de los puestos ni siquiera son riffs, la verdad no me gusta final count down pero admito que ese si es un riff de teclado

[@anthonyyyy2858]

Maybe they count it as pop?

[@TillyWacker]

its jump by van halen and we all know it

[@minibr0colli611]

Nah final countdown is kinda lame

[@gangster60000000]

I don't understand why Green Onions - Booker T & the MG's isn't on this list... it's so iconic.

[@RichardMedhurst]

the organ solo in House of the Rising Sun should've definitely been on this list. As epic as it is though, Baba O'Riley is well placed at n1. That keyboard riff is just insane. It's the very first thing you hear on the very first track on "Who's Next". Just legendary, known the world over. The entire song is literally a rock n' roll anthem.

[@DonZollFL]

Completely agree on both ends of the comment. Anthemic Baba O'Riley, but the Animals should have had a song on the list.

[@lafalconetafc6932]

I love both The Who and The Animals, but the list here is for riffs, not solos

[@LMTVVideos]

The Baba O'Riley keyboard riff is actually created by a Lowrey home organ from the 1970's with a feature called Marimba Repeat.

[@bobbyslater1198]

I've always heard that the "keyboard" sounds on Who's Next were actually synthesized drums, created by Keith Moon.

[@paulwatson746]

Difficult to disagree with that.

[@nhl1770]

What's next? Top ten ways to wipe your ass

[@ViktorPopov2000]

xD

[@previewreview2364]

I love how people think it's watchmojo running out of ideas when people on their website actually submit ideas for their lists....so if you want original content just make a suggestion on their page. Otherwise, shut the fuck up!

[@TheOmegaRiddler]

#2 - 3 shells

[@janidoe4561]

+Preview Review idiots don't realize that. They just want to make a comment that's been seen over a thousand times

[@previewreview2364]

+Team Valor Damn straight...

[@ittlebitz]

"Cars" by Gary Numan used multiple synthesizers! And I think Dire Straits "Walk of Life" has a pretty memorable keyboard line as well!

[@richardharms2009]

as well as The Cars' Bye Bye love. Oh and don't leave out Genesis Abacab. Who Ra.

[@jasonharris1636]

"Light My Fire" is the greatest hook up break up makeup Revenge sex song ever

[@patsfan4life]

LOL okay......

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

It is?

[@jondunmore4268]

Why aren't you showing the actual memorable opening riff of ELP's "Fanfare" instead of them jamming? Same with Deep Purple's "Highway Star" - you're just showing the jam, rather than the Bach-tastic recorded solo. Or what about the opening of "Perfect Strangers" or the opening of "Might Just Take Your Life"? And another commentator is correct - where's Europe's "Final Countdown"? That's GOT to be one of the most recognizable riffs in modern gaybo rock!

[@24eGardian]

The people at watchmojo don't know shit about music, that's why.

[@metafis2490]

Possibly because they dont want a copyright strike.

[@bencheshire]

Yeah they've not played the actual riff from any of the songs except maybe Jump and Love Will Tear Us Apart.

[@jonhoward180]

Jon Dunmore I agree. Might Just Take Your Life has a much more identifiable riff which runs through the whole track. Jon Lord also came up with the riff. Whereas Highway Star has an undeniably great solo - but imo I can't hear a keyboard riff. These lists are pretty pointless at the end of the day :)

[@ChaplinMax]

Ben Cheshi

[@pavkey88]

10. Subdivisions- rush 9.Separate ways - journey 8. Foreplay long time - Boston 7. Fanfare for the common man - ELP 6. Love will tear us apart - joy division (seriously)??) 5. Jump - Van Halen 4. Shine on you crazy diamond - Pink Floyd 3. Highway star - Deep Purple 2. Light my fire - Doors 1. Baba o Riley - The Who Also, this list is horrible

[@KeeperOfPoops]

it needs more Europe - Final Countdown

[@JimmyLedezmaa]

Joy division love will tear us part is a good song but the piano was alright but I don't think it shouldn't have gotten up on there

[@jeremyc9593]

@Willliam Allison Thankfully, it had none.

[@belgianwaffles99]

Yeah, it was iffy, but I actually do appreciate Joy Division being on there. It was a forerunner to such an iconic sound for a while. But to each his own, and thank God we have enough great music to argue about it, right?

[@devinthierault]

Love Joy Division but the synth in that is simple as hell. I would've chosen something from Depeche Mode if they wanted something post-punk synth pop

[@theboyx323]

Where is Final Countdown and House of the Rising Sun?

[@frostyvr9805]

theboyx3 and spaceship superstar

[@FRN2013]

Also Child of Vision by Supertramp

[@Cornivus7]

Too mainstream

[@TheNgandrew]

"Are Friends Electric?" by Gary Numan and the Tubeway Army.

[@taniasalu2405]

Anything Gary Numan, the original paranoid android.

[@StyxYRenegade]

I'd rather pick Tarkus over Fanfare for the Common Man for Emerson, Lake & Palmer

[@LittleLion93]

Yeash Tarkus was the first that popped in my mind.

[@StyxYRenegade]

LittleLion93 Like seriously, the intro itself is a 2.5 minute keyboard solo that keeps changing tempo. I was a tad disappointed that Tarkus didn't make it, but at least ELP was chosen.

[@davidscott129]

If they were going to pick ELP doing Aaron Copeland, I'd have preferred "Hoedown".

[@Juno1849]

Same.

[@christopherfujino]

I thought for sure "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was gonna be number one.

[@TimMiddleton]

so did I

[@moleman1976]

Goddamn, I didn't think of that one, but it's a good one. I still think Europe's "Final Countdown" should be top because of how recognizable that riff is. Nothing says synthesizer like FC.

[@fthees]

I do agree with Brian M. I love "A Whiter Shade of Pale" but for a "keyboard riff in rock" Final Countdown is #1 for sure. Or just kick Joy Division from that list :-)

[@jimsanderson4180]

I don't agree about "Final Countdown". It is just not famous enough. I was fresh out of high school when that song was released but I never heard it on the radio. As a matter fact I've never even heard of the band until you mentioned it in this thread.

[@superbracey]

Jim Sanderson Maybe it's a European thing. It's very famous in the UK. Don't know about the US.

[@w1ngsfly]

I'm astonished there was no mention of Procol Harum's Whiter Shade of Pale.... Simply astonished.

[@deborahpaley21]

Ridiculous!

[@shirleymental4189]

@w1ngsfly Don't be astonished, this is WatchMojo fer fucks sake. I doubt their research goes beyond MTV

[@kazabushy]

It's not rock!

[@nickj7335]

Bushy's Barefoot Bar yes it is, it’s rock soul

[@kazabushy]

@@nickj7335 No Baroque pop. PH are more known as a prog rock band though.

[@graysadventureland4253]

To Live and Die in L.A. - Wang Chung. That electric piano riff at the beginning is pure 80's Gold!🔥

[@kevindavis3985]

Ina-gada-da vida belongs in the top three, for sure.

[@ZiggyWalsh]

My thought exactly!

[@zeldamex]

I mean, Joy Division??? What the heck...

[@stephaniethompson6319]

Did you know that at 11:23 of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, the organ part is actually God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman. Go listen!

[@almason253]

Nice!

[@DoomiteAsh]

Absolutely! Great song by a great band that didn't get near the respect they should have!

[@Philtration]

Half of these could have been Deep Purple and the other half The Doors.

[@user-mn1qf2mm8m]

Philtration Thanks man, this sentences was exactly what I was looking for. Ray Manzarak is in my opinion the best musician ever.

[@ashpighetti6970]

All of it could have been the doors

[@richardernsberger5692]

Riders on the Storm has a great keyboard riff.

[@chriss3838]

Truth!

[@pzooka]

Yeah the title should have read "top 10 most recognizable keyboard riffs" Ray manzarek was actually a jazz/blues guys taking advantage of the emerging rock and roll trend at that time which was slowly becoming more and more experimental. So luckily for him he even got to do a couple of jazz solos on light my fire, when the musica over, riders on the storm, etc He was clearly a smart guy and his abilities far exceeded the actual needs of the band. Ray manzarek and Jim Morrison were fuxking blessings to each other and all of man kind at that. Man the doors wrote so much great material

[@BobDetonado]

What? The Final Countdown - Europe Only Time Will Tell - Asia Man Of Miracles - Styx The Show Must Go On - Queen

[@iAdvanceMasked]

Disagree Should be 3. Firth Of Fifth - Genesis 2. Tubular Bells opening - Mike Oldfield 1. Roundabout - Yes Or shuffle em. Throw in U.K.'s "Presto Vivace and Reprise" off 'Dead Of Night' for good measure, too.

[@progisloveprogislife4501]

Prog for the win

[@davep8221]

Excellent choices, and finally a Mike Oldfield fan.

[@Riloman17]

I'd put Close to the Edge over Roundabout.

[@davep8221]

@@Riloman17 And I'd put _Awaken_ over everything and anything. However, I still often say, my favorite Yes song is the one I'm currently listening to. Mike Oldfield's _Amarok_ (first song, side one ;-) towers over everything, except [REDACTED].

