Hendrix's 'Voodoo Child' Voted Best Riff

In a recent poll on MusicRadar.com, Jimi Hendrix's song "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" was voted the "best guitar riff ever" by the website's users.

"Voodoo Child" received 14% of the votes and was claimed the winner while Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" finished second despite winning the poll five years ago.

Hendrix also had two other songs in the poll ("Foxy Lady", "Purple Haze") while other artists like Muse ("Plug In Baby") and The White Stripes ("Seven Nation Army") finished in the top 15. Over 5,000 users participated in the poll.

MusicRadar.com Editor-In-Chief Mike Goldsmith said it wasn't a surprise Jimi Hendrix was named the winner.

"Of the current generation of six-string stars, only Jack White of the White Stripes and Muse frontman Matt Bellamy feature in the higher echelons of our list," he said.

"No surprise given both Bellamy and White share - or have inherited - Hendrix's unique blend of experimental instincts and white-knuckle showmanship. Above all though, our poll seems to indicate one thing - in 2009, classic rock still rules."

Find out more about the poll's results here.

Comments

[Zeppelin Addict]

NO DOUBT! all great choices, surprised theres no smoke on the water... . *eye roll*

[Unknown Fear]

Smoke on the water was #4. This list needs Master of Puppets, Welcome Home, among other things.

[Jesus_Dean]

Above all though, our poll seems to indicate one thing - in 2009, classic rock still rules."

THIS!

[Jesus_Dean]

I generally don't care for "Best of..." lists, but this was good to hear. Classic Rock still lives!

[Unknown Fear]

^Well pop/rap/hiphop is more popular now than rock, while rock was popular back then, so riffs are going to be mostly from the "classic" era.

[Jøhnny]

Unknown Fear wrote:

Smoke on the water was #4. This list needs Master of Puppets, Welcome Home, among other things.

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

About the Hendrix riff... Yes, it's great, but best riff EVER? I don't think so, but it's just my opinion. All lists like this are just based on opinions, that's why I don't see any point in doing these.

[Jigsaw62]

OPINIONS SUCK ASS!

[TheSquid417]

dude above me deserves to me melted, puppets one of Metallica's worst riffs? how much yayo do you consume?

[hildesaw]

I don't think Welcome Home could be mentioned in the same sentence as the words: "greatest riff ever". Maybe if you picked from a pool of other rockband songs. Its good, but nowhere near great.

[ed_the_head]

i guess that the full name of this list is: "Best Riffs Closest to Any Black Sabbath Riff"

[firebird103]

Unknown Fear wrote:

^Well pop/rap/hiphop is more popular now than rock, while rock was popular back then, so riffs are going to be mostly from the "classic" era.

This is both true and completely wrong at the same time. While mainstream has shifted heavily away from rock/metal there are a lot of great underground hard rock, metal, and especially progressive metal groups making some extremely intricate riff work. It seems that the internet, peer to peer etc has really allowed the underground music scene to develop into more of a musical counter culture to mainstream pop bands

[MetalManic 666]

hendrix number 1? wow people need to listen to more music bwhahaha

[SumFX]

Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff FTW! lol

[Mr. Chang]

This is every thing that's wrong with Rock music in one article.

[ibrahimasood]

not surpirsed they need to change the songs into newer songs. there always the same.

[metal@hart11]

cowboys from hell might have to be my favourtie riff ever. sad but true is pretty unmistakable as well for a dirty riff but i can see this list wasnt touching on that kind of music anyways. pretty lame

[ak10]

Hendrix should be #1, but I dont konw that voodoo chile is better than little wing or All along the watchtower's. And Seven Nation Army is too simple to be one of the best riffs ever, Jack has much better riffs that than one. Layla should be #2, and how about an SRV riff somewhere in the top 5, Lenny, Pride and Joy, Texas Flood? And how is Tom Morello not really high up there too?

[Pool_Shark]

You guys are forgetting about Paint it Black, Iron Man, or hell even Chili Peppers have some damn good riffs like californication.

[FearOfTheDuck]

Enter Sandman? Thats friggin catchy

[RDSElite]

Because the MoP riff isn't catchy and it sucks.
Metallica are a boring band anyway.
(Flameshield up.)

Good to see Hendrix on number one.
My mother told me about this list yesterday, she saw it. I guessed every single song in the top 10, I do think it's a good list.

[axeofoc5249]

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

UH what dude how can you hate the thrash metal ferocity that is the master of puppets riff I mean all the riffs pretty much in the first 50 seconds would beat any other riff any day it's a metal masterpiece and you call it thier worst riff. My friend you need to drink some water clear your thoughts and may I suggest q-tips for your obviously dirty ears.

[DarkBlueIce]

Sweet Leaf....nuff said :P

[SpiritThief]

How did smells like teen spirit make the list but Pantera's "Walk" didn't?

like one note to melt your face come on...

[Monkey Biscuits]

how the hell did this turn in to a metallica based slag match? and these polls never achieve anything as the subject is really matter of opinion

[RDSElite]

I love how this article is turning into a battlefield of metal nazi's, complaining their favourite br00tal metal riff isn't in the list. Hahaa.

[VLVTRVOLVR13]

FearOfTheDuck wrote:

Enter Sandman? Thats friggin catchy

I believe Enter Sandman was on the list, i think in the "teens."

[r-bizzle182]

Absence of Jonas Brothers upsets me. /joke

[Xomar]

was nice to see some EVH up there....think they forgot Hot For Teacher and Panama.....those are in my top 5 favorite riffs no doubt- regardless, Jimi is great and Voodoo Child is epic

[Unknown Fear]

firebird103 wrote:

Unknown Fear wrote:

^Well pop/rap/hiphop is more popular now than rock, while rock was popular back then, so riffs are going to be mostly from the "classic" era.

