What is a guitar riff?

A guitar riff is a repeated musical phrase played by a guitarist, often serving as the main melody or hook of a song. Riffs are typically short, catchy, and memorable, and are used to provide a sense of rhythm, groove, and energy to a song.

Guitar riffs can vary in complexity and style, ranging from simple power chord progressions to intricate fingerpicking patterns. Some iconic guitar riffs include the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, the main riff of "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream, and the famous riff from "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses.

Many guitarists are known for their signature riffs, such as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. Riffs can also be found in various genres of music, from blues and rock to metal and funk.

Overall, guitar riffs are a key component of many songs and can greatly contribute to their overall sound and impact.