[@stevenpape2021]

Watcher of the skies over Firth of Fifth.

[@Gandellion]

How about top 10 underrated guitar solos? Or top 10 worst guitar solos? Basically all the guitar solo lists

[@Gandellion]

Top 10 songs that need a goddamn guitar solo

[@_dFour_]

+Clara I-M Top 10 Guitar solos that deserves another guitar solo while a guitar solo plays in the background!

[@WatchMojo]

We've done 2 lists on that! First: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGWxgH1qZ5J1ga8 Second: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX-qiKFmo9qjeMU

[@lollijok]

which solo should be number 1 instead of comfortably numb? Please don't mention some Deathcore sh*t

[@bryanmatthews1540]

symphony of destruction- Marty Friedman ashes in your mouth-Marty Friedman I am a Viking yngwie malmsteen paradise city at mtv music award s buckethead ode to a country mouse- Bryan Matthews 7th gear- Bryan Matthews conquer or die- kiko

[@Brekner]

Finally a decent top, where people might find out about good music...probably lots of negative comments and dislikes inc.

[@jaibhimadevi5805]

If we're talking riffs, rather than overall keyboard parts/performance (and not counting piano) in rock songs, does "96 Tears" not count? "House of the Rising Sun"? "Freeze Frame"? At least a half-dozen songs by the Cars? Again, just from the riff aspect, I would've put "Hush" over "Highway Star". "Magic Carpet Ride" also is rifflicious. "Blinded By the Light" not only starts and carries on a keyboard riff, they managed to squeeze friggin' Chopsticks in there and get away with it. "All Of My Love" is made by John Paul Jones' synth strings. Amen to the already-mentioned "Final Countdown", "Inna Gadda da Vida", and "Frankenstein". Also, "Empty Pages" deserves an honorable mention.

[@vaca_velga_puta]

Also "because" of beatles, is art

[@kingjohnny4314]

Well its a top ten not 20 but i agree some songs should have been on the list insted

[@73twall]

When I was a kid, "Separate Ways" and Baba O'riley" resided heavily in my head. So catchy it's infectious

[@juangomez7586]

Well I think that Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough deserves at less a honorable mention...Does anyone else think the same????

[@bsvenss2]

It says "rock" in the title.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

They Probably don't consider them a rock band

[@nelsonricardo3729]

Yes! Vince Clarke is the king of synth.

[@oliverharper7411]

Well, whilst that's probably the most recognisable synth part in their back catalogue, I wouldn't say it's their best. They definitely need #1 if they do a pop list. Best synth band ever.

[@chuckaudio3191]

Between DM,Yazoo and Erasure, Vince should have his own top 10 list!

[@luismg2130]

Genesis - In the cage. That solo totally kicks ass.

[@luismg2130]

The whole TLLDOB album is a keyboard masterpiece indeed.

[@Cpayne30]

The Lamb is a masterpiece!!!

[@earscapesmusic6091]

A standout track to be sure!

[@MrDemonology]

Yeah, no mention of any of Genesis top hits...This list wasn't well researched or thought out at all.

[@taniasalu2405]

You forgot Gary Numan's 'Cars', and a-ha's 'Take On Me'. Both instantly recognisable and iconic keyboard riff songs. Numan's music was ahead of its time.

[@areciosmith]

Well, maybe they don't consider Stevie Wonder's Supertitious as rock but...

[@christophermorrison8632]

And for a completely catchy riff, higher ground just nails your ears from the first beat.

[@pianoman_luke]

FOR GOD'S SAKE. If you make a video about keyboard riffs don't talk while the riff is playing. That destroys the whole sense of the video.

[@billkeithchannel]

#11 Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve #12 I'll Wait - Van Halen #13 Sunset Grill - Don Henley #14 Cars - Gary Neuman #15 Destination Unknown -Missing Persons #16 Kid's In America - Kim Wild #17 Don't You Want Me - Human League #18 Man Made - A Flock Of Seagulls #19 Draw Of The Cards - Kim Carnes #20 Twilight - Electric Light Orchestra and so on and so on and so on and so on.... #21 So On - P.M. Dawn #22 Funky Town - Lips Inc. #23 Body Language - Queen #24 Keep Feeling Fascination - Human League #25 State Of Independence - Donna Summer (Yes cover) #26 In The Air Tonight - Genesis #27 You Belong To The City - Glen Frey #27 Miami Vice Theme - Jan Hammer #28 Wind Him Up - Saga #29 Africa - Toto #30 Shock The Monkey - Peter Gabriel #31 Take On Me - A-ha! #32 Power Of Love - Huey Lewis And The News #33 West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys

[@santhoshmenon577]

Can't believe they missed "The Final Countdown "

[@thanks58]

"Time of the season" The zombies, "runaway" Bonjovi, "Black magic woman" Santana, Should be on the list or even honorable mention.

