RIFF

In music, a riff is an ostinato figure: a repeated chord progression or melody|melodic figure, often played by the rhythm section instruments, that forms the basis or accompaniment of a Rock and roll|rock music or jazz composition.

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The term riff is sometimes regarded as slang, and is used primarily in discussion of forms of Rock and roll|rock music or jazz. "Most rock musicians use riff as a synonym, almost, for musical idea.

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A great many rock songs, and nearly all heavy metal music are formed from a structure of guitar riffs.

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Popular pieces and songs that depend on riffs for their effect

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• "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks
• "Back In Black" by AC/DC
• "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin
• "Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
• "Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns n' Roses
• "Aqualung by Jethro Tull
• "Summertime Blues by Eddie Cochran
• "Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
• "Sweet Home Alabama by Lynryd Skynyrd
• "Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
• "Pinball Wizard by The Who
• "Day Tripper" by The Beatles
• "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
• "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd
• "Louie, Louie" by The Kingsmen
• "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" by Steam
• "96 Tears" by ? & the Mysterians
• "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix
• "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes
• "96 Quite Bitter Beings" by CKY
• "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman
• "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple
• "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees
• "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream
• "Take Five" by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
• "Glory" by Dizzy Mizz Lizzy
• "Walk" by Pantera
• "Tie Your Mother Down" by Queen
• "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos
• "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath
• "Enter Sandman" by Metallica
• "Bad to the Bone" by George Thorogood & The Destroyers
• "Highway To Hell" by AC/DC
• "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly
• "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith