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Riff

A riff is a repeated chord progression or melodic figure, often played by the bass instruments, that forms the basis or an important part of a rock music or jazz composition; an ostinato figure.

Examples of music that depend on riffs for their effect:

Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye by Steam
Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees
Vision Thing by the Sisters of Mercy
The Glorious Om Riff by Steve Hillage[?]
Master of the Universe by Hawkwind

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