[@Habs8691]

By far the greatest keyboard riff is A Whiter Shade Of Pale by Procol Harum. So Iconic that a copyright suit made its way to the House Of Lords court in England.

[@CopperCettle]

I agree 100 %

[@GP-2000]

I thought it would be number 1 too. I think whiter shade of pale sold more singles than this list combined.

[@gamusin2044]

A great riff, but...isn't a rock song, is a oldie romantic ballad.There are a lot of awesome legendary riffs on another musical styles: Abba - Gimme gimme OMD - Enola Gay Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams, etc

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Yeah, I missed that too

[@nigeldepledge3790]

@@gamusin2044 - Quite right. You might even include Cars by Gary Newman, Einstein-a-go-go by Landscape and a whole slew of others if you're going to broaden this to other genres.

[@Holdington]

Wait, Europe's Final Countdown wasn't mon the list?

[@ArturBernardoMallmann]

no.. final countdown is in the story and should be on this list, much more then joy divisions for example.

[@szender2021]

"the song itself is forgettable " ha ha

[@ArturBernardoMallmann]

bereantrb, The Final Countdown contains one of the most memorable riffs of the history! it's a fact. Music isn't just about innovation, yes it is important, but more important then this is create something that touch people! To do this a music need a good melody with a good logic and with a good expression of the feeling that will be passed! plus a good arrangement. About being a contributor to rock or keyboard.. this don't makes any sense. They have gilt of not being the first band to explore a instrument? just deserves respect who create a new and revolutionary technique?

[@philipkarovski281]

Yeah forgettable sure, that's why it's still played EVERYWHERE to this day and Europe are still active, because that riff isn't one of the most iconic riffs in hard rock and hasn't had a lasting impact, and Joy division is sooo awesome...

[@szender2021]

There is a great chord progression with the melody, and also great lead vocal, not to mention the guitar solo. It is not just a synt theme. The whole song is very coherent.

[@stockrbot73]

Final Countdown, Owner of a Lonely Heart and Why Can't This be love definitely deserve to be on this list

[@RTBurruss]

Where are The Cars? Also, this list would have been better if it were split into synths and non-synth keyboards (organ, clav, EP), as the latter three are usually kept separate in most keyboardists' minds, especially if you're not gonna go ahead and throw piano in the mix.

[@patsfan4life]

Good call with the Cars.... Moving in Stereo is legendary

[@daveinmilwaukee]

Can't go wrong with the Cars. But my top pick would be "Dangerous Type."

[@fivestring65ify]

@@patsfan4life Everything Greg Hawks did is legendary.

[@fivestring65ify]

@@daveinmilwaukee Bye Bye Love. Dangerous Type. Touch and Go.

[@BlindLibrary]

Tonight, she comes.

[@freelanceer]

Dude, you forgot "In a Gadda da Vida" by Iron Butterfly and "Frankenstein" by Edgar Winter Group. Unforgivable

[@fredrix3599]

And what about Tobacco Road by Edgar Winter. Most complicated piano solo ever!

[@ernestogasulla7763]

Baba O'Riley is a programmed sequence... worst #1 choice ever. Subdivisions is just some chords. And no Tony Banks? Unfuckingbelievable...

[@KingInky13]

Also, should have chosen lazy over highway star for deep purple

[@JohnSmith-mx8wp]

+KingInky The intro to "Lazy" is the highlight of that whole album. Jon Lord could really bring it...check out his solo in "Flight of the Rat"

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Naw. When a song goes over 5 minutes you really need to ask why. Does it do anything worth being an entire side of a vinal disk? Naw. Iron Butterfly out. Too weird.

[@AndyxPandy]

Firth of Fifth by genesis should have been in the honorable mentions.

[@AndyxPandy]

In fact any keyboard solo by tony banks should of made it onto the list.

[@atrickofthefloyd4208]

Genesis never makes it onto any of these lists it's so disappointing, easily the most underrated band in my opinion

[@Jillbles]

YES. Absolutely.

[@2evil2jam]

Especially the Cinema Show solo, i mean it's 4 and half min of absolute keyboard perfection

[@sebastianrossi3544]

Tony banks and keith emerson are the best keyboard players of all time Keith emerson creares the sintetizer

[@jonathanlewis6146]

Mojo: Calling solos riffs Comments: wHaT abOuT tHE fiNaL COuNtdOwN?! A Whiter Shade of Pale and Summer in the City: *Are we some kind of joke to you?*

[@reacguru]

WTF? Dude... Baba O'Riley is a great song, but that's not even a keyboard riff, technically - it's a sequencer program. Nobody ever saw anybody play that riff on a keyboard in concert, because it programmed into a sequencer and played back by the machine. Great song - pathetic choice for top keyboard riff. You might as well have chosen the guitar intro to Smoke on the Water.

[@KeyBorg1]

Yes Yes Yes!!! I have always said that this keyboard "riff" has no merit because it's an arpeggiator...no credit for something that's not actually played.

[@glennjohnson1561]

It would have been better if they had chosen Won't Get Fooled Again from the same album.

[@areciosmith]

It wasn't. It's an organ played through a Low pass filter of a synth, affected by a Low Frequency Oscillator. Kind of an effect, but played by a human.

[@KeyBorg1]

@@areciosmith Sorry, but you're incorrect. The effect was created with a Lowrey Berkshire home organ using its repeat function, which added a sixteenth-note pulse to held notes (which was a gimmick on that organ for imitating mandolins and marimbas). Then a bit of multitracking and clever note phrasing made it sound pretty big. Basically a low-tech arpeggiator.

[@areciosmith]

@@KeyBorg1 you're right! I was thinking of won't be fooled again! I have to listen again the who to refresh it...

[@christophercleveland7974]

What? No Supertramp?

[@michaelbauers8800]

Yeah, so many amazing piano pieces from them. I thought about that too. I think they were thinking keyboards did not include the piano, because consider how many great things got left out. Poor piano - it's a keyboard but it's percussive, so hides in people's blind spots when talking epic keyboard work in rock songs. Needs to say, top 10 non piano keyboard riffs maybe :) [ No electric piano either I heard ]

[@manuel5091]

Christopher Cleveland Yea, Hide In Your Shell for exemple

[@mikereiss4216]

No Yes either.

[@Chordonblue]

How can you miss the intro to 'Bloody Well Right'? It's a crime!

[@airtempest8945]

Chuck Hunnefield It's the crime of the century!

[@saemikneu]

my list (no specific order) Deep Purple - Lazy (intro) - played by Jon Lord The Animals - House of the Rising Sun (solo) - played by Vincent Price Nena - 99 Luftballons (99 Red Baloons) - played by Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen Europe - The Final Countdown - played by Mic Michaeli The Doors - Light My Fire - played by Ray Manzarek Led Zeppelin - No Quarter - played John Paul Jones (James Baldwin) Deep Purple - Rat Bat Blue - played by Jon Lord Atomic Rooster - 7 (Lonely) Streets - played by Vincent Crane The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun - played by George Harrison The Who - Baby O Reiley - played by Pete Townshend Iron Butterfly - In A Gadda Da Vida - played by Doug Ingle Booker T. and the MGs - Green Onions - played by Booker T. Jones A-Ha - Take On Me - played by Magne Furuholmen Eurythmics- Sweet Dreams (are made of this) - played mainly by David A. Stewart not rock but seriusly great: Stevie Wonder - Superstition - played by Stevie Wonder

[@yvescolin6169]

jesusfish the main instrument of 'superstition' is a clavinet, definitely a keyboard! ;-)

[@ivanyiattila3547]

Where is Genesis? A-ha is nothing to Genesis.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

It never occurred to me to play keys on Sweet Dreams, when you have THAT yummy, boomy drum part. YES, it's simple, but you need the right drum kit and drummer to not step all over it.

[@kenmurray7312]

You must be from my generation if you remember Rat Bat Blue, from a great album!

[@mikethemick13]

Kasmir-Led Zeppelin

[@DavidFosterVlog]

Where's the final countdown from Europe? There were several here that don't come close to that one. #fail

[@ok5988]

And there is no Rainbow in the dark as well

[@Bardonauta]

Where the f**k is "Take on me"?

[@Fluffehampster]

"Rock genre" m8. Take On Me isn't considered a rock song

[@ignaciohernandez865]

yeah it's pop rock. not classic rock

[@zoegappa125]

I was thinking that too.

[@Chris_money]

You stole the words form my fucking face!

[@bobbybacon1779]

THAT IS LITERALLY THE PREMISE OF THE SONG YEAH WTF WHERE IS IT

[@kennyolszewski1053]

I'm a huge fan of Pink Floyd and I was not expecting shine on to make it

[@getlost8027]

I wouldn't quantify anything by Rick Wright in that tune a "riff".

