The Most Popular Guitar Riff, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the guitar riff you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:40
Guitar riffs are the backbone of many memorable songs, setting the tone and hooking the listener from the first note. They vary widely in style and complexity, reflecting the personality and skill of the guitarist. By ranking these riffs, not only do we celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of musicians, but we also help new and veteran guitar enthusiasts discover which patterns resonate the most with audiences.
This dynamic list is shaped by your votes, allowing you to influence the ranking and see where your favorites stack up. Whether you're a die-hard rock fan or a casual listener, your input contributes to a broader appreciation of musical artistry. Cast your vote today and see how your preferences impact the landscape of iconic guitar riffs.
What Is the Most Popular Guitar Riff?
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158votesThe iconic riff is instantly recognizable and has been covered by countless musicians."Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular hard rock song
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247votes
"Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
Guns N' RosesThe opening riff is a classic and helped make the song a hit.Sweet Child O' Mine is a timeless rock ballad by the iconic American rock band Guns N' Roses. It was released in 1987 as the third single from their debut album, Appetite for Destruction. The song showcases the band's signature blend of hard rock and melodic elements, making it one of their most popular and enduring tracks.- Release Date: 1987
- Album: Appetite for Destruction
- Genre: Hard Rock
- Running Time: 5:55
- Songwriters: Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin
"Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most perfect rock song
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular rock-and-roll song of all time
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful rock song
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330votes
Angus Young (concept) · Public domain"Back in Black" by AC/DC
Angus YoungThe simple, yet powerful riff is a staple of rock music.The guitar riff for 'Back in Black' is one of the most recognizable and influential in rock music. It serves as the main theme of the song, creating a powerful and memorable introduction.- Song: Back in Black
- Artist: AC/DC
- Album: Back in Black
- Released: 1980
- Genre: Hard rock
"Back in Black" by AC/DC in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular hard rock song
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413votesThe heavy riff is one of Metallica's most recognizable and has been covered by many other bands.Enter Sandman is a heavy metal guitar riff that serves as the opening track and lead single of Metallica's self-titled fifth studio album, released in 1991. The riff is instantly recognizable and has become one of Metallica's signature songs.
- Key: E minor
- Tempo: 120 beats per minute
- Rhythm: Power chords with palm-muted downstrokes
- Tuning: Standard tuning (EADGBE)
- Time Signature: 4/4
"Enter Sandman" by Metallica in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular walk-up song in baseball
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular walk-up song
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular hard rock song
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Heavy Metal song
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56votes
"Iron Man" by Black Sabbath
Black SabbathThe riff is instantly recognizable and is considered one of the greatest in rock history.Iron Man is a classic heavy metal guitar riff by the British band Black Sabbath. It was released in 1970 as a part of their second studio album, Paranoid. The riff is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most iconic and popular guitar riffs in rock history.- Release Year: 1970
- Album: Paranoid
- Genre: Heavy Metal
- Key: E
- Tempo: Moderate
"Iron Man" by Black Sabbath in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Heavy Metal song
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65votes
Chess Records · Public domain"Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry
Chuck BerryThe classic rock and roll riff has influenced countless musicians.Johnny B. Goode is a rock and roll song performed by Chuck Berry. It features a catchy and dynamic guitar riff that has become one of the most popular in rock music. The riff serves as both the introduction and the backbone of the song, driving the energetic and upbeat tempo. Johnny B. Goode showcases Berry's distinctive guitar playing style, combining elements of blues, country, and R&B. The song's lyrics tell the story of a fictional guitarist named Johnny B. Goode, who rises to fame with his exceptional guitar skills. Released in 1958, Johnny B. Goode has since become a timeless classic and a foundational piece of rock and roll history.- Genre: Rock and roll
- Year: 1958
- Guitarist: Chuck Berry
- Key: Bb major
- Time Signature: 4/4
"Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular rock-and-roll song of all time
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713votes
"Layla" by Derek and the Dominos
Eric ClaptonThe iconic riff is one of Eric Clapton's most famous and has been covered by many other artists.The iconic guitar riff in "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos is a distinctive combination of fluid slides, fast triplets, and infectious energy. It sweeps listeners off their feet with its raw emotion and technical brilliance.- Song Release Year: 1970
- Album: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
- Guitar Setup: Gibson Les Paul Standard
- Key: D minor
- Tempo: 84 BPM
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810votesThe catchy riff helped make the song a hit and has been covered by many other bands.
