Nirvana’s iconic track “Smells Like Teen Spirit” has been crowned the greatest guitar riff of all time in U Discover Music’s “40 Of The Best Guitar Riffs Of All Time” list. The grunge anthem claimed the top spot, surpassing legendary riffs like Deep Purple’s “Smoke On The Water” and Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
The list honors some of rock’s most unforgettable riffs, with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” reigning supreme. Despite its simplicity—a four-chord riff—the song’s explosive quiet-to-loud dynamic cemented its place as one of the most influential riffs in rock history.
Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” lands in fourth place, celebrated for its soaring, melodic guitar intro. Meanwhile, Deep Purple’s “Smoke On The Water” takes the fifth spot. This riff, synonymous with rock music itself, was born during a jam session in Switzerland as the band worked on their Machine Head album. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore famously insisted that the riff should always be plucked, not played with a pick, to capture its true essence.
The list also features iconic tracks from bands like Led Zeppelin (“Whole Lotta Love”), AC/DC (“Back In Black”), and The Rolling Stones (“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”). Guitar heroes like Jimi Hendrix also make appearances, ensuring the collection spans the most revered names in rock history.
At the bottom of the list is Kristin Hersh’s “Your Dirty Answer”—proof that even less mainstream tracks can leave a lasting impression.