This is both true and completely wrong at the same time. While mainstream has shifted heavily away from rock/metal there are a lot of great underground hard rock, metal, and especially progressive metal groups making some extremely intricate riff work. It seems that the internet, peer to peer etc has really allowed the underground music scene to develop into more of a musical counter culture to mainstream pop bands

I know about the underground scene, but look at how many of those bands are on this list. I know about it, you know about it, most people that go to UG will know about it, but the general population will associate riffs with classic rock.

[niel9802]

Unknown Fear wrote:

Smoke on the water was #4. This list needs Master of Puppets, Welcome Home, among other things.

no.

[gus_metallica]

axeofoc5249 wrote:

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

UH what dude how can you hate the thrash metal ferocity that is the master of puppets riff I mean all the riffs pretty much in the first 50 seconds would beat any other riff any day it's a metal masterpiece and you call it thier worst riff. My friend you need to drink some water clear your thoughts and may I suggest q-tips for your obviously dirty ears.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU KID? WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT PUPPETS? EVERYTHING! GO CLEAN YOU EARS! I bet you wanted Trivum or Bullet for my valentine on the lisT! hahahah

[shwilly]

I never liked Layla to the extent of thinking it deserves to be in the top 5 of rock & roll's all time greatest riffs

Crazy Train, the Ocean and Killing in the Name should've been higher

Glad to see Manic Depression, Cult of Personality on
Under the Bridge tho is not really a riff-based song but consists mostly of Hendrix like improvs over a chord sequence. It should qualify for a "best intros" list or something

[Damikeyg]

dd

[BassFishin]

slow news day...

[Damikeyg]

Jigsaw62 wrote:

OPINIONS SUCK ASS!

That's your opinion . IRONY SPREE!!!

[Damikeyg]

and btw Overkill's Elimination or Rotten to the Core is the best riff ever

[shwilly]

Unknown Fear wrote:
This list needs Master of Puppets, Welcome Home, among other things.

Master is one of Metallica's greatest songs, but it doesn't really feature 1 big, stomping riff like their highest song on that list > Sandman. If I were the one making that list I'd include some Tool and Dream Theater riffs, but when you write a great yet complex song you know it's not gonna be as popular as the radio-friendly, riff driven anthems. Sorry mate

[jplay5]

plug in baby is a killer riff. love it.

[Damikeyg]

Unknown Fear wrote:

Smoke on the water was #4. This list needs Master of Puppets, Welcome Home, among other things.

I can definitely see the acoustic riff from Welcome Home (Sanitarium), but MoP's riff isn't really all that great. It is a really good song...but the riff isn't anything special.

[kacper00100]

Gromstrom wrote:

SumFX wrote:

Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff FTW! lol

You actually need to die.

Agreed!

r-bizzle182 wrote:

Absence of Jonas Brothers upsets me. /joke

I was getting worried before i saw that you said joke.

Anyway, I think it's all a matter of opinion so for me Voodoo Child isn't the best choice, but everyones' opinion is different so I don't see why there is people arguing.

[flydth3bArbr]

What credibility does this website poll have? This isnt news

[firebird103]

Unknown Fear wrote:

firebird103 wrote:

Unknown Fear wrote:

^Well pop/rap/hiphop is more popular now than rock, while rock was popular back then, so riffs are going to be mostly from the "classic" era.

This is both true and completely wrong at the same time. While mainstream has shifted heavily away from rock/metal there are a lot of great underground hard rock, metal, and especially progressive metal groups making some extremely intricate riff work. It seems that the internet, peer to peer etc has really allowed the underground music scene to develop into more of a musical counter culture to mainstream pop bands
I know about the underground scene, but look at how many of those bands are on this list. I know about it, you know about it, most people that go to UG will know about it, but the general population will associate riffs with classic rock.

my point exactly! I probably should of made that more clear though

[GeekInThePink]

So what? These lists come up all the time and they always have the same songs. Even "Plug In Baby" has been on lots of them.

[Quicksand15]

I don't get these polls...how can you say something is the best riff ever? It's all about opinion...

[Plug_In_Baby_]

Plug in baby FTW!

[CoolLikeSnakes]

i didn't know random poll's on random websites were news to the guitaring community? or infact anyones community?

[CranberryJuice]

Jigsaw62 wrote:

OPINIONS SUCK ASS!

...except mine.

[jetfuel495]

Jøhnny wrote:

All lists like this are just based on opinions

That's why I don't see any point in arguing with these.

CoolLikeSnakes wrote:

i didn't know random poll's on random websites were news to the guitaring community? or infact anyones community?

Well, it's music, bud. Doesn't matter if you don't care. Apparently a lot of other people here do.

Plug_In_Baby_ wrote:

Plug in baby FTW!

This

Quicksand15 wrote:

I don't get these polls...how can you say something is the best riff ever? It's all about opinion...

The users of that site voted it as the best riff. What isn't there to understand?

flydth3bArbr wrote:

What credibility does this website poll have? This isnt news

What does it matter? Does every user who voted on that poll need a degree in music for you to accept their OPINION?

*insert whiny opinion here*

[silent caution]

what do they mean "best" does catchy-ness come into account here? most recognized?

[MetalGS3SE]

Not sure about their definition of "best", but I can think of several more interesting and memorable riffs than Voodoo Child. There is no doubt that he was a brilliant guitarist, but Hendrix has sadly become ridiculously overrated.

[FearOfTheDuck]

Symptom of the Universe should definatly be in there!

[Quicksand15]

jetfuel495 wrote:

Quicksand15 wrote:

I don't get these polls...how can you say something is the best riff ever? It's all about opinion...The users of that site voted it as the best riff. What isn't there to understand?

