ok what's the greatest riff ever

@braidencousineau2040

2 жыл бұрын

thunderstruck

@michaelmassingill312

2 жыл бұрын

Eruption- Van Halen

@panossyngounis6902

2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelmassingill312 which Riff from the song

@Myron1010

2 жыл бұрын

Black dog by Led Zeppelin

@michaelmassingill312

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

Iron Maiden's greatest riff by far, "The Trooper". It's one of those riffs that all guitar and bass players should learn.

@stonetheforbidden

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

It’s addictive ear candy. It’s like an ear-worm for people who don’t know the song.

@jomaejoestar4001

2 жыл бұрын

Beat me to bastard, lol

@dustyboi8975

2 жыл бұрын

Came here to say this

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@angrybadger4236

2 жыл бұрын

Someone agrees Tyler. Time to fix the list LOL.

@JoshuaWillis89

Жыл бұрын

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

@edensarnelli9373

Жыл бұрын

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

@beforethunder4987

10 ай бұрын

lol besides my dad. good one

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

@chizorama

Жыл бұрын

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

@bryan3487

Жыл бұрын

@@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

9 ай бұрын

Chills.

@JeremyAndersonBoise

3 ай бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

I would argue Alive by Pearl Jam is more iconic than Even Flow.

@fjp1247

2 жыл бұрын

@@joelcastro-reyes1667 More iconic, perhaps, but Even Flow is much harder of a riff, and it's a constant motif

@Darcinator-music

5 ай бұрын

@@joelcastro-reyes1667 Nah. Even Flow all the way

“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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

To tame a land is my favorite.

@Will-lh4lh

2 жыл бұрын

"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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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?

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

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

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

YES

@VINsational331

2 жыл бұрын

This is my pick too.

@bryantheriault

2 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree with you more

@benkelly8170

2 жыл бұрын

Anything of Powerslave tbh, but yeah probably Aces High.

@mi6ometala

2 жыл бұрын

This would definitely be my pick too!

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

@abhay8969

2 жыл бұрын

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

@joeloliver2279

2 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@cesarmatayoshi

2 жыл бұрын

Pantera as well!

@bayezidahsan7309

2 жыл бұрын

Thunderstruck is iconic as hell

@jackwho593

2 жыл бұрын

I prefer megadeth over metallica don't punch me

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

Жыл бұрын

Hallowed Be Thy Name is boss!!!!!

@cristianconnolly2709

8 ай бұрын

Hallowed be thy name, the trooper, stranger in a strange land

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

Жыл бұрын

Man in the Box is one of the most famous rock songs ever. I definitely thing it belongs

"Hallowed Be Thy Name" - Iron Maiden has several great riffs.

@kazater

2 жыл бұрын

imo their absolute masterpiece!

@ieo8446

Жыл бұрын

Pretty much anything from Number of the Beast would deserve a spot

Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood is definitely one of the most iconic and recognizable riffs of all time.

@clifftheplanteddvd6330

2 жыл бұрын

Mannish boy is the original of the riff

@nickwilliams6621

2 жыл бұрын

My favorite riff by George is 'Gear Jammer' ♥ He should be on every list as far as I'm concerned lol

@try2bcool

2 жыл бұрын

@@nickwilliams6621 Hell yes it should.

@r.b.rozier9692

2 жыл бұрын

One bourbon one scotch one beer is orders of magnitude better!

@JefAlanLong

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely a Willie Dixon riff.

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!

I think "The Zoo" by Scorpions is still one of the greatest riffs. Really wish they got more love.

@ryanjones4150

Жыл бұрын

IKR. Animal Magnetism is a great record, a clinic on how to write hard rock riffs and songs.

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

2 жыл бұрын

I’m a fan obv but that’s a lick dude

@jacobhumphrey3535

2 жыл бұрын

I don't think we're thinking of the same part, because what I'm thinking of is pretty riffy

@chickenandpizza2483

2 жыл бұрын

Tygers of Pan Tang Hellhound sounds very similar also.

@josephfabriziodawson5566

2 жыл бұрын

Been my favorite Maiden song since I was 15. Will always love Maiden

@chadmurray1963

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

Fear of the Dark is a great one too! I still think The Trooper is number one though.

@chrislair6832

2 жыл бұрын

Song gives me goosebumps still

@evenkeel6131

2 жыл бұрын

I'm going with The Wicker Man.

