Favorite Metal Guitar Rock Riffs and Best Classic Aussie Rock Riffs
Here at Mark Joe Hope Music www.markjoehope.com we teach all styles of music however metal rock guitar riffs have always held a fascination for guitar students of all levels.
Here is a list of 10 of the best and most iconic metal rock guitar riffs that have defined the genre:
1. “Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple
One of the most famous guitar riffs in rock history, this riff is simple, catchy, and instantly recognizable, making it a staple in rock music.
2. “Master of Puppets” – Metallica
A thrash metal classic, this riff is a complex blend of speed, precision, and intensity, and is considered one of Metallica’s finest moments.
3. “Iron Man” – Black Sabbath
Tony Iommi’s heavy, sludgy riff helped define the doom metal genre and became an anthem for metal fans everywhere.
4. “Paranoid” – Black Sabbath
Another Black Sabbath masterpiece, this riff is fast, aggressive, and one of the most iconic in rock.
5. “Back in Black” – AC/DC
A hard rock anthem, the riff is simple yet powerful, a perfect example of AC/DC’s ability to write catchy and hard-hitting music.
6. “Whole Lotta Love” – Led Zeppelin
Jimmy Page’s riff here is iconic in the hard rock and early metal landscape, featuring an unforgettable bluesy groove.
7. “Walk” – Pantera
This riff is one of the defining moments in groove metal, with its heavy, palm-muted, and syncopated rhythm.
8. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
While more hard rock, this riff features soaring melodies, intricate picking, and has been a key influence on many guitarists.
9. “Ace of Spades” – Motörhead
A classic from Lemmy and crew, this riff is fast, raw, and embodies the rebellious spirit of metal.
10. “Raining Blood” – Slayer
This fast and aggressive riff is a key part of one of thrash metal’s most revered songs, and it set a new standard for speed and intensity.
These riffs have all influenced generations of guitarists and continue to be a source of inspiration and admiration in the metal genre.
10 Best Australian Classic Rock Guitar Riffs to Play
Australia has produced some of the greatest classic rock bands, known for their iconic guitar riffs. Here are 10 of the best Australian classic rock guitar riffs that have stood the test of time:
1. AC/DC – “Back In Black”
• Guitarist: Angus Young
One of the most recognizable rock riffs of all time, “Back In Black” blends power, precision, and catchy rhythm with Angus Young’s electrifying lead work. This track is a staple in the rock genre.
2. AC/DC – “Highway to Hell”
• Guitarist: Angus Young
The riff for “Highway to Hell” is pure rock’n’roll magic. Its driving rhythm and rebellious attitude make it a quintessential AC/DC anthem.
3. The Angels – “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again”
• Guitarist: Rick Brewster
This track features a haunting, memorable riff and the song itself became an Aussie rock classic, known for its hard-hitting energy and anthem-like quality.
4. Cold Chisel – “Khe Sanh”
• Guitarist: Ian Moss
The riff in “Khe Sanh” is a quintessential example of Australian rock, blending gritty storytelling with an infectious guitar hook that sticks with you long after the song ends.
5. Barnes, Jimmy – “Working Class Man”
• Guitarist: John Swan and others
With its hard-hitting guitar riff and anthemic lyrics, “Working Class Man” is an iconic track that represents the Aussie working class, thanks to its memorable riff and strong delivery.
6. INXS – “Need You Tonight”
• Guitarist: Kirk Pengilly
The funky, minimalistic riff in “Need You Tonight” remains one of the band’s most defining features, blending rock and funk seamlessly into a groove-laden anthem.
7. The Screaming Jets – “Better”
• Guitarist: Craig Rosevear
This hard-hitting riff is quintessential 90s Aussie rock. “Better” features a chugging guitar that’s packed with attitude and hooks.
8. Divinyls – “I Touch Myself”
• Guitarist: Mark McEntee
The riff in this iconic track is simple but incredibly effective, driving the sensual mood of the song forward with a catchy, sharp sound.
9. Spy vs Spy – “Don’t Tear It Down”
• Guitarist: Joe “Jack” Munn
“Don’t Tear It Down” features a gritty, fast-paced riff that helps define the punk rock energy of Spy vs Spy, with raw guitar sounds cutting through.
10. Rose Tattoo – “Nice Boys”
• Guitarist: Peter Wells
With a hard rock vibe and a riff that’s simple but unrelenting, “Nice Boys” showcases the raw power of Rose Tattoo, embodying their rebellious rock sound.
These guitar riffs have become synonymous with Australian rock music and continue to influence new generations of musicians.