Favorite guitar riffs

I think those who have no appreciation for alternative forms of music should not be commenting on this thread. What I read is that a few people have no appreciation for music at all, but rather still rely on whatever they started listening to in their youth. If you cannot accept or appreciate the talents required to even produce the music they find so offensive, then I think it is best to keep it to yourself.

Years ago, I was down on all country music, thinking all of it was hick stuff. I grew up with the Grand Ole Opry playing in B&W on the TV every week and when it came on, I had to leave the room. About 10 years ago, I caught a song from the 1950s and became fascinated by the steel guitar and started listening to classic C&W music. Today, I record music by such greats as Hank Williams, Jim Reeves, Faron Young, Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, Ray Price, Sonny James, etc. and mix it with 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, etc. I have learned to appreciate music by taking the time to listen to those artists who excel in their trade and now listen to many genres of music. Bottom line is that if you do not give alternative music a chance, you are not a music lover at all!

Reading a few of the replies, I think a definition of a guitar riff is warranted:

What is a Guitar Riff? A riff in music, a riff is a repeated sequence of notes or chords. A guitar riff is often catchy and helps give structure and character to a piece of music. Riffs most commonly appear in rock, funk, jazz, and Latin music, though they can be found in almost any genre of music.

I can think of a great guitar riff in a vintage country song that fits the definition. Marty Robbin's El Paso riff at the beginning is certainly catchy, remarkable, and recognizable. It sets the tone of the entire song is repeated within the body of the music as well. A great piece of music history!

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpYgklUvJbg[/ame]
 
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^^^^^
Here's the same tune with Jim Hall riffing with Desmond.
The above left out Hall, as a kind reedman wrote the sax solo,
for students etc.

In my world, guitar and alto sax or alto flute are sweet.
Only thing sweeter is the Lady that is dancing with you.

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6vvgz_x5YUs[/ame]
 
Kashmir
Led Zeppelin

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzVJPgCn-Z8[/ame]
 
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[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIGKlicb8n0[/ame]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWW2SzoAXMo[/ame]
 
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyKdXqAuOrc"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyKdXqAuOrc[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2V9yqfXIf4"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2V9yqfXIf4[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJvG1i79CPc"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJvG1i79CPc[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HwAyDy3qTg"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HwAyDy3qTg[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCvciGNpiPY&list=RDMM&index=8"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCvciGNpiPY&list=RDMM&index=8[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYXHdFUAqK4"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYXHdFUAqK4[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJEewund2zQ"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJEewund2zQ[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03hGi0_r0xc"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03hGi0_r0xc[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKlzdDDl250"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKlzdDDl250[/ame]
There are many that qualify.
Mine is a perspective born of plugging into a tube fired head feeding into a 4 X 12 cab.
The strings at your fingers have a certain clairvoyance that comes through the rig, sending a tone that plows through you.
It can become a feedback loop that gets a little out of hand. and it's supposed to.
Perhaps the day comes that your eyes regain focus as the last note rings out, to see the melted faces of those you were privileged to take along for the sonic ride.
 
venomballistics said:
Mine is a perspective born of plugging into a tube fired head feeding into a 4 X 12 cab.
The strings at your fingers have a certain clairvoyance that comes through the rig, sending a tone that plows through you.
It can become a feedback loop that gets a little out of hand. and it's supposed to.
Click to expand...

I would often pull the outside pair of power tubes out to make the amp break quicker and use 25 watt Celestions for growl. Sometimes I would use a power soak.

Fender Deluxe Reverb Blackface for clean and blues.

I miss the stage.
 
Rustyt1953 said:
I would often pull the outside pair of power tubes out to make the amp break quicker and use 25 watt Celestions for growl. Sometimes I would use a power soak.

Fender Deluxe Reverb Blackface for clean and blues.

I miss the stage.
Click to expand...

Closest thing to the blackface I have is a Trainwreck express clone I built. From a sweet glistening clean up to venomous fangs were possible through playing dynamics.
Never a wise idea to gig with a one off prototype rig. you can't simply replace it when it breaks. None the less it served my well.
 
venomballistics said:
Closest thing to the blackface I have is a Trainwreck express clone I built. From a sweet glistening clean up to venomous fangs were possible through playing dynamics.
Never a wise idea to gig with a one off prototype rig. you can't simply replace it when it breaks. None the less it served my well.
Click to expand...

Opening up a Trainwreck is like looking a work of circuitry art.
 
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