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99votes
"Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream
Eric ClaptonThe riff is a classic and helped make the song a hit.Sunshine of Your Love is a iconic guitar riff that serves as the main hook for the song of the same name by the British rock band Cream. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time. The riff is known for its catchy melodic shape and powerful blues-rock sound.- Key: D minor
- Tempo: Around 112 beats per minute
- Tuning: Standard tuning (E A D G B E)
- Guitar technique: Palm-muted power chords and hammer-on/pull-off embellishments
- Time signature: 4/4
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108votes
"You Really Got Me" by The Kinks
Dave DaviesThe riff is a classic and helped define the sound of British rock in the 1960s.The guitar riff for 'You Really Got Me' by The Kinks is a highly influential and iconic riff in rock music. It is a simple yet powerful riff that embodies the raw energy of early British rock. The riff is characterized by its aggressive and distorted sound, played on a distorted electric guitar, and its catchy, repetitive nature.- Genre: Rock
- Year of Release: 1964
- Key: G
- Chords: G5, D5, A5
- Guitar Technique: Power chords
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Ranking factors for popular guitar riff
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CatchinessA popular guitar riff should be easily recognizable and memorable. It should have a melody or rhythm that sticks in the listener's head and makes them want to hear it again.
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Innovation/OriginalityA popular guitar riff should stand out from the crowd and be unique in its style or technique. It should break new ground or demonstrate exceptional creativity.
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InfluenceA popular guitar riff should have a lasting impact on the music world and inspire other artists to create similar riffs or music. Its reach should extend beyond the immediate genre or time period in which it was created.
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Technical SkillA popular guitar riff doesn't necessarily need to be complicated, but it should showcase the guitarist's skills and talent. It should demonstrate a high level of ability on the instrument.
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Emotional ImpactA popular guitar riff should evoke emotion in the listener. This could be excitement, nostalgia, or any other emotion that resonates with a wide audience.
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MusicalityA popular guitar riff should work well within its song and contribute to the overall composition and structure. It should be a crucial part of the song's appeal and not just a standalone element.
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TimelessnessA popular guitar riff should remain appealing even after many years. It should have a quality that transcends trends and continues to be appreciated by new generations of listeners.
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Cultural ImpactA popular guitar riff may have a wide impact on popular culture outside of just the music world. It could be used in movies, commercials, or other media, further solidifying its popularity and influence.
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VersatilityA popular guitar riff should be adaptable to various styles, genres, and situations. It should be flexible enough to be covered or reinterpreted by a wide range of artists.
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Public RecognitionA popular guitar riff should be well-known by the general public, even if they aren't fans of the particular genre or artist. It should have a mainstream appeal that transcends its specific music scene.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular guitar riff. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or riff is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1461 views
- 197 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each riff once every 24 hours. The rank of each riff is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular guitar riff
When it comes to iconic guitar riffs, there are countless options to choose from. From the opening chords of "Stairway to Heaven" to the unforgettable riff of "Smoke on the Water," guitar riffs have the power to instantly transport us to a specific moment in time. But what makes a guitar riff truly great? Is it the melody, the rhythm, or the way it makes us feel?
At StrawPoll, we decided to ask our community what they believe to be the most popular guitar riff of all time. With thousands of responses and votes, we were able to narrow down the top contenders and determine which riff reigns supreme. So, whether you're a die-hard fan of classic rock or a lover of blues and jazz, join us as we explore the world of guitar riffs and discover the ultimate winner.
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