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Riff




In music, a riff is an , pattern or Melodic Figure , often played by the Rhythm Section instruments, that forms the basis or Accompaniment of a Rock Music or Jazz composition.

David Brackett (1999) defines them as, "short melodic Phrase s," while Richard Middleton (1999) defines them as, "short Rhythmic , melodic, or Harmonic figures repeated to form a Structural framework."


TERMINOLOGY


The term "riff" is sometimes regarded as Slang , and is used primarily in discussion of forms of Rock Music or Jazz . "Most rock musicians use 'riff' as a synonym, almost, for ' Musical Idea .'" (Middleton 1990, p.125).

Some sources explain "riff" as an ", or " Routine ".


PIECES AND SONGS THAT DEPEND ON RIFFS FOR THEIR EFFECT


The popular website DigitalDreamDoor has compiled a list of what they say are the "100 greatest riffs" here



Notation and sound examples











MUSICIANS WHO ARE ESPECIALLY KNOWN FOR THEIR RIFFS




SOURCE

  • Middleton, Richard (1999). Form and Music. ''Key Terms in Popular Music and Culture''. Malden, Massachusetts. ISBN 0631212639.

  • Middleton, Richard (1990/2002). ''Studying Popular Music''. Philadelphia: Open University Press. ISBN 0335152759.



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