[@jamesallen1816]

Get Lost. Shine On and Rick Wright are amazing but I agree, not a riff really.

[@dadams6593]

Have a Cigar has much more of a definitive riff to the song than Shine on IMO.

[@fvcostanzo]

It wasn't Rick Wright's best effort. I thought the opening to "Sheep" or even better, "Any Colour You Like" would have been more appropriate.

[@getulioprates]

Exacttly!!!! A precise observation.

[@johnnydigiorgio5299]

Whoever put this list together obviously knows nothing about keyboard riffs.........TONY BANKS, ever hear of him??? An honorable mention RICK WAKEMAN......you guys must be on some really cheap moonshine.

[@progisloveprogislife4501]

I love how a lot of these comments are about progressive rock

[@davep8221]

Methanol Margaritas

[@kavemankarl2588]

To be fair fair both of them were included in Top 10 Keyboard Players Of All Time

[@mikereiss4216]

@@progisloveprogislife4501 That's because it's a genre known for keyboards.

[@lord_beethoven1169]

Bon Jovi; Runaway??? Toto; Hold the line???

[@lord_beethoven1169]

Also Bon Jovi; Let it rock.

[@Hatingmeisconforming]

Top 10 most viewed WatchMojo top 10 lists!

[@crazymango28]

yes!!!

[@lemmykilmester5779]

Are you stupid you can just look at their most popular videos on their KZbin page

[@crazymango28]

+Tarquin The Proud but I want them to explain why 😅

[@Hatingmeisconforming]

Tarquin The Proud It's supposed to be dumb

[@ImJCyo]

Topception.

[@deancamp4914]

Yes's "Roundabout" should have been there..

[@seventscott3945]

Scott Campbell along with Starship Trooper and ... ok too many more to add !!

[@GherkmanProductions]

N.O 1 for sure

[@shred4life256]

it was an honorable mention...did you watch the video?

[@GherkmanProductions]

Shred 4Life Yes I did otherwise I wouldn't comment. It didn't make it on the list though.

[@T.A.C.S.94]

I was thinking South side of the sky

[@bilguunmunkhbaatar6841]

Take A Bow by Muse is by far the best synth riff in a rock song.

[@roberta4266]

You forgot "The Cage" by Genesis ... A masterpiece, and phenomenal keyboards.

[@herson7171]

No Final Countdown?

[@bryanmatthews1540]

I don't think the synth part in final countdown is a solo. isn't it just the intro riff? can't remember

[@red5robb1]

it doesn't have to be a 'solo'. they said that at the start of the video

[@nhl1770]

well it's not rock

[@thelolipoptroop7148]

+Bryan Matthews It's not supposed to be a solo, it's just a part

[@bryanmatthews1540]

O yeah. My bad. It's cool for being gay as fuck I guess.

[@OvExX]

Where is walk of life from dire straits?

[@guibox3]

Exactly!! I can't believe it wasn't even in honorable mention never mind right in the top 10!!

[@henleinkosh2613]

Yeah I was expecting that to be on this list as well

[@tudr46]

I can leave without listening to the rest of this stuff then. Walk Of Life should be #1

[@daweller]

Money for Nothing starts of with heavy synth

[@OvExX]

daweller no, that one starts with a snare drum flam and then guitar

[@JJejof214]

Kraftwerk? Pioniers of Keyboard?

[@crom5423]

House Of The Rising Sun - The Animals Rockit - Herbie Hancock

[@CptnWolfe]

House of the Rising Sun is more of an Organ

[@ilhamakbar5482]

@@CptnWolfe they include Boston, ELP, and Deep Purple in this list. (All of them uses the organ)

[@CptnWolfe]

@@ilhamakbar5482 hard to hear the difference

[@lloydb4469]

Why do I keep watching your crappy vids? No "Don't Stop Believing"? No "The Final Countdown"? Get real

[@conf00sed37]

I know right The Final Countdown is AWESOM!!!

[@Sentom23]

Lol I thought it would be number 1

[@spacecadet35]

Me too.

[@Oxmustube]

I watch to learn something...I really don't care about the order. That way I won't lose my mind.

[@LLiivveeeevviiLL]

Dio's "Rainbow in the Dark" got an iconic riff, recognizable at an instant for everyone listening to rock during the 80's. It is not just the intro, it comes back later in the tune.

[@nicktoogood6790]

How can you not include House of the Rising Sun by The Animals?! Alan Price's organ solo is amazing!!!!