I didn't say that I don't understand it, I said that such polls are completely senseless. You can't say one riff is better than another since it's all about opinion.

[venomouskiss320]

I'm tired of hearing about how Hendrix is getting "best guitarist" or "best riff ever" he WASN'T THAT GREAT, everyone needs to understand that. He overshadows plenty of guitarists who deserve much more credit than he does. Some greats who deserve to be on this list, are Paul Gilbert (and for the record, he DOES do more than shred), Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Paco De Lucia, Shawn Lane, and plenty more. Yes Hendrix does deserve to be in the list, but he simply is NOT the greatest guitarist ever.

[Scourge441]

venomouskiss320 wrote:

I'm tired of hearing about how Hendrix is getting "best guitarist" or "best riff ever" he WASN'T THAT GREAT, everyone needs to understand that. He overshadows plenty of guitarists who deserve much more credit than he does. Some greats who deserve to be on this list, are Paul Gilbert (and for the record, he DOES do more than shred), Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Paco De Lucia, Shawn Lane, and plenty more. Yes Hendrix does deserve to be in the list, but he simply is NOT the greatest guitarist ever.

The contest was about the best riff. Not the best guitarist.

Checked.

[Kel_the_Gr81]

Eric Clapton - Layla

[Shread_6009]

i think meshuggah have some amazing riffs, but obviously there not gonna be on the list cuz they arent "catchy"... wtv

[Scourge441]

Quicksand15 wrote:

I don't get these polls...how can you say something is the best riff ever? It's all about opinion...

A lot of it is influence, i.e. "Did this riff inspire people to pick up and play a guitar?" and similar things. You can argue over what riff is better, but in a lot of cases you can argue that one riff made more people stand up and say "Holy crap, that's awesome and I wanna do it."

Now, you can maybe argue that not enough people heard Awesome Riff #36472, and if they had it would rank above Awesome Riff #14359. But in most cases it would be pointless.

[metal@hart11]

(Flameshield up.)

haha ive never heard that before i like it. this list means nothing it should be broken down into genres. i for one could care less about the white stripes and the riff to seven nation army is my most hated riff in the world. sorry bass line at that. crazy train beats voodoo child in my opinion. theres catchy but then theres epic riffs. like ozzy once said..
"i dont want you to play me a riff thats going to impress joe ****ing satriani! play me a riff that is going to make a kid want to go out and buy and guitar and learn how to ****ing play!"

[Dio10101]

Megadeth - The Mechanix, Pantera - Revolution Is My Name
Diary Of A Madman(Heavy one before solo) - Ozzy Osbourne
There are even more then that.

[travd92]

i can agree. it's just a damn party jam.

[Aerokizzombie]

Id have to put No Rain and Alive as my top 2

[axeofoc5249]

gus_metallica wrote:

axeofoc5249 wrote:

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

UH what dude how can you hate the thrash metal ferocity that is the master of puppets riff I mean all the riffs pretty much in the first 50 seconds would beat any other riff any day it's a metal masterpiece and you call it thier worst riff. My friend you need to drink some water clear your thoughts and may I suggest q-tips for your obviously dirty ears.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU KID? WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT PUPPETS? EVERYTHING! GO CLEAN YOU EARS! I bet you wanted Trivum or Bullet for my valentine on the lisT! hahahah

oh fiddlesticks ha my bad I cleared the dude's name I was talking to ha shit. Well Gus let me say you have good taste in riffs man!

[Brooky22888]

MetalGS3SE wrote:

Not sure about their definition of "best", but I can think of several more interesting and memorable riffs than Voodoo Child. There is no doubt that he was a brilliant guitarist, but Hendrix has sadly become ridiculously overrated.

How can you say Hendrix has become overrated? You can't overestimate his influence on generations of guitar players so Voodoo Child is as worthy as any to get voted up there. These lists are predictable in that they usually have the same bunch of songs up there and serve only to divide opinion

[MetalGS3SE]

Brooky22888 wrote:
How can you say Hendrix has become overrated? You can't overestimate his influence on generations of guitar players so Voodoo Child is as worthy as any to get voted up there. These lists are predictable in that they usually have the same bunch of songs up there and serve only to divide opinion

Easily: he has become overrated. Simply mentioning his name without lavishing him with praise will inevitable cause an uproar among nearly any circle of people.

[venomouskiss320]

MetalGS3SE wrote:

Easily: he has become overrated. Simply mentioning his name without lavishing him with praise will inevitable cause an uproar among nearly any circle of people.

THANK YOU +99999

[rickyj]

Unknown Fear wrote:

Smoke on the water was #4. This list needs Master of Puppets, Welcome Home, among other things.

welcome home (sanatarium) or welcome home by coheed and cambria? cause coheed and cambria sucks

[CalebJThompson]

SumFX wrote:

Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff FTW! lol

lol FTWindeed.

[AlterEdge]

Well, I like Voodoo Child but I prefer Plug In Baby.

[BuffaloBills731]

does anyone else agree that Voodoo Chile > Voodoo Child?

[rockandmetalfan]

smoke on the water? iron man? sunshine of your love? and back in black? these are awesome riffs!

[meow1992]

my vote goes for back in black or roadhouse blues

[Jlandsw]

Layla....the end.

[Devopast]

Lol, 14% of the people on the website thought it was the best. That means 86% of people disagree. Does that really make it the best?

[PnT]

axeofoc5249 wrote:

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

UH what dude how can you hate the thrash metal ferocity that is the master of puppets riff I mean all the riffs pretty much in the first 50 seconds would beat any other riff any day it's a metal masterpiece and you call it thier worst riff. My friend you need to drink some water clear your thoughts and may I suggest q-tips for your obviously dirty ears.

Do you even hear any thrash metal besides Metallica?
Jesus, even though I think it's one of Metallica's best songs, there isn't some memorable or catchy riff in it.

