What is a riff in guitar?

A riff is a short, repeated musical phrase played on a guitar that forms the main hook or melody of a song. Riffs are typically catchy and memorable, serving as the foundation of a song's structure. They often feature distinctive rhythms, note patterns, and phrasing that help define the overall sound of a song or genre.

Riffs can be simple or complex, depending on the style of music and the skill level of the guitarist. Some iconic guitar riffs, such as the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple or the main riff of "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses, have become instantly recognizable and are widely celebrated in the world of rock music.

In addition to being a key component of rock music, riffs are also commonly found in blues, jazz, funk, and other genres. Guitarists often use riffs as a starting point for improvisation, building upon and expanding them to create new and unique musical ideas.