[@alisaltk7870]

Its the Final Countdown

[@IsaacRaine63]

How can there not be Toto on here, e.g. Hold the Line or Africa

[@jomivira183]

Add this one - Toto -Hydra...bombastic...

[@gabg1538]

Rush have to be in there!

[@gabg1538]

Only #10?!

[@VirusVox]

This is a travesty

[@alexsaab8089]

I know Rush has to be atleast top 5

[@Torgo1969]

Given how neglected Rush is by the masses, I consider it to be One Little Victory to see them make this list, even at #10!

[@gabg1538]

+Torgo1969 I was thinking of Xanadu

[@Brandonmtlhd]

Pleasantly surprised to not see The Final Countdown and/or Take on Me anywhere near this list!

[@chrisubias7135]

So many great keyboard rifts out there. How to whittle it down to just 10 seems impossible

[@nerdsick3778]

wtf?! How is Take on me by Aha! not on this list...

[@navrotron22]

"Rock Genre"

[@nerdsick3778]

+Antonio James 😥

[@mrprogrock1]

they are just a pop group

[@mr.whatever1949]

I don't think that is counted for rock music

[@talisbriedis]

Aha-ha-ha-ha-haaaaa......no, there is no place for them here.

[@mrspymaster1231]

Roundabout better be on here

[@mrspymaster1231]

I skipped and saw roundabout, at least it was an hb

[@CapnRiggs2k5]

should have been on the list. just sayin'

[@Bluuu3]

Literally had roundabout stuck in my head while reading this

[@EclecticoIconoclasta]

definitely should have been here instead of the crap from journey

[@EclecticoIconoclasta]

Tanner Phoenix i don´t know what the fuck you are talking about. anyway keep being a moron through listening to crap music

[@cormacbrowne9448]

...and how about damned near ANYTHING off Deep Purple in Rock?

[@rorykennedy2767]

Perfect strangers has one of the most badass organ intros and riffs in rock!

[@SWIFTY5150]

@@rorykennedy2767 it's one of my favorites.

[@michaelmills5972]

Intro to "Bloody Well Right" by Supertramp - awesome!

[@fixitdude74]

Yes Roger Hodgson "Fool's Overture" needs and honorable mention

[@averyvincent1868]

THANK you!

[@SotR59]

I know these lists are personal opinion but missing and more memorable than some in this video: * Point of know return--Kansas. One of my top favorite keyboard riffs. * In a gada da vida. Iron Butterfly. How can you miss that one? * Hocus Pocus-Focus * Autobahn- Kraftwerk * Fire- Arthur Brown * Frankenstein -Edgar Winter * Booker T. and the MG's--Green Onions ....just to name a few.

[@joesycamore2899]

Never thought of Focus, they should be here.

[@bobbyslater1198]

Argent - Nexus.

[@ohnobro1424]

Point Of Know Return is such an underrated song

[@davesmith6794]

Thank you for including Rush. They were always on the cutting edge of technology at any given time. From the minimoog, to the huge experimental modular systems, to the digital world of PPG Waves and all the way back again, Rush knew exactly how to sculpt that unique vision.

[@ernestogasulla7763]

But this is a horrible choice... Subdivisions is just some chords.

[@mandkhodge]

Dave Smith yes. Subdivisions was great keyboards but for a drum and guitar group they buried themselves in synth during this period.

[@johnserrano8258]

What about "Presto" and "Roll the Bones"?

[@bulldogdave]

SAGA, another great Canadian band (ignored on this list) was doing that way before Rush did.

[@66limelight]

@@mandkhodge, Yeah a lot of Rush fans complain about that period of their music but I love it. There is still plenty of guitar, bass and drums. Even when they were using more and more synth they were still very, very progressive and unique. I haven't listened to any of their music after Power Windows in years. That album and all the stuff prior is my fav period of their music.

[@fasieh7331]

The Doors are my favourite band, but you changed the SOLO on light my fire, that's not a riff. You could've done the actual light my fire riff, or soul kitchen, or waiting for the sun, they're all even better

[@fabrizioluci801]

Five to One, Back door man, twenty Century Fox, etc etc

[@ukkovuorela4196]

Procom Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale?

[@KarlV1]

do you know what a fucking riff means???

Even rock, too

[@KarlV1]

yeah, but...this..

[@gorgolyt]

Clearly they don't.

[@johnstarcluster]

they really don't know

[@bencheshire]

sure, its vaguely describing the song and everything an instrument does in a song.

[@Arnarost]

Child in time???????????????????????