[Shrexter]

Good to see my selection got to the top haha.

But seriously guys its just a list that the Musicradar user base voted on, there's no use arguing over it when dumbasses like me are the ones who decide.

[loudog93]

ok i am gonna need a flame shield for this one

I think plug in baby is a lame riff and is not very catchy

I think blink-182 has some very iconic riffs even though they are simple. everybody recognizes dammit when they hear it.

[Visakx]

nice to see how these thing always start some riddicilous "metallica is the best" or "Hendrix is over-rated" fight. Come on people those are only opinions

[you = fail]

Teen spirit?

[ak10]

Hendrix is the one and only acceptable choice for this list. The only other riff that could challange him is Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode

[Let It Be0o0]

MetalGS3SE wrote:

Brooky22888 wrote:
How can you say Hendrix has become overrated? You can't overestimate his influence on generations of guitar players so Voodoo Child is as worthy as any to get voted up there. These lists are predictable in that they usually have the same bunch of songs up there and serve only to divide opinion

Easily: he has become overrated. Simply mentioning his name without lavishing him with praise will inevitable cause an uproar among nearly any circle of people.

Yeah seriously, there's no doubt Jimi was kickass but now theres more people on the bandwagon than actual fans.

[BrixDK]

Josh Homme is THE riff master

[LynchSixx69]

yes this an amazing riff but my favorite riff of all time would have to be the main riff to the song unchain the night by dokken. sure not as popular as a lot of these songs but it's still a monster riff

[Henkdemachtige]

BrixDK wrote:

Josh Homme is THE riff master

Yeah were, is some QOTSA or Them Crooked Vulture riffs?

BTW: I sense alot of ´omf lullzzzz dumb list no metalzz´ comments.

[PatVanHalen5150]

Van Halen- Unchained
Ratt- Lay It Down
Steve Vai- Bad Horsie
Black Sabbath- Electric Funeral
Motley Crue- Shout At The Devil

[quinlikesmetal]

i realy dont think u can rate the best riff, cause a good riff is a riff that can change ur emotion or attitude, or just get u pumped up

[Vabolo]

Seriously, I don't see the use of these lists. There are too many songs, bands and even genres to classify the "greatest riffs of all time" out of all of them. Some people might agree with this, but most will wonder why their favourite artists aren't on it, while some others they don't give a shit about are. These things just start flame wars between people who think they know everything there is to know about music(even though no one can).

And seriously, no Cream or Led Zeppelin? :P

[fLYinGV23]

ed_the_head wrote:

i guess that the full name of this list is: "Best Riffs Closest to Any Black Sabbath Riff"

Haha, yes. Tony Iommi is the master of riffs.

[BuffaloBills731]

i know it's all opinion and the list is just opinion, but would anyone consider "stranglehold" by ted nugent if they were to make their own list?
i think that is one of the sickest riffs of all-time.

[MyUserName777]

Needs more Tornado of Souls

[MetalUpYourRear]

axeofoc5249 wrote:

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

UH what dude how can you hate the thrash metal ferocity that is the master of puppets riff I mean all the riffs pretty much in the first 50 seconds would beat any other riff any day it's a metal masterpiece and you call it thier worst riff. My friend you need to drink some water clear your thoughts and may I suggest q-tips for your obviously dirty ears.

Sorry bro. Listen to Testament if you wanna hear some REAL thrash riffage. Alex Skolnick > Any other metal guitarist.

[MetalUpYourRear]

^^ That said, Megadeth's "Take No Prisoner's" is pretty sick. Definitely some of my favorite riffage

[TANK4]

UMMMMM

I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE STRAIGHT OUT SIMPLE WHOS GOING TO WINNN

WHERE IS STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN ?????

ITS NOT EVEN IN THE TOP 50!!!!!

[jordan93]

UG needs to have these polls

[palm mute]

Why the hell do so many people care about what some crappy little website's members think are the best riffs ever? I am actually surprised they didn't put some stupid disney band's "riff" on this list. And should how catchy a riff is really determine it's value? Maybe in pop "music" but in real music I would say that the mood the riff paints is way more important.

fLYinGV23[/b] wrote:

ed_the_head wrote:

i guess that the full name of this list is: "Best Riffs Closest to Any Black Sabbath Riff"
Haha, yes. Tony Iommi is the master of riffs.

Kirk Windstein is not far off though, the riffs he's came up with in Down and Crowbar are about as close to Iommi's greatness as any mortal can hope to be.

[palm mute]

And Walk is not even close to the best Pantera riff... By Demons Be Driven, 5 Minutes Alone, I'm Broken, Cowboys From Hell, Slaughtered, A New Level, outro to Hollow, We'll Grind That Axe For A Long Time, It Makes Them Disappear...

[Xhale1]

Jøhnny wrote:

Unknown Fear wrote:

Smoke on the water was #4. This list needs Master of Puppets, Welcome Home, among other things.
Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

dude shut up already! if metallica didnt want to use the mop riff they wouldnt have! it was developed by kirk before he was in metallica...exodus. different of course but good.

[BrokenBricks]

that whole list should be filled with sabbath and deep purple riffs.

[DeadlyKombat]

riffs are short and meaningless. construction of whole songs is where its at

[K3VN]

jordan93 wrote:

UG needs to have these polls

I agree
Awsome Jimi rules!

[PoisonMuffin]

loudog93 wrote:

ok i am gonna need a flame shield for this one

I think plug in baby is a lame riff and is not very catchy

Plug In Baby not catchy? Madness. That's like saying plug in baby is not catchy

[Synysterwylde22]

wheres Walk? Black Dog? Cowboys From Hell? Enter Sandman? Back In Black? or where the hell is Crazy Train?????

