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

Summer Time BluesEddie Cochran

Eddie Cochran – Summertime Blues (Town Hall Party – 1959)

This is a work by Eddie Cochran, a prominent artist from the early days of rock ’n’ roll.

Although Cochran himself passed away in a plane crash at the height of his career, this song has been covered by many artists, including The Who, and has become a rock ’n’ roll standard.

Monkey WrenchFoo Fighters

Foo Fighters – Monkey Wrench (Official HD Video)

A rock song by Foo Fighters, a band formed by Dave Grohl, former drummer of Nirvana—credited with spreading the grunge genre worldwide.

Released as the lead single from their second album, The Color and the Shape, the track features heavy, high-impact sound created by drop D tuning (lowering the sixth string by a whole step) and an energetic, catchy guitar riff that really amps you up.

Both sonically and in its phrasing, it’s a rock number that showcases the coolness and fun of rock guitar.

Pinball WizardThe Who

The Who – Pinball Wizard (From “Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival”)

This is a masterpiece by The Who, who were active from the 1960s to the 1970s.

Throughout their career, The Who released songs in a variety of styles, but this track can be considered one of the early seminal examples of rock opera, which went on to influence bands like Queen.

Celebrity SkinHole

Hole – Celebrity Skin (Video)

Despite its simple chord progression, the guitar riff in Hole’s hit song “Celebrity Skin,” led by Courtney Love, leaves an instantly memorable impression and serves as the song’s signature.

Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins also took part in the songwriting, but the distinctly rock-oriented riff is played by Eric Erlandson, one of Hole’s original members.

With its catchy, open, ’80s-style chorus melody that sticks in your head, this track will continue to make a powerful impact on younger listeners.

Change The WorldEric Clapton

Eric Clapton – Change The World

This is a solo number by the guitar god, Eric Clapton.

During his solo career, he became known for blues-based acoustic numbers, and the album recorded from his MTV Unplugged performance is considered a classic of acoustic guitar.

GirlsThe 1975

The 1975 – Girls (Official Video)

The 1975 are a British pop-rock band and one of the era-defining rock bands still thriving in the 2020s.

Their poppy, dreamy, and catchy track “Girls” features an effective guitar riff whose hallmark is a groovy phrase completed by the interlocking of two guitars.

The use of rests is elegant, making it pleasant to listen to, and the melody laid on top sounds somehow glittering and beautiful.

No One KnowsQueens of the Stone Age

Queens Of The Stone Age – No One Knows (Official Music Video)

No One Knows, one of the hit songs by Queens of the Stone Age unleashed by guitar riff sorcerer Josh Homme.

In 2002, the track impressively reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

Modern Rock chart.

Its simple yet meticulously crafted riff instantly draws listeners into its world.

With a bouncy rhythm that gives it a light, upbeat feel, the riff also carries an almost spellbinding allure—highly addictive, hard-edged yet distinctly pop in its resonance.

Different from typical hard rock or rock, this mysteriously captivating riff continues to enthrall countless guitar kids to this day!