Riffs are cool! When you start learning guitar, it is important to learn a few riffs to get your fingers moving in the right ways. A riff is a short repeated phrase typically used as an introduction or refrain in a song. There are millions of riffs in music and guitarists love them! Here are 5 riffs that every guitarist should learn:
The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
Strokes songs are pretty much all riffs and chords, this riff is actually featured in the verse and it is really fun to play. Featuring lots of arpeggios, give it a go!
2. John Mayer - I Don’t Need No Doctor
Originally a Ray Charles song, John Mayer’s live version of I Don’t Need No Doctor features an incredible riff. Give it a go.
3. Muse - Hysteria
Turn up your overdrive and give this alternate picking masterpiece a go. It is actually a bass riff, but it’s too much fun to not play it on guitar!
4. Michael Jackson - Beat It
An incredible riff in Michael Jackson's huge hit Beat It. Fun Fact: Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo on this track.
5. Arctic Monkeys - DO I Wanna Know?
A super cool riff that is a little slower than the others but still has everything we like in a riff!
Hopefully you have enjoyed learning these riffs and make sure you play along to the backing tracks and send us videos of you playing!
If you are looking for lessons in guitar, Newbridge House of Music offer one-to-one lessons in guitar, bass, piano, vocals, ukulele, songwriting and music theory. Book your first free lesson now and start your musical journey with us!
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