[voodoochild23]

Lol why is it people ignore the fact that if hardly anyone has heard a riff, it will not get votes in this list? And why not enough people have heard it... well I wont bother spelling it out for you, but surely its black and white!

Voodoo Child is one of a kind. I'd also agree that the opening riff to Master of Puppets is immense, in fact I have yet to be as blown away by any other metal riff to date. Megadeth, Sabbath, Slayer, Pantera, whoever wrote them or however complex they are, master of puppets has the best metal riff I've ever heard.

[Totalradical]

Um...Guys?

Why can't we all be glad that there's no Jonas and other crappy bands in it?

[paulish86]

obviously nobody here listens to built to spill

[Fadetoblack5:03]

Jigsaw62 wrote:

OPINIONS SUCK ASS!

Devopast wrote:

Lol, 14% of the people on the website thought it was the best. That means 86% of people disagree. Does that really make it the best?

All that needs to be said.

[spghlax15]

Damikeyg wrote:

and btw Overkill's Elimination or Rotten to the Core is the best riff ever

Its about time Overkill gets reconition.

MetalUpYourRear wrote:

axeofoc5249 wrote:

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

UH what dude how can you hate the thrash metal ferocity that is the master of puppets riff I mean all the riffs pretty much in the first 50 seconds would beat any other riff any day it's a metal masterpiece and you call it thier worst riff. My friend you need to drink some water clear your thoughts and may I suggest q-tips for your obviously dirty ears.

Sorry bro. Listen to Testament if you wanna hear some REAL thrash riffage. Alex Skolnick > Any other metal guitarist.

Alex Skonick has to be the underrated guitarist, thank you mentioning his killer riffs. Btw METALLICA FANBOYS part of the riff to enter sandman sounds extremely simular to Testament's Practice what you Preach. His work in Testament is killer. Sure you can argue that Metal isn't Dynamic and lacks difficulty, but his Jazz work in Alex Skolnick Trio is beyend Amazing.

[Ashland112]

MetalManic 666 wrote:

hendrix number 1? wow people need to listen to more music bwhahaha

What they need to listen to metal?
Metallica I bet.

haha yeah whatever you say.

[Cerelil]

Floods outro by Pantera should be on there tbh.

[Mainer]

WTF!?!?! No CLUTCH??? Mob Goes Wild could be at least in the 'teens

[Religulous]

Metallica isn't metal man... Lol

But I find it both funny and sad that it takes more talent and creativity to make classic rock than modern... And oh do I hate modern rock.. it's so poppy and lame... The stuff back then actually had something GOING ON! Damn, music is turning into crap. Even modern metal is being over run by those stupid screamo kids. >.< Dunno if it's the right place to mention that but I listen to a lot of different stuff anyway.

[Armoire]

Seven Nation Army made it that high..? People probably only voted for that because they can play it.

[TisPyon]

i cant decide whats more stupid the poll or the UGers arguing about it.

[WheredMyRockGo?]

To even try and say something is the best riff ever is a complete waste of time. To try and decide number 2, 3, 4 etc is even more ridiculous. Whats the standard? difficulty, $ made, popularity? It's stupid. Everyone's opinion will be different on this.

[TisPyon]

Religulous wrote:

Metallica isn't metal man... Lol

if you said they arent metal anymore id agree but to say the entirety of their discography is not metal which is what your post implies is pure stupidity.

[Like I Is]

They're really reaching for headlines.

[MudaFoka]

Wtf? First sentence - "recent poll." Second sentence "poll taken 5 yrs ago." UG writers' idiocy never ceases to amaze.

Note to self: thou shalt clicketh no more UG articles

[the glue man]

UG should do a poll like that

[jkassel]

Okay, A) There are plenty of jaw-droppingly amazing riffs that simply didn't get the recognition that I felt they should have (i.e. Wake Up, In Keeping Secrets, Black Dog), but that in mind it's an opinion. Not fact, not even technically scientific or right. Just an opinion. Calm the f*ck down.

MetalGS3SE wrote:

Easily: he has become overrated. Simply mentioning his name without lavishing him with praise will inevitable cause an uproar among nearly any circle of people.

B) True, many people can copy Jimi's style and technique, and there have been quite a few to be better than him at his own material. However, skill and style alone is NOT what makes a guitarist who he is. What makes Hendrix infinitely better than the people who come after him is that he did it first. I won't deny there have been more skilled players since, but in exchange, you have to realize that Hendrix had the unexceptionably brilliant musical capability, and pulled all of those quintessentially incredible songs out of his mind.

C) Also, let's see Kirk Hammett play that brilliantly when he's tripping balls, a feat which Jimi will forever hold the title for. Master of Puppets might sound fine normally, but you pump that much acid into Hammett's system, and that riff quickly disappears.

[The Shroom420]

..Why are Muse and White Stripes in the top 20? Jack White is the most overrated guitarist, and Matt Bellamy might be good, but the guitar riffs he comes up with are hardly memorable. Maybe if you could fuse the two together..

[jrcsgtpeppers]

Im really glad Matthew and Jack are up there. A lot of Zeppelin and Beatles. Hendrix... Great list. Even though im not a metallica fan, they do have some great riffs, I know some myself.

[pwninator123]

I think Highway Chile was about 39024823 times better.

[savory_softy]

I tire of these poles to no extent, where I come from most people think that the height of prowess/creativity is playing an A minor arpeggio with broken fingers. In effect, they'll tell ya Jimi Hendrix was the greatest guitarist alive simply because that's the only f***** name they know.

Cerelil :
Floods outro by Pantera should be on there tbh.

Agreed! I could die happily listening to that.

[shinnanigan]

Classic rock is old people.

