top 5 most recognizible guitar riffs

[rtbuck]

You Know it's weird with me because I'm not a super fan of Zeppelin & probably dislike more songs than I like but whenever I mimmick guitar riffs with my voice it's always:
Heartbreaker, the Ocean, or Moby Dick

 

[METALPRIEST]

I mentioned Crazy Train and I see Harmony gave props in a post!

Here's one I think sorta stayed with everyone.

 

[gregjohnson1229]

My list was done behind the thinking that people who don't even like or listen to roc music most likely will recognize the riff of the songs i listed.

 

[TheFeldster]

My top 5 most recognizable would be:

1. Jumping Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones
2. Iron Man - Black Sabbath
3. Sunshine of your Love - Cream
4. Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
5. Something - The Beatles

 

[Foxhound]

My list was done behind the thinking that people who don't even like or listen to roc music most likely will recognize the riff of the songs i listed.

That was my understanding. Songs that even the most casual radio listener would recognize within two or three seconds.

 

[LG]

I would add "Running With The Devil" by Van Halen, you know the song as soon as it starts.

 

[Dave78]

I would add "Running With The Devil" by Van Halen, you know the song as soon as it starts.

Yep. One of the best car-horn riffs in rock music!

I know, I know... that's not what you meant.

 

[Sweaty]

Sweet Home Alabama
Sweet Child O Mine
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Stairway To Heaven
Smoke On The Water

 

[Sox]

Money - Pink Floyd
Sunshine Of Your Love - Cream
Dont Bring Me Down - ELO
Since You've Been Gone - Rainbow
Don't Believe A Word - Thin Lizzy

 

[Foxhound]

Sweet Child O Mine
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Dont Bring Me Down - ELO
Since You've Been Gone - Rainbow
Don't Believe A Word - Thin Lizzy

The above five riffs may be among your favourites but there's no way they belong on a list of the most recognizable. Most casual radio listeners would be doing well to name one, or at the most two, of those songs.