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

BrianstormArctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys – Brianstorm (Official Video)

Arctic Monkeys made a sensational debut in 2005, led the UK guitar rock scene from the mid-’00s onward, and by the 2020s have grown into a rock band Britain can proudly present to the world.

Their debut was truly shocking, and in Japan too there were plenty of bands—especially early on—that were clearly drawing on the Arctic Monkeys’ sound.

Rather than settling into the post‑punk‑inflected guitar rock they helped spearhead, they kept pushing into new musical territory and, as mentioned at the start, became a massive rock band.

Still, the razor‑sharp guitar riffs they excelled at on their first and second albums feel like a perfect fit for this piece.

The song we’re highlighting here is Brianstorm, the lead single from their second album Favourite Worst Nightmare, released in 2007.

The intro kicks off with thunderous drums and raw guitars, flowing into an insanely cool main riff—surely countless UK‑rock‑loving musicians have tried to copy it.

The riff hits with the impact of a standalone melody, and that rhythmic, danceable feel is just fantastic.

It’s also a killer tune that explodes live, so we’d love to see you play it at a school festival or similar event.

When you cover it, though, focus less on technical flash and more on the band’s overall ensemble and rhythm—make that your priority!

Diamond HeadThe Ventures

Diamond Head

The Ventures are known as pioneers of surf music and an instrumental rock band that had a major impact on Japan’s rock scene.

“Diamond Head,” included on their 1964 album Walk Don’t Run Vol.

2, is one of their most popular songs in Japan.

Its catchy, memorable guitar work is still frequently heard in many places today.

With its distinctive airy feel and poppy melody, it’s a number every guitarist should try playing at least once.

Owner Of Lonley HeartYES

YES – Owner of a Lonely Heart (Official Music Video)

Yes is a British rock band that helped lay the foundation of progressive rock and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

“Owner of a Lonely Heart,” the title track from their 1983 album, was used in Japan in commercials for Nissan Basara, Sanyo’s eneloop, and UCC Ueshima Coffee’s Clear.

Its simple yet unforgettable introductory guitar riff delivers the perfect impact to kick off the album.

If you play guitar, it’s a highly addictive rock tune you’ll definitely want to try covering.

Green-Tinted Sixties MindMr. BIG

Mr. Big – Green-Tinted Sixties Mind (MV)

Mr.

Big is a rock band whose members are each among the world’s top in both popularity and skill, and they enjoy immense popularity especially in Japan.

Green-Tinted Sixties Mind, released as a single after being included on their second album Lean Into It, is a track that foregrounds the beauty of melody and harmony rather than sheer technique.

The intro guitar riff—built from broken chords and making effective use of tapping—functions powerfully as the song’s signature.

It’s a gem of a pop tune that countless young guitarists have likely attempted.

VertigoU2

U2 – Vertigo (Official Music Video)

U2 is a rock band that holds the record for the most Grammy Awards won by an artist group and has enjoyed long-lasting popularity with a rock sound that evokes the atmosphere of their home country, Ireland.

Vertigo, the lead single from their 11th album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, is a track whose straightforward rock ensemble amps up the energy.

The guitar riff in the intro, which doubles the bass to add thickness, is simple—made up only of power chords—yet its choice of notes is brilliantly memorable.

It’s a stylish rock tune that was also featured in Apple’s iPod commercial.

My SharonaThe Knack

The Knack – My Sharona

The Knack are an American rock band that drew attention with promotion evoking the early Beatles.

Their debut single, My Sharona, is known as a worldwide smash hit, including in Japan.

The intro riff, played in unison with the bass, uses few notes yet creates a catchy hook that defines the song.

It’s a rock tune whose trademark is its clever, skillful riff—one you still hear frequently on various TV programs today.

Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes

The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army (Official Music Video)

At Fuji Rock 2022, Jack White—one of the foremost contemporary rock guitarists and singer-songwriters—closed the festival with a commanding performance.

Those who were there, of course, and even music fans who didn’t know Jack White but checked out the stream were likely blown away by the sheer intensity of his playing.

Jack originally made his name as part of The White Stripes, a minimalist male–female rock duo consisting of a guitarist/vocalist and a drummer, and he helped lead the garage rock revival of the 2000s alongside bands like The Strokes.

The song featured in this article, Seven Nation Army, is a classic from his White Stripes era, and it was an undeniable killer tune that he saved for last at Fuji Rock 2022, as mentioned above.

It’s also been used as walk-on music in soccer and in rhythm games, so many people have probably heard it at some point.

The main riff might be mistaken at first listen for a bass line, but it’s actually played on a semi-acoustic guitar with a Whammy pedal dropping the pitch by an octave.

It’s the kind of riff whose extreme simplicity reveals deeper layers the more you play it, so step into Jack’s shoes and give it a try!