The legacy of a great metal riff is measured not just by its memorability, but by the waves it sends through generations of musicians. Below, discover the far-reaching impact of the top 10 iconic metal riffs—who they inspired, how they changed the genre, and the new blood carrying their torch.
1. “Iron Man” – Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
Origin & Story
Tony Iommi crafted the “Iron Man” riff during a spontaneous rehearsal, inspired by Bill Ward’s pounding drum beat. Ozzy Osbourne remarked it sounded “like a big iron bloke walking about,” which became the song’s title and narrative. The riff’s heavy, mechanical feel was a direct response to Iommi’s own industrial upbringing in Birmingham, England. Its creation was also influenced by Iommi’s unique playing style, developed after he lost the tips of two fingers in a factory accident.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Metallica, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains
- New Generation: Ghost, Pallbearer, Khemmis, Mastodon
- Individual Guitarists: Zakk Wylde, Matt Pike (High on Fire, Sleep)
Why the Riff Is Iconic
“Iron Man” is often the first heavy riff learned by budding guitarists, its simplicity and power making it a rite of passage. Its influence is so vast that it’s cited not just by metal musicians, but by artists across rock, grunge, and even alternative genres.
2. “Master of Puppets” – James Hetfield (Metallica)
Origin & Story
Written during Metallica’s creative peak in 1985, “Master of Puppets” was born from Hetfield’s relentless pursuit of a riff that was both aggressive and intricate. The song’s down-picked E minor progression became a benchmark for technical excellence. The riff was developed in the band’s rehearsal house in El Cerrito, California, where the members pushed each other to new creative heights. Its relentless drive and complexity mirrored the band’s growing confidence and ambition at the time.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax
- New Generation: Trivium, Gojira, Parkway Drive
- Individual Guitarists: Misha Mansoor (Periphery), Ola Englund (The Haunted, Feared)
Why the Riff Is Iconic
The “Master of Puppets” riff is a global standard for rhythm guitarists, covered by thousands and referenced in guitar education. Its complexity and aggression continue to shape the sound of modern metal.
3. “Smoke on the Water” – Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple)
Origin & Story
The riff was inspired by the real-life fire at the Montreux Casino in 1971. Blackmore’s four-note blues scale melody, harmonized in fourths, is one of the most recognizable in history. It was famously composed in the aftermath of the fire, as the band scrambled to find a new recording location. The simplicity of the riff was intentional, making it accessible to guitarists of all skill levels.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Iron Maiden, Metallica, Queen
- New Generation: Greta Van Fleet, Rival Sons
- Individual Guitarists: Steve Vai, Joe Satriani
Why the Riff Is Iconic
“Smoke on the Water” is often the first riff learned by guitarists worldwide. Its simplicity and power have made it a universal touchstone, transcending genre boundaries.
4. “Walk” – Dimebag Darrell (Pantera)
Origin & Story
The riff was born during a soundcheck, with Dimebag Darrell experimenting in 12/8 time. Its groove and swagger were instantly recognized by the band as something special. Dimebag’s brother and drummer, Vinnie Paul, immediately locked in with the riff, giving it a powerful rhythmic foundation. The song’s confrontational feel was a direct response to people treating the band differently after their rise to fame.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Sepultura, Machine Head, Lamb of God
- New Generation: Avenged Sevenfold, Power Trip
- Individual Guitarists: Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge), Ola Englund
Why the Riff Is Iconic
“Walk” is a staple at sporting events and in pop culture, its attitude and simplicity making it a rallying cry for rebellion and individuality.
5. “Crazy Train” – Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne)
Origin & Story
Randy Rhoads crafted the riff during a jam session, inspired by a malfunctioning pedal that sounded like a train. Bassist Bob Daisley coined the title after hearing the “crazy train” sound. Rhoads combined classical influences with hard rock energy, creating a riff that was both melodic and aggressive. The song marked Ozzy Osbourne’s triumphant return after leaving Black Sabbath, cementing Rhoads’ place in metal history.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Zakk Wylde, Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol)
- New Generation: Polyphia, Plini
- Individual Guitarists: Nita Strauss, Gus G (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne)
Why the Riff Is Iconic
“Crazy Train” remains a staple in guitar lessons, its catchy yet challenging riff inspiring players to blend melody with aggression.
