Heavy metal thrives on the power of the riff. A great riff is more than just a repeated chord progression. It is the backbone of the song, the hook that pulls listeners in, and the spark that inspires generations of players. Across decades, certain riffs have stood apart for their innovation, aggression, and lasting influence. Below are ten of the most iconic metal guitar riffs, each chosen for its cultural weight and musical brilliance.

1. Black Sabbath – Iron Man

Released in 1970, “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath is one of the earliest examples of the heavy metal riff. Tony Iommi’s slow, crushing guitar tone is simple yet monumental, echoing the sound of a giant machine marching forward. This riff defined the blueprint of doom metal and proved that minimalism could carry incredible weight. Nearly every beginner guitarist tries this riff, and nearly every advanced player still respects its primal power.

2. Metallica – Enter Sandman

When Metallica released “Enter Sandman” in 1991, it became a global anthem. The opening riff by James Hetfield is instantly recognizable, with its descending pattern building suspense before exploding into a wall of distortion. Its structure is deceptively straightforward, but the tight palm muting and rhythmic precision give it massive impact. This riff propelled Metallica from thrash legends to mainstream dominance and remains a concert staple.

3. Slayer – Raining Blood

Few riffs capture pure aggression like the opening of Slayer’s “Raining Blood.” Released in 1986 on the Reign in Blood album, the riff alternates between rapid chugging and eerie sliding notes, conjuring a sense of dread and chaos. Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman’s playing is relentless, and the song’s structure relies heavily on the guitar to maintain its ferocity. For many fans, this riff defines thrash metal at its most uncompromising.

4. Judas Priest – Breaking the Law

Judas Priest brought heavy metal out of the blues-based roots of hard rock and gave it a sharper, faster edge. “Breaking the Law” features one of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing’s most iconic riffs. It is catchy, rebellious, and deceptively simple. The riff shows how effective tight, twin-guitar harmonies can be, making it a classic that bridges metal’s underground grit with radio-friendly accessibility.

5. Pantera – Walk

Dimebag Darrell’s riff in “Walk” is a masterclass in groove. Released in 1992, it embodies Pantera’s shift toward groove metal, emphasizing syncopated rhythms and crushing tone over speed. The riff’s swagger and attitude make it instantly memorable. While other metal riffs thrive on complexity, this one thrives on confidence, showing how a few well-placed notes can carry an entire track.

6. Iron Maiden – The Trooper

Iron Maiden are known for their galloping rhythm, and nowhere is it better showcased than in “The Trooper.” Written by Adrian Smith and Steve Harris, the main riff is driven by a rapid triplet rhythm that mirrors the pounding of horse hooves. Combined with soaring dual guitar harmonies, this riff is both heroic and urgent. It has influenced countless power metal and speed metal bands who borrowed the gallop as a defining motif.

7. Megadeth – Symphony of Destruction

Dave Mustaine’s riff in “Symphony of Destruction” is a lesson in precise, riff-driven songwriting. Released in 1992, it is both ominous and commanding, carried by tight downstrokes and muted chords. The simplicity of the main riff gives the song room for Mustaine’s snarling vocals while still creating relentless momentum. It shows how Mustaine took thrash elements and distilled them into something darker and more streamlined.

8. Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train

While Ozzy is best known as a vocalist, his collaboration with guitarist Randy Rhoads in “Crazy Train” produced one of the most enduring riffs in metal history. Released in 1980, the riff blends classical-inspired patterns with a sharp, aggressive tone. It bridges traditional hard rock with the emerging metal sound of the early 1980s. Rhoads’ creativity and technicality elevated the riff into a timeless example of metal virtuosity.

9. Motörhead – Ace of Spades

“Ace of Spades” may blur the line between hard rock and metal, but its central riff deserves recognition for inspiring both thrash and speed metal. Fast, dirty, and packed with attitude, the riff mirrors Lemmy Kilmister’s rough vocal delivery. It is raw and direct, showing that energy can matter more than complexity. Without this riff, the evolution of fast, aggressive metal styles would look very different.

10. Deep Purple – Smoke on the Water

While some debate whether Deep Purple belongs more to hard rock, “Smoke on the Water” cannot be ignored. Ritchie Blackmore’s legendary riff, released in 1972, is arguably the most recognizable guitar pattern ever written. Built from simple intervals and played with a crunchy tone, the riff influenced generations of metal players to embrace heaviness and directness. It remains one of the first riffs many guitarists ever learn, proving its universal impact.

Why These Riffs Stand Out

These riffs were not chosen solely for popularity but for their role in shaping the metal genre. Each one carries a distinct quality—whether it is groove, aggression, melody, or sheer simplicity—that advanced the art of riff writing. Together, they form a timeline of heavy metal’s growth, from the dark beginnings of Black Sabbath to the technical grooves of Pantera and beyond.

The Lasting Power of the Metal Riff

A riff is more than a sequence of notes. It is a cultural symbol, a rallying cry for fans, and a starting point for countless new musicians. The top riffs endure because they capture the spirit of metal: raw energy, rebellion, and a drive to push boundaries. While debates over the greatest riff will always continue, the ten listed here provide a clear look at the foundation of metal’s legacy.