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Riff

A riff is an ostinato figure: a repeated chord progression or melodic figure, often played by the rhythm section instruments, that forms the basis or accompaniment of a rock music or jazz composition.

The term "riff" is sometimes regarded as slang, and is used primarily in discussion of forms of rock music or jazz.

David Brackett (1999) defines them as, "short melodic phrases," while Richard Middleton (1999) defines them as, "short rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic figures repeated to form a structural framework."

Pieces and songs that depend on riffs for their effect

Notation and sound examples

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida riff

Image:kcmsound 22px.png Listen to the above. (more info)


Image:kcmsound 22px.png Listen to the above. (more info)

Source

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


Last updated: 10-24-2004 05:10:45