Riffs - Definition and Overview

Riff is also an alternate spelling of Rif, a region of Morocco.

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

The term "riff" is sometimes regarded as slang, and is used primarily in discussion of forms of rock music or jazz. "Most rock musicians use 'riff' as a synonym, almost, for 'musical idea.'" (Middleton 1990, p.125)

David Brackett (1999) defines them as, "short melodic phrases," while Richard Middleton (1999) defines them as, "short rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic figures repeated to form a structural framework."

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

Popular pieces and songs that depend on riffs for their effect

• "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman
• "Take Five" by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
• "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
• "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" by Steam
• "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple
• "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees
• "Money" by Pink Floyd
• "Back In Black" by AC/DC
• "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes
• "Day Tripper" by The Beatles
• "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream

Notation and sound examples

• "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly

Listen to the above. (more info)

• "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath

Listen to the above. (more info)

• "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks

The_Kinks_You_Really_Got_Me_riff.PNG
You Really Got Me riff

Source

• Middleton, Richard (1999). Form and Music. Key Terms in Popular Music and Culture. Malden, Massachusetts. ISBN 0631212639.
• Middleton, Richard (1990/2002). Studying Popular Music. Philadelphia: Open University Press. ISBN 0335152759.

External Links

• Jazz Guitar Riffs (http://www.jazzguitar.be/jazzguitar_licks.html)