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Riffs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽธ
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riffs

[rษชfs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A short, repeated phrase in a song or piece of music, especially one that is catchy or memorable.

Synonyms

lick, motif, phrase.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
riffs

Used mainly in rock and blues music to describe a short, repeated musical phrase, typically played by guitars. Riffs are often catchy and memorable.

  • The guitarist played an unforgettable riff that set the tone for the entire song
lick

Commonly used in the context of guitar music, particularly in rock, blues, and jazz. Licks are short solos or phrases that showcase skill and are often improvised.

  • He played an impressive lick during the solo that left the audience in awe
phrase

Can be used broadly in both music and language. In music, a phrase is a small section of a melody, much like a sentence in language. It's not genre-specific and is a fundamental concept in musical structure.

  • The song's opening phrase was simple yet captivating
motif

Typically used in classical music, literature, and visual arts to refer to a recurring musical or thematic element that has symbolic or structural importance.

  • The composer used a recurring motif to symbolize the main character's journey

Examples of usage

  • His guitar riffs are legendary in the rock music world.
  • She came up with a catchy riff for the chorus of the song.
  • The bass player added a funky riff to the bridge of the track.
Context #2 | Verb

music

To play or create a short, repeated phrase in a song or piece of music, especially one that is catchy or memorable.

Synonyms

improvise, jam, play around.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
riffs

Typically used in music, especially in rock and jazz, to describe a short, repeated musical pattern or phrase played by a guitar or other instrument.

  • The guitarist's riffs were the highlight of the song.
  • She spent hours perfecting the riffs for their new track.
improvise

This is broader and can be used in various contexts, from music and theater to problem-solving in daily life, meaning to create or perform spontaneously without preparation.

  • The actor had to improvise a line when he forgot the script.
  • During the performance, the band members decided to improvise a new melody.
jam

Commonly used in music, especially in informal settings, where musicians play music together spontaneously.

  • We often jam together after practice.
  • They had a jam session in the garage last night.
play around

Can refer to experimenting or having fun with something without a serious approach, not limited to music.

  • She likes to play around with different makeup looks.
  • The kids were playing around with the new toy.

Examples of usage

  • He loves to riff on his guitar during live performances.
  • The band likes to riff on classic melodies and give them a modern twist.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music History

  • In the 1960s, rock musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton popularized prominent riffs, changing the face of music.
  • The opening riff of โ€˜Smoke on the Waterโ€™ by Deep Purple is one of the most recognized in rock history.
  • Riffs are foundational in genres like blues, jazz, and rock, often serving as hooks that define songs.

Pop Culture

  • Riffs have permeated mainstream media, being featured in popular films and shows, enhancing their cultural footprint.
  • Famous video games, such as 'Guitar Hero', celebrate iconic riffs, allowing players to recreate their favorite musical moments.
  • Riffs are often parodied in various pop culture forms, highlighting their significance and catchy nature.

Psychology of Music

  • Music with strong riffs can enhance mood and stimulate emotional responses, making them memorable to listeners.
  • Catchy riffs can contribute to a phenomenon called 'earworms', where music gets stuck in your head for days.
  • Studies suggest that repeated listening to songs with strong riffs can increase dopamine levels, making us feel good.

Cultural Influence

  • Riffs transcend cultural boundaries, appearing in various forms across music traditions worldwide, from Latin to African beats.
  • Many artists draw inspiration from existing riffs, showcasing a cycle of creativity that spans generations in music.
  • Collaborations between artists often showcase their unique riffs, blending styles and creating new sounds.

Origin of 'riffs'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated from the early 20th century African American Vernacular English, where it meant improvisation.
  • It likely stems from the word 'rife', meaning 'to be full of', suggesting that riffs are abundant in musical performances.
  • Initially referred to spontaneous musical ideas, it has evolved to mean structured phrases used in various genres.

The term 'riff' originated in jazz and blues music in the early 20th century, referring to a short repeated musical phrase played by a soloist or ensemble. Over time, it became popular in rock and other genres as well, often used to add energy and catchiness to a song.

See also: riff.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,095 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.