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Riff Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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riff

[rɪf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A short, repeated musical phrase or pattern used as a foundation for a composition.

Synonyms

lick, motif, phrase, theme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
riff

Often used in rock, jazz, and blues music to describe a short, repeated musical phrase or pattern that is catchy and memorable.

  • The guitarist played a killer riff that got stuck in everyone's head.
  • That song has an amazing riff that makes you want to listen to it over and over.
lick

Commonly used in the context of guitar and other string instruments to describe a short series of notes that showcases skill. It is often improvised during solos.

  • She played an impressive guitar lick during her solo.
  • I've been practicing this blues lick all week.
phrase

In music, a phrase is a sequence of notes that are perceived as a single coherent unit, similar to a sentence in language. It is often a segment of a larger piece.

  • The pianist played a beautifully phrased opening to the concerto.
  • Try to connect those notes into a smooth phrase.
motif

Used in both music and literature to describe a recurring idea, theme, or element that has symbolic significance. In music, it often refers to a distinct, recurring musical idea within a composition.

  • The motif of heroism is consistently highlighted throughout the book.
  • That piece of classical music has a haunting violin motif.
theme

In music and literature, a theme is the central subject or idea that recurs throughout the work. In music, it often refers to the main melody or section of a piece.

  • The film's theme is instantly recognizable.
  • The main theme of the symphony repeats several times throughout the movements.

Examples of usage

  • The guitar solo included a catchy riff that stuck in my head.
  • The song's main riff is instantly recognizable.
Context #2 | Verb

music

To play or create a short, repeated musical phrase or pattern.

Synonyms

improvise, jam, play around.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
riff

Used when talking about a short, repeated musical phrase often found in rock, jazz, and blues music. It also can be used in a broader sense to describe repeating a theme or idea.

  • The guitarist played an amazing riff during the solo
  • They kept riffing on the idea until they found a solution
improvise

Used when creating music, dialogue, or plans spontaneously without preparation. Often used in artistic and performance contexts as well as in everyday problem-solving.

  • The comedian had to improvise his entire set when the power went out
  • The jazz band started to improvise after the main song ended
jam

Used informally to describe playing music together in a relaxed, spontaneous setting, often in a group. It can also refer to a casual get-together.

  • The musicians like to jam every Friday night
  • We had a great jam session last night; everyone was in sync
play around

Used when experimenting or having fun with music, ideas, or objects without a specific goal. It has a casual and exploratory connotation.

  • Let's play around with these chords and see what sounds good
  • The kids were just playing around with the new app

Examples of usage

  • The guitarist likes to riff during his solos.
  • She riffs on the piano in a jazz improvisation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Many famous songs feature memorable riffs, like the opening guitar riff of 'Smoke on the Water' by Deep Purple.
  • The art of creating riffs has influenced various music genres, from rock and funk to hip-hop, where they are sampled in beats.

Music Theory

  • Riffs often serve as the main theme of a song, providing a recognizable element for listeners.
  • They can be played on various instruments, most commonly the guitar, but also on keyboards and brass instruments.

Psychology

  • The repetitive nature of riffs makes them memorable and helps create emotional responses in listeners.
  • Studies show that catchy riffs can enhance the listener's enjoyment and engagement with the music.

Literature

  • In literary terms, a 'riff' can refer to repeating a theme or idea throughout a narrative, similar to a musical motif.
  • Writers use riffs in poetry to create rhythm and emphasis, echoing the rhythm used in music.

Origin of 'riff'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'riff' comes from jazz slang in the 1940s, initially meaning a short musical phrase.
  • Originally, it referred to a 'repeated musical phrase' or 'a catchy hook' in compositions, especially in jazz and rock genres.

The word 'riff' originated in the world of jazz music in the 1930s, where it referred to a short repeated phrase played by a musician during a solo or improvisation. Over time, the term has expanded to other genres of music, such as rock and blues, and is now commonly used in the general music lexicon to describe a catchy or memorable musical phrase.

See also: riffs.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,623, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.