[@wviampero]

Not as Iconic

[@roberthanna6486]

Should of replaced highway star for sure

[@soakedbearrd]

Great song, but not better than Highway star (as far as keyboards/organ)

[@vonfaahquard8532]

i prefer it to Hwy Star, and the main riff is actually driven by Lord. Too each their own though

[@diederiksamsom4562]

"Not better than Highway Star" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Best joke ever 😂😂👏👏 Child In Time is better than Stairway To Heaven and Bohemian Rhapsody

[@PianoVampire]

ELP - no one should be made to play in weather THAT cold

[@Dragoninja]

What to Frankenstein by Edgar Winter, didn't even make honorable mention, I think you forgot something

[@atomheartmothersuite7913]

I came here for ELP How is it not number 1???!??!?!?!?!?

[@JayJoJonny]

Africa - Toto should at least get an Honorable Mention

[@BaddaBigBoom]

No ..that would be you :-)

[@jonasp.30]

JayJoJonny no it should be at number 1

[@epicdog3189]

Such a great song by a great band gets turned into a meme

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Speaking of Toto.... just saying, just saying cough cough hold the line

[@fivestring65ify]

@@PureHoney_ASMR Bullshit. Toto is a classic rock band.

[@miguelalonso38]

Enola Gay, Mr.Crowley, Final Countdown , Take on me, Age of Consent...some are really pop but a must-include

[@bunnyplush]

A-Ha's Take on Me, that key riff is famous.

[@DonPirloPi]

1 Baba O'Riley (The Who) Honorable Mentions: - Walk of Life (Dire Straits) - Here I Go Again 87 (Whitesnake) - Light My Fire (The Doors) - Karn Evil 9 (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) 2 The Final Countdown (Europe) 3 Jump (Van Halen) 4 Foreplay / Long Time (Boston) 5 Roundabout (Yes) 6 All My Love (Led Zeppelin) 7 Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pink Floyd) 8 Highway Star (Deep Purple) 9 Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (Journey) 10 Subdivisions (Rush)

[@garyclark9185]

Xanadu RUSH

[@simonhebert2681]

My favorite is Dire Straits' Walk of Life !

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Simon Hébert and..... now it’s stuck in my head. Oh yeah the boy can play

[@aristotleasparaguspodcast1129]

Me too

[@JustinStinoStamosZamora42]

Same! It's so such a gorgeous riff!

[@88hakusho]

Alan Parsons did iconic keyboard riffs. Don't forget Kraftwerk! Also Elton John...

[@taniasalu2405]

I also noted no Kraftwerk. To my extreme unhappiness.

[@hernansalcedo1]

This is a very interesting video. Thank u for posting it. Greetings from Venezuela.

[@TheBretDark]

The Logical Song, Goodbye Stranger, Breakfast in America, and Gone Hollywood by Supertramp all have great keyboard parts also

[@domenbaumgartner8765]

Zeppelin ♫ yes!

[@ethanoreilly2002]

You are so right! Supertramp Breakfast fast in America has Incredible keyboard riffs! Even Just another nervous wreck has a great keyboard riff.

[@PajamaPantsStudios]

man, how did i not notice that?? i listen to those all the time!

[@neffam3]

I'm pretty sure every Supertramp song has a great keyboard riff

[@LtJackboot]

Inna Gadda Da Vida solo

[@loiseaunoir1021]

As far I'm concerned for keyboards, the prog bands of the 70's is all I need.

[@BradleyVolk3]

It might not sound like it to most but let's not forget that "HEAD LIKE A HOLE" is a bass synth riff. The greatest of all time in my opinion.

[@jhonnytrujillo9271]

In 1985 Mexican television channel Canal 5 used to play Rush's "Subdivisions" intro on his commercials.

[@TheAmerind]

green onions, final countdown, just died I your arms tonight, Jan hammers Miami Vice Crockets theme, even nin just too name a few.. wtf are they?

[@beejaybath]

America, the Nice

[@Cpayne30]

beejaybath - yes! The Nice!

[@thefakedeal]

aren't green onions blues?

[@malcolmkhummel3]

True...true.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Samir Shrestha I'd call it jazz, over blues...

[@Tomzo711]

Calling bullshit right now if a Styx song is not in here.

[@Tomzo711]

BULLLLLLSHIIIIIIIIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JennyTroutstanding]

YUP.

[@KilianxFire27]

Yes dude !!!!

[@Fixxer315]

I would have included Blue Collar Man, which has a great opening riff.

[@leemiller4604]

Blinded by the Light - Manfred Mann's Earth Band Mr. Blue Sky - ELO Whip it -Devo Dirty Laundry - Don Henley Blue Collar Man - Styx

[@satyavega]

Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes.....love the synth.