[r-bizzle182]

MudaFoka wrote:

Wtf? First sentence - "recent poll." Second sentence "poll taken 5 yrs ago." UG writers' idiocy never ceases to amaze.

Note to self: thou shalt clicketh no more UG articles

...there were two polls. This one was recent, they were comparing it to the one from five years ago.

UG trolls' idiocy lives up to expectations.

[Chris Schementi]

jkassel wrote:

Okay, A) There are plenty of jaw-droppingly amazing riffs that simply didn't get the recognition that I felt they should have (i.e. Wake Up, In Keeping Secrets, Black Dog), but that in mind it's an opinion. Not fact, not even technically scientific or right. Just an opinion. Calm the f*ck down.

MetalGS3SE wrote:

Easily: he has become overrated. Simply mentioning his name without lavishing him with praise will inevitable cause an uproar among nearly any circle of people.
B) True, many people can copy Jimi's style and technique, and there have been quite a few to be better than him at his own material. However, skill and style alone is NOT what makes a guitarist who he is. What makes Hendrix infinitely better than the people who come after him is that he did it first. I won't deny there have been more skilled players since, but in exchange, you have to realize that Hendrix had the unexceptionably brilliant musical capability, and pulled all of those quintessentially incredible songs out of his mind.

C) Also, let's see Kirk Hammett play that brilliantly when he's tripping balls, a feat which Jimi will forever hold the title for. Master of Puppets might sound fine normally, but you pump that much acid into Hammett's system, and that riff quickly disappears.

You sir, have nailed it.

[Lagunaguitar]

needs back in black

[hmcguire]

this list needs lay it down and killing is my business

[Emenius Sleepus]

I wish people would get over classic rock. Great for what it was, but had people that vote in these polls had heard more than 10 years of music history, they probably would not be voting Hendrix any time soon.

[cs21]

Synysterwylde22 wrote:

where the hell is Crazy Train?????

kinda disappointed that Crazy Train wasn't on the poll...

[Mr. Chang]

jkassel wrote:

Okay, A) There are plenty of jaw-droppingly amazing riffs that simply didn't get the recognition that I felt they should have (i.e. Wake Up, In Keeping Secrets, Black Dog), but that in mind it's an opinion. Not fact, not even technically scientific or right. Just an opinion. Calm the f*ck down.

MetalGS3SE wrote:

Easily: he has become overrated. Simply mentioning his name without lavishing him with praise will inevitable
cause an uproar among nearly any circle of people.

B) True, many people can copy Jimi's style and technique, and there have been quite a few to be better than him at his own material. However, skill and style alone is NOT what makes a guitarist who he is. What makes Hendrix infinitely better than the people who come after him is that he did it first. I won't deny there have been more skilled players since, but in exchange, you have to realize that Hendrix had the unexceptionably brilliant musical capability, and pulled all of those quintessentially incredible songs out of his mind.

C) Also, let's see Kirk Hammett play that brilliantly when he's tripping balls, a feat which Jimi will forever hold the title for. Master of Puppets might sound fine normally, but you pump that much acid into Hammett's system, and that riff quickly disappears.

I can't possibly fathom how you think a player's ability while on drugs means anything. He's had some truly god-awful amateur moments live, it clearly took its toll.

What exactly does it mean to you that he was the first? Can you explain what exactly he was the first at? Do really think that he was the only influence on many guitarists, not one among many?

[EREV777]

well then, after reading(skimming) through all of these comments, i'm just happy that GnR didnt recieved the best riff finally, that song is annoying after like the first time you play it....but then again these are just opinions CRAZY TRAIN by Ozzy????riff?

[dx4life68]

lol i knew as soon as i read the name of this news story that it would get comments up the ass... 135 comments in approximately 13 hours... that's more then 10 an hour.. not too shabby

[johann]

You guys argue about whos riff is better on number one, if Hendrix aint number one, Sweet Child is a no brainer..u just cant touch that riff!

[Its_Rock77]

I love muse and I love plug in baby, but I have never once understood why a lot of people see it as a top ten riff of all time. it's not THAT good....

[cukd7x-a2-]

i personally like the opening riff to New World Order by Megadeth the most, but yet again, UG gives us opinion rather than news, even if it is someone elses opinion

[jkassel]

I can't possibly fathom how you think a player's ability while on drugs means anything. He's had some truly god-awful amateur moments live, it clearly took its toll.

What exactly does it mean to you that he was the first? Can you explain what exactly he was the first at? Do really think that he was the only influence on many guitarists, not one among many?

Certainly, I'd love to explain that. First, my point C was primarily sarcasm, to be taken with a grain of salt. True, Jimi had terrible moments on drugs, but he's also been at his absolute best on them (Woodstock, Monterey, etc.)

Now as for what was he first to accomplish. Well, you have a point that he wasn't the only influence on many guitarists. Many blues artists of the 20s through the 50s provided their own influence on the people we consider the best (Page, Morello, Slash, etc.). However, I submit that the raw power and crank of a guitar was introduced with Mr. Hendrix. While many artists before him played with their hearts and souls, the guitar work that conveyed those feelings was often a clean or mildly distorted sound, usually very crisp and clean. Jimi's work on the other hand, brought to life all the soul and heart that B.B King (for example) brought to his work, but the life was born out of such a harsh (for its time), unforgiving sound.

Hendrix brought into music the feelings that the hippie culture was pissed at in Vietnam. He invented the angry sound of a guitar (not technically, but he perfected it), he could symbolize the sounds of the falling bombs, the cries of the women and children, and the passion behind the resistance, all with his guitar. Yes, there have been passionate songs and artists since. Yes, the skill and style level isn't difficult to match. But Jimi was the first (and best) guitarist to completely represent the harshness of the modern world into six strings and two hands.

