Riff
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A riff is an ostinato figure: 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.
The term "riff" is sometimes regarded as slang, and is used primarily in discussion of forms of rock music or jazz. "Most rock musicians use 'riff' as a synonym, almost, for 'musical idea.'" (Middleton 1990, p.125)
Some sources explain "riff" as an abbreviation for "rhythmic figure". In comedy, "riff" refers to the process of extending a singular thought, idea or inspiration into a "bit", or "routine".
Musically, 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."
A great many rock songs, and nearly all heavy metal music, are formed from a structure of guitar riffs.
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Popular pieces and songs that depend on riffs for their effect
- "Back In Black" by AC/DC
- "Day Tripper" by The Beatles
- "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
- "Money" by Pink Floyd
- "Louie, Louie" by The Kingsmen
- "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" by Steam
- "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix
- "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes
- "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman
- "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple
- "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees
- "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream
- "Take Five" by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
- "Glory" by Dizzy Mizz Lizzy
Notation and sound examples
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Iron_Butterfly_In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida_Riff.PNG
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida riff
Listen to the above. (more info)
- "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath
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Iron_Man_riff.PNG
Iron Man riff
Listen to the above. (more info)
- "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck
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Take_Five_introduction.png
Paul Desmond and Dave Brubeck, "Take Five" intro
Listen to a sample of "Take Five". (more info)
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The_Kinks_You_Really_Got_Me_riff.PNG
You Really Got Me riff
Source
- Middleton, Richard (1999). Form and Music. Key Terms in Popular Music and Culture. Malden, Massachusetts. ISBN 0631212639.
- Middleton, Richard (1990/2002). Studying Popular Music. Philadelphia: Open University Press. ISBN 0335152759.
External Links
- Jazz Guitar Riffs (http://www.jazzguitar.be/jazzguitar_licks.html)bg:Китарен риф