The Riff reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Riff

A riff is a repeated chord progression or melodic figure, often played by the rhythm section instruments, that forms the basis or accompaniment of a rock music or jazz composition; an ostinato figure. David Brackett (1999) defines them as, "short melodic phrases," while Richard Middleton (1999) defines them as, "short rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic figures repeated to form a structural framework."

Table of contents

1 Pieces and songs that depend on riffs for their effect 1.1 Notation and sound examples 2 Source

Pieces and songs that depend on riffs for their effect

• "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman
• "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
• "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" by Steam
• "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple
• "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees
• "Vision Thing" by The Sisters of Mercy
• "The Glorious Om Riff" by Steve Hillage
• "Master of the Universe" by Hawkwind
• "One of These Days" by Pink Floyd
• "Beat It" by Michael Jackson
• "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes
• "Favorite Mistake" by Sheryl Crow
• "Dark Chest Of Wonders" and "Dead Gardens" by Nightwish
• "Tornado Of Souls" by Megadeth
• "Hot Dog" by Limp Bizkit

Notation and sound examples

• "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly

to the above. ()

• "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath

to the above. ()

Source

• Middleton, Richard (1999). Form. Key Terms in Popular Music and Culture. Malden, Massachusetts. ISBN 0631212639.
• Brackett, David (1999). Music. Key Terms in Popular Music and Culture. Malden, Massachusetts. ISBN 0631212639.