6. “Holy Wars... The Punishment Due” – Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
Origin & Story
Inspired by Mustaine’s experience in Northern Ireland and his love for the comic character The Punisher, the song’s structure shifts between aggressive thrash and heavy, narrative-driven sections. The song’s opening riff was written after Mustaine witnessed bootleg Megadeth shirts being sold to fund political causes. Its complex arrangement reflects the band’s technical prowess and willingness to tackle controversial themes.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Testament, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom
- New Generation: Havok, Vektor
- Individual Guitarists: Marty Friedman, Kiko Loureiro (current Megadeth)
Why the Riff Is Iconic
“Holy Wars” is a template for intelligent, aggressive songwriting, with its technicality inspiring both established and emerging thrash bands.
7. “The Trooper” – Dave Murray & Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)
Origin & Story
Written by Steve Harris, the galloping riff was designed to evoke the sound of cavalry charging into battle, inspired by the Charge of the Light Brigade. The dual-guitar harmonies between Murray and Smith became a signature of Iron Maiden’s sound. The song’s vivid storytelling and historical theme set it apart from other metal anthems of its era.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Helloween, Blind Guardian, Metallica
- New Generation: Powerwolf, Sabaton
- Individual Guitarists: Matt Heafy (Trivium), Courtney Cox (The Iron Maidens)
Why the Riff Is Iconic
“The Trooper” is a live staple, its energy and melody making it a favorite for both fans and musicians learning dual-guitar harmonies.
8. “Raining Blood” – Kerry King & Jeff Hanneman (Slayer)
Origin & Story
Written by Hanneman and King, the riff was meant to evoke chaos and vengeance, fitting the song’s apocalyptic theme. The song’s haunting intro and relentless pace set a new benchmark for extremity in metal. Its release helped cement Slayer’s reputation as pioneers of thrash and extreme metal.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Lamb of God, Slipknot, Cannibal Corpse
- New Generation: Power Trip, Code Orange
- Individual Guitarists: Gary Holt (Exodus, Slayer), Ola Englund
Why the Riff Is Iconic
“Raining Blood” is a benchmark for intensity, covered by countless extreme metal bands and referenced in popular culture, from video games to films.
9. “Ace of Spades” – “Fast” Eddie Clarke (Motörhead)
Origin & Story
Built around Clarke’s punk-infused riff, “Ace of Spades” embodies Motörhead’s speed and attitude, becoming their defining anthem. The song was written quickly, with Lemmy insisting on a no-frills, high-energy approach. Its raw, relentless sound bridged the gap between punk and metal, influencing both scenes.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Metallica, Anthrax, Discharge
- New Generation: Municipal Waste, Midnight
- Individual Guitarists: Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), Phil Campbell (Motörhead)
Why the Riff Is Iconic
“Ace of Spades” is a rallying cry for rockers and metalheads, its simplicity and speed making it a favorite for both punk and metal musicians.
10. “Painkiller” – Glenn Tipton & K.K. Downing (Judas Priest)
Origin & Story
Tipton and Downing crafted the riff as part of Judas Priest’s reinvention, aiming for unprecedented speed and aggression. The song’s opening barrage was designed to shock fans and critics, signaling a bold new era for the band. Its technical demands raised the bar for metal guitarists worldwide.
Who It Inspired
- Established Acts: Helloween, DragonForce, Primal Fear
- New Generation: Unleash the Archers, Beast in Black
- Individual Guitarists: Herman Li (DragonForce), Andy James
Why the Riff Is Iconic
The “Painkiller” riff set a new standard for speed and technicality, inspiring a generation of shredders and helping define the sound of modern power and speed metal.
Get Your Metal Gear at Music Street
If you’re feeling inspired to capture the sound and spirit of these legendary riffs, Music Street has you covered. Whether you’re searching for guitars, amps, pedals, or accessories tailored for heavy metal, you’ll find a curated selection of top brands and expert advice at MusicStreet. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect gear to nail those iconic tones—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shredder. Visit Music Street’s website to explore their range and take your metal playing to the next level
www.musicstreet.co.uk
Share:
How to Play Guitar Like Mark Knopfler: Technique, Gear, and Signature Sound
Top 10 "Dad Rock" Songs of All Time: The Guitarists and Their Guitars