Without mentioning specific tracks, I will say that Martin Barre of Jethro Tull should be considered one of the riff kings, (listen to Benefit) as well as Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains. (almost anything on Dirt) Of course there are many others, but those two stand out to me for their ability to phrase a great riff.
Greatest Rock Guitar Riffs
A British guitar magazine recently polled it readers to compile a list of the greatest guitar riffs. Guns 'N Roses "Sweet Child of Mine" came in at the number spot. Here's a link to the poll results. As you can see the list is entirely metal oriented.
My list would include:
The Chuck Berry intro
The Chuck Berry rhythm
The Bo Diddley beat
Temptations - My Girl
Kinks - You Really Got Me
Steely Dan - Reelin' In the Years
Sam & Dave (Steve Cropper) - Soul Man
Stone Temple Pilots - Plish
Beatles - I Feel Fine intro
Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze intro
Is it my fault that nearly all the great riffs are pre-1980?
What's on your list?
My list would include:
The Chuck Berry intro
The Chuck Berry rhythm
The Bo Diddley beat
Temptations - My Girl
Kinks - You Really Got Me
Steely Dan - Reelin' In the Years
Sam & Dave (Steve Cropper) - Soul Man
Stone Temple Pilots - Plish
Beatles - I Feel Fine intro
Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze intro
Is it my fault that nearly all the great riffs are pre-1980?
What's on your list?