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

The Spirit of the RadioRush

Rush – The Spirit Of Radio

The Spirit of Radio is a song by Rush from their 1980 album Permanent Waves.

The guitar riff that defines this track is instantly catchy and powerfully draws in the listener.

Simple yet stirring, the riff vividly captures the atmosphere of the 1980s, when a wide variety of music flowed through the radio, making it a truly era-defining sound.

Its bright, forceful guitar tone also testifies to Rush’s expanding musical range.

For guitar players, it has likely secured its place as an unforgettable riff after just one listen.

(Oh) Pretty WomanRoy Orbison

Oh, Pretty Woman

Originally active as a TV personality and making his record debut in 1955, American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison is well known for his song “(Oh) Pretty Woman,” which has been covered by numerous artists including Van Halen and was used as the theme song for the film of the same name.

Its simple yet memorable guitar riff, together with its catchy melody, serves as the defining feature of the track.

It’s an imperishable classic whose charm never fades, even as times change.

BlackenedMetallica

Metallica: Blackened (Paris, France – May 17, 2023)

There are so many Metallica songs with awesome guitar riffs that I can’t decide which one to pick.

Enter Sandman, Battery, Ain’t My Bitch, Creeping Death—there’s no end to the list.

Among them, the one I’ve chosen this time is Blackened, which opens .

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And Justice for All.

JingoSantana

Santana – Jingo (Audio)

An early masterpiece by Santana, the artist who helped establish the Latin rock genre.

His performance at the legendary Woodstock festival, shredding on a Gibson SG, is truly unforgettable.

In the latter part of his career, he also became well known for collaborative numbers with many artists.

PanamaVan Halen

Van Halen – Panama (Official Music Video)

This is the third single by Van Halen, the American hard rock band formed around guitarist Edward Van Halen, who is said to have revolutionized rock guitar.

The catchy, thrilling intro—featuring standard palm-muted chugs interwoven with harmonics and whammy-bar work—really makes an impact, doesn’t it? With its exhilarating feel and guitar riffs that shine throughout, this is a compelling track that showcases the fun of rock.

My GenerationLimp Bizkit

Limp Bizkit – My Generation

My Generation is a heavy, bouncy rap-metal track by Limp Bizkit, the American nu metal band known for having a DJ among its members.

It’s a tricky song that doesn’t follow a straight path, yet the sound hits hard and the refrain lands perfectly.

Your ears naturally gravitate to the vocals, but the ensemble—where the emphasized kick drum intertwines with the buzzing low-end refrain—packs a punch.

It’s not a riff meant to be played on a single guitar; the highlight is a refrain that grooves with the entire band.

BoilermakerRoyal Blood

Royal Blood – Boilermaker (Official Video)

A song by Royal Blood, a rock duo formed in the UK in 2013.

The guitar riff that runs through the entire track is striking, isn’t it? As the song progresses, the tone shifts, yet the riff always lingers in your ears, making it an addictive phrase.

Throughout rock history, there are many songs where the guitar riff is more famous than the vocals, but despite using only a few notes, this riff becomes the face of the song and delivers the same impact as those classics.

It’s a number that inherits the spirit of good old rock—a textbook example of a guitar riff.