Discover these iconic 90s guitar riffs that shaped rock music and defined a generation, from grunge to alternative classics.
90s Guitar Riffs: Calling All None Millennials!
What even is Gen Y anyway? For many, the 1990s were a period of unrivalled freedom where the cost of living was lower, and everyone was just out to have a good time.
However, for a lot of us, we either weren’t there at the time or if we were, we just didn’t want a slice of that Parklife.
Here, we’ll be looking at some pretty cool 90s guitar riffs that serve as souvenirs from the decade. With a little bit of something for everyone, we’ll start with some beginner-orientated 90s guitar riffs, whilst also looking at some songs that command some more advanced techniques.
Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
So, our first 90s guitar riff comes from the very start of the decade. A member of the infamous 27 club, Kurt Cobain’s intro to this song would inspire millions of players.
As a guitarist, it doesn’t really matter if you’re into Nirvana or not, you’re bound to learn this riff eventually. What makes this such a good beginner riff? Well, we’re working around just four power chords in the intro. It’s also great for practicing palm muting.
Starting on the 1st fret of the low E string, moving that same shape downwards to the A string, and then across to conclude the riff on the 4th fret. It’s simple yet nostalgic. It’s also the very pinnacle of grunge music.
The intro to this track is in two halves, the first is very clean, whereas the second is considerably heavier. This is thanks to a *Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal. Just tap that switch and you’ll transform your tone!
Californication – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
By contrast, we’ve got a track right from the end of the decade. I’ve never been the biggest fan of the R.H.C.P, but just like with many of their songs, this 90s guitar riff is one to watch out for.
Each riff in this list benefits one element of your practice schedule. This time, we’re looking at arpeggios. This is where we pick the individual notes from a chord. Often referred to as broken chords, this riff is great for working on them.
Two chords, Am and F major. Nice and straightforward, in the intro and verse we just alternate between the two, keeping the same picking pattern going.
The thin sound from this riff comes courtesy of some single-coil pickups. Any will do, but the Fender Jaguar will help you get a little bit closer to the recording. The Vintera series from Fender represent great value for money. Alternatively, you could go for a Squier Classic Vibe.
Don’t Look Back In Anger – Oasis
Thirdly, we haven’t really got much of a 90s guitar riff at all. This time, we’re focusing on the chord progression to this British anthem. After all, it’s worth polishing up your chords at the end of the day, you know what I mean?
When looking over this track, you’ll want to use a version in standard tuning, as the original recording isn’t quite at the right frequency. Otherwise, you’ll be pretty much good to go.
The verse also acts as the chorus to this song, therefore there are fewer sections to learn. Other than the pre-chorus, we want to play two downstrokes on each chord. Why? Because each bar shares two chords.
Noel’s solo has the precision and the crunch of a Gibson ES-335. Not the cheapest axe out there, so naturally it’s accompanied by a Vox AC30 for good measure.
Killing In The Name – Rage Against The Machine
For our next 90s guitar riff, we’re turning up the gain and playing something much heavier. This 1992 hit for R.A.T.M has survived more than 30 years of controversy. Probably because of the killer lick.
Leaning away somewhat from beginner players, we’re in the Drop D guitar tuning for this one. The quickest way to get to it is by picking an open D string, and then down-tuning your low E until they sound the same.
Learning this song is a great excuse to get familiar with Drop D. It’s also a perfect opportunity to turn up the volume and rebel against all injustices in society! Having that low E string a tone down from normal allows for some aggressive riffs and chords. We’ve also got some hammer-ons to play with.
Everlong – Foo Fighters
Finally, for our last 90s guitar riff, we’ll be looking at this masterpiece of a song from the Foo Fighters. Despite Dave Grohl being in the press recently for potentially the wrong reasons, there’s no reason why we can’t look at this opening riff.
Similarly, we’re in Drop D again. Any excuse, right? Combining some minor 9th and 5th chords, this one isn’t something you’ll instantly pick up if you’re not familiar with barre or indeed Drop D chord shapes. However, it’s a great opportunity to work on your down picking techniques.
Representing some peak grunge from The Colour And The Shape back in 1997, this track has even been covered by Rick Astley. It’s cool, it’s fast, and it’s just one of those songs that you can’t get enough of.
Another 335 here, but this time it’s in a stunning shade of Pelham blue. Of course, this is Dave Grohl’s signature Epiphone. Complete with a maple top and a laurel fingerboard, it looks and feels special.
90s Guitar Riffs – New Favourites Discovered?
So, what have we learnt? Well, other than looking at arpeggios, palm muting or Drop D riffs, we’ve seen that some of the guitar riffs from the 1990s offered an explosion of sounds. You may already know how to play some of these, we could have even ignited an old spark of love for one of these groups.
Any more standout 1990s riffs? We’d love to hear them.
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