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

Black NightDeep Purple

Deep Purple – Black Night (Live 1972)

Since their formation in 1968, Deep Purple—a five-piece rock band that has remained at the pinnacle of the rock world despite numerous lineup changes—has continued to reign supreme.

Their 1970 single “Black Night” is still known today as one of Deep Purple’s signature songs, even being used in commercials in Japan.

The bouncy, shuffle-beat rhythm paired with the intro guitar riff is something almost every guitarist has likely tried at least once.

It’s a track that features a performance for the ages in rock history, with a catchy riff that quite literally serves as the face of the song.

I Fought The LawThe Clash

The Clash – I Fought the Law (Official Video)

Alongside the Sex Pistols and The Damned, The Clash are hailed as one of the three great London punk bands, achieving success not only in their home country of the UK but also in the United States.

Their single “I Fought the Law,” released on February 29, 1988, is known as a classic rock song that has since been covered by numerous artists.

The power-chord riff heard in the intro, with its slide-driven groove, really amps up the energy.

With its catchy melody and ensemble that sticks in your head, it’s a number that makes you want to sing along.

Anarchy In The U.KSEX PISTOLS

The Sex Pistols – Anarchy In The U.K (official video)

Counted among the three major punk bands from the UK, the Sex Pistols are a legendary rock band known for songs with lyrics that rebel against power and society.

Their debut single, “Anarchy in the U.

K.

,” is a globally famous number that every rock fan is sure to know.

Its striking guitar riff, playable using only power chords, weaves perfectly with the nonchalant vocals to create a one-of-a-kind ensemble.

It remains an immortal rock tune that countless bands continue to cover to this day.

Born To Be WildSteppenwolf

Steppenwolf – Born To Be Wild

It’s a song that became instantly famous after being used in the film Easy Rider, which depicted the American hippie movement.

It was played in the scene where the film’s protagonist mounts his motorcycle, and even on recent television it’s often used in scenes showing motorcyclists or driving.

Decadence DanceExtreme

Extreme – Decadence Dance

“Decadence Dance,” a song by the metal band Extreme, has “I tried playing it” videos from various countries on YouTube.

As expected, the band’s hallmark guitar skill and catchy phrasing make this track especially appealing.

The vocals, beat, and guitar lines are all melodious and pleasant to the ear.

The dance-beat chorus feels great too, delivering a band sound you can move to.

The guitar riffs are poppy, catchy, and sprinkled with a happy vibe—an outstanding track that’s a joy to listen to and to play!

American IdiotGreen Day

Green Day – American Idiot [Official Music Video] [4K Upgrade]

Green Day, the three-piece rock band inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 and the first punk band to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, delivers with American Idiot—the title track of their seventh album themed around anti-war.

Aggressive yet exhilarating, the arrangement really gets your energy up.

The distinctive guitar riff heard in the intro and verses, built solely on power chords, feels as catchy as the vocal melody.

Simple yet memorable, it’s a rock tune that any guitar kid will be itching to play.

Same DirectionHoobastank

Hoobastank – Same Direction (The Sequel) (Official Music Video)

Hoobastank is a four-piece rock band that has influenced the rock scene since the 2000s, with their debut album immediately certified platinum.

The opening track of their second album, The Reason, “Same Direction,” later became a single and is a fan favorite.

The striking guitar riff in the intro and chorus delivers both drive and weight while remaining irresistibly catchy.

It’s a cool rock tune packed with everything that makes Hoobastank so appealing.