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