A catchy riff — whether it be on guitar, bass, synthesizer or some other instrument — can take a song from good to legendary. Just ask some of the artists we've listed below. These are riffs that in ...

The unforgettable riff belongs to one of the band's most iconic songs.

The classic song was inspired by a Jimi Hendrix concert and went on to become one of the most recognizable riffs ever recorded.

"Back in Black" ranked No. 3 greatest guitar riff by Guitar World. AC/DC aimed for a "live as possible" recording with minimal overdubs. The album is best-selling ever without reaching No. 1 in ...

This little essay used to be called “most iconic opening guitar riffs,” but that title would have been a lie. I try not to lie, unless it is absolutely convenient. So I took out the "most." You see, ...

The instrumental hit found an unexpected new audience decades later thanks to an iconic television appearance.

You know the riffs, but you may not associate these guitarists with them. But there's no doubt these iconic riffs inspired a whole new generation of guitarists who are tearing it up today. While at ...

Gabrielle Ulubay is a Music writer at Collider. She has previously been published in The New York Times, Bustle, HuffPost Personal, and other magazines, and wrote at Marie Claire for nearly three ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Quentin Singer is music journalist who covers rock and heavy music. Guitar music is a ubiquitous feature of popular music, ...