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

Cemetary gates man, that main riff hits every time

@chikinonfrydai

Жыл бұрын

wholeheartedly agree, that riff alone cemented the song as one of my absolute favorites

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

2 жыл бұрын

Either that, phantom of the opera or stranger in a strange land

@mortyc1375

2 жыл бұрын

Indeed

@GrimmsHouseofHorror

2 жыл бұрын

Number of the beast as well

@trevorreniger5670

2 жыл бұрын

I'd nominate Hallowed be thy Name's bridge for their best riff. Love it.

@bp.pradhan9494

2 жыл бұрын

Rime of the ancient mariner

14:45 is why I love this channel

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

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

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

@philcanselmo9436

2 жыл бұрын

Facts

@mothcloth815

Жыл бұрын

Fr

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

@johnlemon874

2 жыл бұрын

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

@thedarkfalafel9323

2 жыл бұрын

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

@beeemm2578

2 жыл бұрын

Such a killer track. Favorite LZ song

@sassell3302

2 жыл бұрын

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

@johnlemon874

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

Paschendale too

@Sangreezy

2 жыл бұрын

Where Eagles Dare

@ningthalockdownedition3124

2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheMrdrayerr

2 жыл бұрын

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

@dominikweber4305

2 жыл бұрын

Aces high

I don't listen to Iron Maiden either, but Afraid to Shoot Strangers is a great track.

@ws90ninety

2 жыл бұрын

This guy from "music is win" doesn't like Maiden. Might as well UNSUBSCRIBE. Maiden IS WIN!

@Mercman1010

2 жыл бұрын

The whole fear of the dark album is a must listen. My faveorite is The Apparition

@xamislimelight8965

2 жыл бұрын

Oh you should. They have some great tracks. Currently, for whatever reason, Rainmaker is holding my attention.

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.

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@stonaldinho1178

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

Fairies Wear Boots!

@Ernesto87

Ай бұрын

I would have put "Into The Void" instead.

The bridge of Creeping Death by Metallica is simple BUT with the whole band it's badass.

@B-10theFuzz

2 жыл бұрын

I liked the OC supertones cover of the riff (supertones strike back). Completely different feel. Great riff by Metallica, definitely iconic

@chikinonfrydai

Жыл бұрын

@@B-10theFuzz they only used the intro though, not the bridge riff

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

3 ай бұрын

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@GuitarsRockForever

2 жыл бұрын

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

@JOTG2000

2 жыл бұрын

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

@profilen5181

2 жыл бұрын

Church!

@alexrobertson1472

2 жыл бұрын

Yeh it became a meme, shame really.

@jamiewhichelo9983

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@Adventrium

2 жыл бұрын

Back in Black would be my #1 greatest guitar riff

@cookieman876

2 жыл бұрын

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

@MW-dd8vk

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

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

Without doubt, Money for nothing is the best riff. Though, it is probably one of the hardest riffs to play really well.

@bonniegelato5261

2 жыл бұрын

Yes

@LUckybones25

2 жыл бұрын

It’s a legendary riff indeed!

@andrewmingst1797

2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking sultans of swing but that's more of a whole package deal than just a riff

@Kalervojankko8433

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

utter bullshit, its not the best at all, not even remotely close. the stones zep and acdc have 20 - 30 better riffs.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@cliffprowse3341

2 жыл бұрын

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

@Echo-ctulu

2 жыл бұрын

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

@dwightdawson3578

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

@brianvillatoro6588

Жыл бұрын

Based pick

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I agree… some girls are bigger than others for me

@sirdrilliam2724

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

‘Rain when I die’ is epic as well.

@dtabor85

2 жыл бұрын

For me it's "would?"

@thefaceoffuzz

2 жыл бұрын

@@dtabor85 the bass riff?

@drjoshuamc

2 жыл бұрын

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

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.

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?

"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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@jarodivey9033

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

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

@TheCkhutton12

2 жыл бұрын

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

@jeremyswalley8625

2 жыл бұрын

I guess!!

@wutheringheights01

2 жыл бұрын

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

@blackpilledchad1927

Жыл бұрын

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

@stratonicc2651

Жыл бұрын

OVERRATED!!!!!!

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.

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

Blue oyster cult is one of the most underrated bands imo

@carsonwood2095

2 жыл бұрын

@@user-ne6nz2lb6w I only know don’t fear the reaper but that one is a masterpiece

@acelynch8110

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@acelynch8110 Just About to say that, "Cities..." has one of the best riffs of all time

@biopanda4226

2 жыл бұрын

Great song

For me Layla is just too good It's catchy af and It really gives you the vibes the lyrics tell

@balajiedlyngdoh8366

2 жыл бұрын

That intro is not a riff, it's a lick

@XxNoMErcY99xX

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@ethanc1719

2 жыл бұрын

This charming man as well

More than a feeling by Boston is a great riff. By one of the most influential guitar players in history.

