The greatest guitar riff of all time
David Blackburn 4:07pmReaders of Music Radar have compiled a list of the 100 greatest guitar riffs ever. Guess what topped the poll? I’m standing at the edge of a mountain and I cut it down with the edge of my hand. That’s right; it’s Jimmy Hendrix’s Voodoo Chile. And why not - listening to it again I was obliged to play surreptitious air guitar beneath my desk.
Like all lists, this one is painfully predictable, narrow-minded and completely irresistible. Some of the captions accompanying entries are good value. One hack opines: ‘Surely one of the wildest riffs here, it flirts with the neo-classical without being over-indulgent.” Hmmm…
Everyone who’s anyone gets a mention. Chuck Berry, Michael Jackson, Guns ‘n’ Roses, AC/DC, Muse, The Stones, The White Stripes, The Beatles, The Kinks and a lot of Jimmy Page, and I mean a lot: Led Zeppelin account for a fifth of entries - so yes, very narrow. There are no acoustic riffs in this list, despite the virtuoso Jonny Cash and Waylon Jennings – Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? would make my list. Also, on a separate note, I was struck dumb by the absence of Pink Floyd’s Money? Waters’ bass and Gilour’s lead provide two of the greatest guitar lines ever composed. See for yourself if you don’t believe me.
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Beer Moth
November 29th, 2009 1:25pm Report this commentGilmour's offering here sounds like Bert Weedon after a couple of Babychams to loosen-up.
Music to do your business management essays to.
Sir Graphus
November 29th, 2009 10:24pm Report this comment100 best books, 100 favourite films; 100 greatest guitar riffs. There can only be disagreement.
Wily Trout
November 30th, 2009 11:47am Report this commentHendrix yes, but it is the intro to Pali Gap on Rainbow Bridge that is the greatest.
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