Riff
In music, a riff is an ostinato figure: a repeated chord progression, pattern or melodic figure, often played by the rhythm section instruments, that forms the basis or accompaniment of a rock music or jazz composition.
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."
Terminology
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).
Some sources explain "riff" as an abbreviation for "rhythmic figure", however, the musical use of the term derives from its use in comedy where a riff is a short clever remark ([1]) on a subject. Thus riffing on a melody or progression as one would riff on a subject by extending a singular thought, idea or inspiration into a "bit", or "routine".
Pieces and songs that depend on riffs for their effect
The popular website DigitalDreamDoor has compiled a list [2] of what they say are the "100 greatest guitar riffs".
Notation and sound examples
- "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath
- Piano intro to "Take Five" by Paul Desmond
Musicians who are especially known for their riffs
- Trey Anastasio
- Shoshana Bean
- Matthew Bellamy
- Chuck Berry
- Ritchie Blackmore
- Buckethead
- Jerry Cantrell
- Eric Clapton
- Phil Collen
- Dimebag Darrell
- John Frusciante
- Jimi Hendrix
- James Hetfield
- Tony Iommi
- Mutsuhiko Izumi
- Adam Jones
- Tom Morello
- Dave Mustaine
- Dave Navarro
- Buzz Osborne
- Jimmy Page
- Joe Perry
- John Petrucci
- Keith Richards
- Richie Sambora
- Rudolf Schenker
- Slash
- Pete Townshend
- Eddie Van Halen
- Ron Wood
- Angus Young
- Randy Rhoads
- Gary Moore
- The Edge
- Joe Satriani
- Kurt Cobain
- Zakk Wylde
- Yngwie Malmsteen
Source
- Horner, Bruce (1999). Form and Music: Key Terms in Popular Music and Culture. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell. ISBN 0631212639.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - Middleton, Richard (1990/2002). Studying Popular Music. Philadelphia: Open University Press. ISBN 0335152759.
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