A repeated musical phrase, especially in jazz or rock; an improvised variation on a theme.
Shortened from 'refrain' in the 1930s jazz scene, possibly influenced by 'riffle' (to flip through quickly). The term captured the spontaneous, repetitive nature of jazz improvisation before expanding to rock music and then to any creative variation on a theme.
The opening guitar riff of 'Smoke on the Water' by Deep Purple is often cited as the most recognizable in rock history, played by countless beginners learning guitar. Riffs function like musical earworms - their repetitive nature makes them stick in memory while providing a foundation for improvisation.
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