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Opening Riffs

Elster88 May 08 2006 04:38 PM

Listening to Thunderstruck right now. Love the beginning. Sweet Child O' Mine is the greatest song of all time in great part because of its opening. There's a funny story that goes with that one. But to me, the discussion of best opening guitar riffs begins and ends with, of course, Layla.

metirish May 08 2006 04:40 PM

All cool songs, right of the top of my head I am hearing the opening riff to Motley Crue's " Kickstart my heart"...it freaking rocks.

Johnny Dickshot May 08 2006 04:40 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 08 2006 04:53 PM

3 that come to mind: Whenever You're on My Mind -- Marshall Crenshaw Beauty and Sadness -- The Smithereens (ripped off from the Beatles 'And Your Bird Can Sing', but well-swiped) Spirit of Radio -- Rush

Edgy DC May 08 2006 04:49 PM

"I Feel Fine" starts with a riff that says, "You're not there any more; now you're here." A Steve Jones opening riff, whether with the Sex Pistols or with Iggy Pop, can usually kick a few walls down. Although he had a limited number in his bag, you can't help but credit Chuck Berry on this score also. He says he got it from Tommy Dorsey. Repeat a note --- or a quick series of two-to-four notes, and sustain the antiicipation going into that first chord change, and, by the time you do, they're all yours.

Methead May 08 2006 05:12 PM

Heartbreaker - Zeppelin

Rotblatt May 08 2006 05:13 PM

"Hey, Joe"

sharpie May 08 2006 05:18 PM

"Revolution"

KC May 08 2006 05:21 PM

Mofo flashbacks

seawolf17 May 08 2006 05:38 PM

"Smoke On The Water" is, of course, the standardbearer in this category. (A similar case could be made for "Stairway.") I also love Zeppelin's "The Ocean." I dig just about every Aerosmith opening riff (Walk This Way, the bassline from Sweet E, Mama Kin, etc.). The other opening riff I love love love is the one from Thunder's "Moth To The Flame," but the [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000074GL/qid=1147124151/sr=1-9/ref=sr_1_11_9/026-5487515-3485242]Amazon UK[/url] link plays thirty seconds from the middle. There's nothing to it, really, but it just kicks my ass every time. It'd be on my list of my at-bat music.

abogdan May 08 2006 05:42 PM

Crazy Train Edit: Ironman? Got my Ozzy songs confused.

Willets Point May 08 2006 06:10 PM

seawolf17 wrote: "Smoke On The Water" is, of course, the standardbearer in this category. The Holy Trinity of Rock: EAB, EABA

Methead May 08 2006 06:17 PM

I Can't Get No Satisfaction is another good one.

Lenny Harris May 08 2006 07:00 PM

This Wheel's On Fire, The Band Light My Fire, The Doors Highway 61 Revisited, Bob Dylan SWLABR, Cream

MFS62 May 09 2006 12:28 PM

Drum riff: Ventures - Hawaii Five O theme. 88 What's that story? Later

Centerfield May 09 2006 01:00 PM

Just about every AC/DC and Aerosmith song could go on here, but my favorites have always been "You shook me all night long" and "Walk this Way". A slower favorite is "Over the Hills and Far Away".