[Western Music] A Compilation of the Coolest, Most Rocking Guitar Riffs [2025]

You Really Got MeThe Kinks

The Kinks – You Really Got Me (Official Audio)

When it comes to The Kinks’ signature songs, “You Really Got Me” tops the list.

The track is regarded as a pioneering use of power-chord guitar riffs and went on to influence many later rock musicians.

It’s also well known for being covered by Van Halen.

BombtrackRage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine – Bombtrack (Live Soundstage performance – 1992)

Rage has a lot of songs with awesome guitar riffs.

While the general public tends to go for Killing in the Name, I personally want to highlight Bombtrack.

As the first track on their self-titled album, this song really cemented the band’s image in people’s minds.

The way it bursts from the initial muted phrase into a roaring, explosive riff is just incredibly cool.

BarracudaHeart

Heart – “Barracuda” (1977)

When it comes to thrilling guitar riffs, Heart’s Barracuda, led by the Wilson sisters, is a must.

Released in 1977, this track still captivates Western rock fans today.

Its dynamic guitar riff, in particular, weaves a melody that’s fierce yet beautiful, sending listeners’ adrenaline soaring.

If you only know Heart from their mid-’80s commercial peak, you might be surprised by this intense riff.

It’s a riff brimming with passion and power that every young guitarist should definitely remember!

Marquee MoonTelevision

Television – Marquee Moon

This mysteriously captivating guitar riff is something of an outlier in rock history, yet it has influenced many artists.

Among the New York punk contingent that gave rise to the Ramones, Talking Heads, and Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers in the 1970s, Television carved their name into rock history with lyrics born of frontman Tom Verlaine’s literary sensibilities and a distinctive guitar-rock sound woven from a thrilling band ensemble.

The eponymous track included on their landmark 1976 debut album Marquee Moon is known as one of their signature songs; despite running nearly ten minutes, it never sags for a second, sustaining a taut tension while the instruments interlock with meticulous precision—something that will likely astonish first-time listeners.

The main riff, played by Verlaine himself as mentioned at the outset, sounds from the intro and serves as the song’s spine.

It shouldn’t be technically difficult, yet it’s fascinating to consider how such a freaky guitar riff came to be.

As an aside, the song itself wouldn’t work if any one of the four members’ parts were missing, so in terms of the marvel of ensemble playing, I hope future band musicians will take it as a reference.

Are You Gonna Be My GirlJet

Jet – Are You Gonna Be My Girl (Official Music Video)

Jet, the Australian rock band that thrilled fans when they announced their comeback in 2016.

The lead single Are You Gonna Be My Girl from their debut album Get Born—which has sold over 3.

5 million copies worldwide—features an ensemble that feels like classic rock sound filtered through a modern sensibility, guaranteed to get you pumped.

The riff, played in unison with the bass yet delivering a uniquely guitar-driven sway, is simple but packs a powerful punch.

Its edgy sound makes it a powerfully compelling rock tune that draws in not only rock fans but anyone who listens.

Guerrilla RadioRage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine – Guerrilla Radio (Official HD Video)

The beloved metal band, Rage Against the Machine.

They’re another band known for having tons of killer riffs.

Their track “Guerrilla Radio” is packed with riffs that really drive their rap-metal style.

Despite its simple melody, keeping it grounded in the low end adds depth to vocalist Zack’s high-toned rapping.

Enjoy the explosive guitar riffs!

Beat ItMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Beat It (Official 4K Video)

When it comes to guitar riffs, they’re not just for rock bands! That famous phrase in Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” can certainly be called a guitar riff, don’t you think? It’s such a well-known song that we tend to overlook it, but listening with “guitar riff” as the focus is pretty interesting.

It’s a song I’ve heard countless times, but I think it starts to sound a little different.

The refrain under the chorus feels great, and if you listen closely, it’s a rock sound that really suits a fairly heavy guitar riff!