"It's not enough to know what notes to play, you have to know why they need to be played."
--George Carlin

[emphaticleech]

Also, jkassel..not to mention he was a huge innovator on the use of pedals...clearly one of the biggest influences on the Shoegaze and Noise rock genres, Hendrix was truly a master of getting incredible sounds from his twanger.

[Mr. Chang]

jkassel wrote:

Certainly, I'd love to explain that. First, my point C was primarily sarcasm, to be taken with a grain of salt. True, Jimi had terrible moments on drugs, but he's also been at his absolute best on them (Woodstock, Monterey, etc.)

Now as for what was he first to accomplish. Well, you have a point that he wasn't the only influence on many guitarists. Many blues artists of the 20s through the 50s provided their own influence on the people we consider the best (Page, Morello, Slash, etc.). However, I submit that the raw power and crank of a guitar was introduced with Mr. Hendrix. While many artists before him played with their hearts and souls, the guitar work that conveyed those feelings was often a clean or mildly distorted sound, usually very crisp and clean. Jimi's work on the other hand, brought to life all the soul and heart that B.B King (for example) brought to his work, but the life was born out of such a harsh (for its time), unforgiving sound.

Hendrix brought into music the feelings that the hippie culture was pissed at in Vietnam. He invented the angry sound of a guitar (not technically, but he perfected it), he could symbolize the sounds of the falling bombs, the cries of the women and children, and the passion behind the resistance, all with his guitar. Yes, there have been passionate songs and artists since. Yes, the skill and style level isn't difficult to match. But Jimi was the first (and best) guitarist to completely represent the harshness of the modern world into six strings and two hands.

"It's not enough to know what notes to play, you have to know why they need to be played."
--George Carlin

I agree with you that part of what made Hendrix special was the places he took the actual sound of the guitar. It often transcended the instrument itself.

Perhaps what you hear in his music is the sounds of '60's counter culture. To me that means very little, I'm far removed from that era and I'm guessing you are to (correct me if I'm wrong). I see the fact that the music is so wrapped up in that time as a limitation, it doesn't speak past that very well, part of the reason why his music is somewhat dated now.

You're part of a long line of people that put his guitar playing on an untouchable pedestal and will come up with constantly changing reasons to preserve that. He was one of the greatest, but even among his peers I think he was thoroughly outclassed by John McLaughlin. McLaughlin wove these incredible aesthetics together (Indian Classical, Post-Bop Coltrane ethos, among many others) into a sound that was all his own and in my opinion remains fresh even today.

[jkassel]

Mr. Chang wrote:
Perhaps what you hear in his music is the sounds of '60's counter culture. To me that means very little, I'm far removed from that era and I'm guessing you are to (correct me if I'm wrong). I see the fact that the music is so wrapped up in that time as a limitation, it doesn't speak past that very well, part of the reason why his music is somewhat dated now.

You're part of a long line of people that put his guitar playing on an untouchable pedestal and will come up with constantly changing reasons to preserve that. He was one of the greatest, but even among his peers I think he was thoroughly outclassed by John McLaughlin. McLaughlin wove these incredible aesthetics together (Indian Classical, Post-Bop Coltrane ethos, among many others) into a sound that was all his own and in my opinion remains fresh even today.

Ah, well. You're right on one of those fronts. I didn't grow up in the 60s, but my dad certainly did, and the stories of his childhood were some of my favorites growing up. So Hendrix, in part for me, represents a culture I wish I could have a part in. We don't have anything or anyone that unifying today, and it's quite comforting to experience somebody's music that truly brought people together.

As to your second point, I'm not terribly familiar with McLaughlin, but I believe that he has a fresher sound to you. The problem with artists like the Beatles, the Who, the Doors, Hendrix, and the Stones is that the music is either highly relevant to you or it's outdated. I've got a friend who's so into the Beatles he's got over 150 songs memorized, and others who can't really connect with any song they've ever written. It's all about personal preference, and I personally place Hendrix's guitarwork on a pedestal because it represents something truly amazing to me.

[matACCADACCA]

There is no BEST RIFF. It is all a matter of preference. For example, someone might say it is "The call of ktulu"(like me),
by Metallica, because they like the oddness of it. Some one else might say they like "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC. There is no best. If 99% of the population like Highway to Hell and 1% like The call of Ktulu, that doesn't make Highway to Hell better, just more people like it.

-----

Humans pour over trying to figure out what happens when you die.
Other animals enjoy the peace of not knowing or caring.

[ginger ninja102]

Unknown Fear wrote:

^Well pop/rap/hiphop is more popular now than rock, while rock was popular back then, so riffs are going to be mostly from the "classic" era.

i dont think it is its preety even but no matter what rock will still rule and continue to rule long after rap hiphop all that crap ends

[Astaldo]

Great!

[nightraven]

checked

[KingSquall802]

Jøhnny :
Unknown Fear wrote:

Smoke on the water was #4. This list needs Master of Puppets, Welcome Home, among other things.

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

About the Hendrix riff... Yes, it's great, but best riff EVER? I don't think so, but it's just my opinion. All lists like this are just based on opinions, that's why I don't see any point in doing these.

The riff from Master of Puppets inspired millions of guitarist, and those riffs made millions of people to start playing guitar.

Yes, you better clean your ears and stop listening to Jonas Brothers!

[rgt42dx]

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

MoP riff has been my favorite riff ever since I first heard it years ago, and I barely knew Metallica or MoP's rep when I heard it. In fact I started digging Metallica when I heard MoP and they're my favorite band today. I don't mind anyone thinking that it's a horrible riff, but way to make an idiotic judgment for people dude. "but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing." I can't make a judgment that you're an idiot but that was such an idiotic thing to say.

[gus_metallica]

what about MADHOUSE? Raining blood? The entire FADE TO BLACK SONG!

