https://playguitarnotes.com/beginners/what-is-a-guitar-riff/ Guitar riffs are short passages of music that repeat to some degree, creating a rhythm for the rest of the instruments in the band to sync up with. In musical genres such as rock, blues, punk, and metal, guitar riffs are generally the driving force of the songs. They can be played with a variety of different techniques and moods, allowing for the great expanse of unique styles that they’re used in.