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."

1 Pieces and songs that depend on riffs for their effect

• "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman
• " (I Can't Get No) SatisfactionI Can't Get No) Satisfaction is a song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards for their band, the Rolling Stones. The song was first released as a single in the United States in May 1965, but was also featured on the American version of their album, Ou" by The Rolling StonesThis article is about the rock band. For the science-fiction novel by Robert Heinlein, see The Rolling Stones (novel). For the music industry magazine, see Rolling Stone. The Rolling Stones are a British rock band who rose to prominence during the mid- 19
• "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" by SteamSteam was a pop music group best known for their 1969 #1 hit song "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye". A one-hit wonder the band had already broken up by the time the song, intended to be a throwaway B-side, hit the group and song were largely forgotton unti
• " Smoke on the WaterSmoke on the Water is a famous and influential rock song by Deep Purple. The song is immediately recognizable by its central theme, a crunching four-tone chromatic progression that is perhaps the single most famous riff in heavy metal music history. This" by Deep PurpleDeep Purple is a British rock group. They were one of the first and most famous hard rock bands, and are considered pioneers of heavy metal. Despite their association with the sub-genre, Deep Purple has never been purely a heavy metal band, though many la
• "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees
• "Vision Thing" by The Sisters of MercyFor the religious organisation of this name, see Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy are a rock band that came out of the British post punk scene in 1980- 1981. The band cited Leonard Cohen, The Stooges, Suicide and Motorhead as among their influences.
• "The Glorious Om Riff" by Steve Hillage
• "Master of the Universe" by Hawkwind
• "One of These Days" by Pink Floyd
• "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes
• "Day Tripper" by The Beatles
• "Dark Chest Of Wonders" and "Dead Gardens" by Nightwish
• "Tornado Of Souls" by Megadeth
• "Hot Dog" by Limp Bizkit