RIFF
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- Riff is also an alternate spelling of Rif, a region of Morocco. For the character from Sluggy Freelance, see Riff (Sluggy Freelance).
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."
Terminology
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", however, the musical use of the term derives from its use in comedy where a riff is a short clever remark ([link]) on a subject. Thus riffing on a melody or progression as one would riff on a subject by extending a singular thought, idea or inspiration into a "bit", or "routine".
Pieces and songs that depend on riffs for their effect
The popular website DigitalDreamDoor has compiled a list [link] of what they say are the "100 greatest guitar riffs".Notation and sound examples
- [In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida] ([file info])
- *
- * Problems listening to the file? See [Media helpmedia help].
- "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath
- [Iron Man] ([file info])
- *
- * Problems listening to the file? See [Media helpmedia help].
- Piano intro to "Take Five" by Paul Desmond
- [Take Five] ([file info])
- *
- * Problems listening to the file? See [Media helpmedia help].
Musicians who are especially known for their riffs
- Trey Anastasio
- Shoshana Bean
- Matthew Bellamy
- Chuck Berry
- Ritchie Blackmore
- Buckethead
- Jerry Cantrell
- Eric Clapton
- Phil Collen
- Dimebag Darrell
- John Frusciante
- Jimi Hendrix
- James Hetfield
- Tony Iommi
- Mutsuhiko Izumi
- Adam Jones
- Tom Morello
- Dave Mustaine
- Dave Navarro
- Buzz Osborne
- Jimmy Page
- Joe Perry
- John Petrucci
- Keith Richards
- Richie Sambora
- Rudolf Schenker
- Slash
- Peter Townshend
- Eddie Van Halen
- Ron Wood
- Angus Young
Source
External links
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