[Shlecht]

why do they even do these lists? it just pisses people off.

heres my opinion:
CKY - 96 Quite Bitter Beings.

bring it.

[USCENDONE BENE]

KingSquall802 wrote:

Jøhnny :
Unknown Fear wrote:

Smoke on the water was #4. This list needs Master of Puppets, Welcome Home, among other things.

Wat? What's so special about Puppets? It's one of Metallica's worst riffs, since it's nowhere near a catchy riff, but people just want it to be in lists like this because it's popular. Come on people, popular and good aren't the same thing.

About the Hendrix riff... Yes, it's great, but best riff EVER? I don't think so, but it's just my opinion. All lists like this are just based on opinions, that's why I don't see any point in doing these.

The riff from Master of Puppets inspired millions of guitarist, and those riffs made millions of people to start playing guitar.

Yes, you better clean your ears and stop listening to Jonas Brothers!

+1 Master is riff-tastic

[FearOfTheDuck]

As this is still on the front page...

Just Got Paid by ZZ Top

Thats a badass riff, it better be on the list!

[emphaticleech]

Mr. Chang wrote:

jkassel wrote:

Certainly, I'd love to explain that. First, my point C was primarily sarcasm, to be taken with a grain of salt. True, Jimi had terrible moments on drugs, but he's also been at his absolute best on them (Woodstock, Monterey, etc.)

Now as for what was he first to accomplish. Well, you have a point that he wasn't the only influence on many guitarists. Many blues artists of the 20s through the 50s provided their own influence on the people we consider the best (Page, Morello, Slash, etc.). However, I submit that the raw power and crank of a guitar was introduced with Mr. Hendrix. While many artists before him played with their hearts and souls, the guitar work that conveyed those feelings was often a clean or mildly distorted sound, usually very crisp and clean. Jimi's work on the other hand, brought to life all the soul and heart that B.B King (for example) brought to his work, but the life was born out of such a harsh (for its time), unforgiving sound.

Hendrix brought into music the feelings that the hippie culture was pissed at in Vietnam. He invented the angry sound of a guitar (not technically, but he perfected it), he could symbolize the sounds of the falling bombs, the cries of the women and children, and the passion behind the resistance, all with his guitar. Yes, there have been passionate songs and artists since. Yes, the skill and style level isn't difficult to match. But Jimi was the first (and best) guitarist to completely represent the harshness of the modern world into six strings and two hands.

"It's not enough to know what notes to play, you have to know why they need to be played."
--George Carlin

I agree with you that part of what made Hendrix special was the places he took the actual sound of the guitar. It often transcended the instrument itself.

Perhaps what you hear in his music is the sounds of '60's counter culture. To me that means very little, I'm far removed from that era and I'm guessing you are to (correct me if I'm wrong). I see the fact that the music is so wrapped up in that time as a limitation, it doesn't speak past that very well, part of the reason why his music is somewhat dated now.

You're part of a long line of people that put his guitar playing on an untouchable pedestal and will come up with constantly changing reasons to preserve that. He was one of the greatest, but even among his peers I think he was thoroughly outclassed by John McLaughlin. McLaughlin wove these incredible aesthetics together (Indian Classical, Post-Bop Coltrane ethos, among many others) into a sound that was all his own and in my opinion remains fresh even today.

Honestly, I think you're just trying to be pretentious and failing miserably. Yes, McLaughlin is incredible. But his music is no more accessible than Hendrix's. I still am amazed everytime I hear Band of Gypsys.

[Oden The Great]

I for one am surprised that smoke on the water did not take 1st i am not complaining about it but it is the single most recognizable guitar riff ever played

[Damikeyg]

Religulous wrote:

Metallica isn't metal man... Lol

But I find it both funny and sad that it takes more talent and creativity to make classic rock than modern... And oh do I hate modern rock.. it's so poppy and lame... The stuff back then actually had something GOING ON! Damn, music is turning into crap. Even modern metal is being over run by those stupid screamo kids. >.< Dunno if it's the right place to mention that but I listen to a lot of different stuff anyway.

You, sir, are a genius. My thoughts EXACTLY.

[fuzzybanjo]

ok come on, who ELSE can play like jimi?
NO ONE
so what if it isnt the BEST?
i mean, it is but even so.
can you play riffs like that with an upside down right handed guitar?
mmm nope i dont think so.

[Damikeyg]

fuzzybanjo wrote:

ok come on, who ELSE can play like jimi?
NO ONE
so what if it isnt the BEST?
i mean, it is but even so.
can you play riffs like that with an upside down right handed guitar?
mmm nope i dont think so.

big deal. He learned just like everyone else did. Just learned with the wrong hand position...he SCREWED UP and you're over rating him for it. JIMI HENDRIX IS NOT THAT GOOD!

[Damikeyg]

Oden The Great wrote:

I for one am surprised that smoke on the water did not take 1st i am not complaining about it but it is the single most recognizable guitar riff ever played

It did in a poll a little while ago. Search "riff" in news.

[StephenRB]

Jigsaw62 wrote:

OPINIONS SUCK ASS!

That's your opinion IRONY SPREE!!!

LOL!

[StephenRB]

Ok, there's a LOT of metallica lovers here, i dont MIND them, they got a good few tracks i like but wouldnt be overly keen on them.
Ppl.. EXCLUDING Metallica for this... post up your top 5 riffs/songs just to see what comes up most.. maybe we'll see Voodoo Child duznt win? ..

[Oujou]

I agree 100 percent. I jam on Voodoo Child every time I pick up my guitar! XD

[Zacman2244]

umm black dog thats all i need to say Page > Hendrix

[sgwizard92]

best riff ever hands down: master exploder lol and zacman wtf hendrix was just better. i LOVE page more than hendrix but hendrix was a GOD.