11 Overlooked Guitar Riffs That Changed Rock Forever (But Don’t Get En

Classic rock is packed with iconic guitar riffs that dominate every "best-of" list, from "Smoke on the Water" to "Whole Lotta Love". However, many equally significant riffs never quite break into mainstream appreciation, even though they’ve shaped rock as we know it. Here’s a tribute to 11 underrated riffs that might not always be front of mind but should be.

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   AC/DC - "Riff Raff": AC/DC has many standout moments, but the opening riff of "Riff Raff" is electric, bursting with energy. Angus Young’s blistering pace is often overlooked in favour of more famous AC/DC tracks, but this riff is a masterclass in controlled chaos.

2. Mountain - "Mississippi Queen": Leslie West's gritty riff is bluesy, raw, and powerful. While the song has some recognition, the riff is rarely discussed as the blueprint for southern, heavy rock—shaping the sound of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot.

3. Humble Pie - "I Don’t Need No Doctor": Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton combine for a dirty blues riff that still kicks with all the force it had in 1971. It's the perfect mix of rawness and sophistication, yet often plays second fiddle to other British rock hits.

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   ZZ Top - "Just Got Paid": Billy Gibbons showcases one of the earliest examples of his slick, bluesy style on this track. The riff has a hypnotic groove that makes it stand out, even amongst ZZ Top’s catalogue of legendary licks.

5. Cheap Trick - "Gonna Raise Hell": While not as famous as "Surrender", Rick Nielsen’s dark, grinding riff on "Gonna Raise Hell" is monumental, taking Cheap Trick to a heavier, more serious place.

6. David Bowie - "Rebel Rebel": Sure, everyone knows it, but does this Bowie classic get the respect it deserves? The riff defines cool swagger, and its simplicity masks its brilliance. Mick Ronson helped create a timeless guitar hook that’s instantly recognisable.

7. T. Rex - "20th Century Boy": Bolan’s crunching riff on "20th Century Boy" is an essential glam rock anthem, packed with groove and swagger. Yet it often gets overshadowed by the glam rock movement’s flashier figures.

8. The Faces - "Stay With Me": While Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood got the attention, it’s the riff that makes this song legendary. Ron Wood’s guitar work set the standard for raunchy rock and roll riffs, yet often gets left out of discussions of rock’s greatest guitarists.

9. UFO - "Rock Bottom": Michael Schenker’s blistering solo work overshadows the simple yet highly effective riff that kicks off this track. It’s a prime example of how economy in riff-making can be just as impactful as technical prowess.

10. Budgie - "Breadfan": Metallica fans will recognise this riff from their cover, but Budgie's original is a fierce, galloping riff that was ahead of its time. Budgie were pioneers of heavy metal, and this riff is one of their finest.

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    Thin Lizzy - "Emerald": Thin Lizzy’s guitar attack is legendary, and the riff on "Emerald" is a perfect blend of Irish folk melody and hard rock muscle. While "The Boys Are Back in Town" often takes the spotlight, this riff is equally powerful and deserves more recognition.

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