MusicRadar

The Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci keeps it classic rock when it comes to his nomination for the greatest guitar riff of all time:

"There’s so many, but the first one that comes to mind is Smoke On The Water. It’s so simple and everybody recognises it. There’s nothing technical about it, nothing like the modern riffs that are coming out nowadays. But that riff says it all. I wish I would’ve thought of it!"

And what makes a great riff?

"Something that is immediately recognisable. A riff where you play the first note or two and people react. That’s a big part of what makes a great guitar riff. You start playing it and people go, Wow!"