@BlueeyesofSkye

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@whilemyguitarblowsup4174 it’s so good kurt kobain used the riff as well

@galilalexandro4392

2 жыл бұрын

@@ajfanotreally2523 *Cobain

@galilalexandro4392

2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the exact same thing

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

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

“Back in the village” or “Sea of madness” are some killer Iron Maiden riffs. Both are challenging, but fun to play.

@danielnett184

2 жыл бұрын

yessir agreed

@OjosDeHuever

2 жыл бұрын

Yep! Sea of madness is a wonderful song!

@dragonthesharkyt

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed 100%. Way Cool Junior is so different and great, too.

@m92quad55

2 жыл бұрын

100%

@addicted_6961

2 жыл бұрын

Hell yeah

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

Personally I think the best Iron Maiden riff is “Back in the Village”, very underrated

@autumnoraki

Жыл бұрын

It's so good, Powerslave has so many great riffs

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

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@Wapohead

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@bigpapamanman1550

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

@dominikweber4305

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly the whole band is loaded with the best riffs ever

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

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.

The Kinks riff was also the first ever w distortion so that also adds to the legacy

@echoblue1822

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

I thought Revolution by The Beatles was the first with distortion but I guess I was mistaken.

@michaelvc2884

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

And to think that riff was originally going to be played by a saxophonist

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

2 жыл бұрын

I see you with that VH And Mammoth

@kirkwahmmett1666

2 жыл бұрын

Unchained is like the better version of the Ratt riff. (And which riff in for whom the bell tolls?)

@Leviathan5599

2 жыл бұрын

@@kirkwahmmett1666 The chorus riff

@kirkwahmmett1666

2 жыл бұрын

@@Leviathan5599 Nice

@javi5810

2 жыл бұрын

Respectable list

what about the riff from Photograph by Nickelback, Im pretty sure at this point its iconic lol

@Words-of-encouragement.-.

2 жыл бұрын

Lmao

@engjds

Жыл бұрын

They play that in my local elevator, it sounds better than the original.

@jamarcusrussel2352

Жыл бұрын

no

@ethanroyer5671

Жыл бұрын

You must be joking.

@engjds

Жыл бұрын

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

under the bridge opening is so awesome

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@joelcastro-reyes1667

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@JoshuaWillis89

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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.

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

Tension

@moncalimarimoncalimari8964

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

I think the riff at the end is freaking awesome too

@crazypomp927

Жыл бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

Between Deliverance and Damnation, so many great tracks to choose from!

@disturbiafromthebay

2 жыл бұрын

Opeth has so many amazing riffs, I love all those. Also the first couple riffs in Serenity Painted Death.

@YumiVanherck

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@BlueeyesofSkye One of the best bands of all time. Such awesome songwriting and riffs

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

This guy turned his attick into a hall of fame, filled it with guitars and turned it into studio Respect+

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.

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.

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.

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

Aces High

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

2 жыл бұрын

I AGREE

@BHHartman

2 жыл бұрын

The “B’s”?? Who the hell are the B’s?! The Bee Gees? B-52s? Beach Boys?! Hah

@imthekbk

2 жыл бұрын

Walk is overrated as hell

@peluca7135

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

@@imthekbk your way of thinking is overrated.

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

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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)

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!🤘🏻

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

2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree, however, I think there are plenty of songs on “Dirt” and their self titled album with much better riffs.

@SpecialDetermence

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

Those bends are nauseating…in a *good* way! Cantrell has a gift.

@SpecialDetermence

2 жыл бұрын

@@zakkmylde1712 yeah man in the box is so darn iconic!❤️

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

Also the moonchild chorus riff

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.

I love the fact you angled a camera at your crouch just in case you wanted to play along.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

Forgot Know Your Enemy by RATM

@41g28

2 жыл бұрын

Run Like Hell?

@ricardobrasil20

2 жыл бұрын

@@41g28 money riff maybe more iconic imo

@41g28

2 жыл бұрын

@@ricardobrasil20 Yh but imo Run Like Hell better

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@djjodav

2 жыл бұрын

I second this

@alech5280

2 жыл бұрын

Fear of the dark is the better one

@djjodav

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

Aces high fan myself but yeh

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.