A riff is a short, repeated musical phrase or melody that is often used as an introduction to a song. It can also refer to a quick and witty remark or commentary.
Usage examples
The guitarist began to play a catchy riff, which instantly captivated the audience.
The band's new song features a memorable guitar riff that is sure to become a fan favorite.
The musician entertained the crowd by improvising a riff on his saxophone.
The drummer created a powerful and energetic riff that set the pace for the whole song.
The guitarist and bassist coordinated their riffs to create a harmonious and dynamic sound.
The rock band performed a long, epic riff during their live concert, leaving the audience cheering for more.
The song started with a simple riff on the piano, gradually building up to a grand and emotional melody.
The DJ seamlessly transitioned from one electronic music riff to another, keeping the dance floor packed.
In the studio, the producer added a distorted guitar riff to give the track an edgier feel.
The guitarist and vocalist collaborated to write a catchy riff that formed the backbone of their latest hit single.
We went on riff on the psychology of the characters in THE LAST WORD, muse on making an entertaining film with substance, and the legacy of the women's movement. (killermoviereviews.com)
Much of The Good Dinosaur's humor rises from a series of riffs on western movies, keeping adults amused while tickling children with such sight gags as a cowboy T. rex using a cricket as a harmonica as he unwinds by the campfire. (shepherdexpress.com)
These little irritating things like the music score playing over and over (the same guitar riffs on a loop will eventually drive you insane), characters repeating themselves, and saying things like: «My role is to see the hidden truth that lies beneath each battle» just seem a little bit silly to me and decrease the overall experience of the game, unless you turn the music off and skip most of the dialogue. (nonfictiongaming.com)