Riff

A riff is a repeated chord progression or melodic figure, often played by the rhythm section instruments, that forms the basis or accompaniment of a rock music or jazz composition; an ostinato figure. Richard Middleton (1999) defines them as, "short rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic figures repeated to form a structural framework."

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
• One of These Days by Pink Floyd
• Beat It by Michael Jackson
• Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
• Favorite Mistake by Sheryl Crow

Source

• Middleton, Richard (1999). Form. Key Terms in Popular Music and Culture. Malden, Massachusetts. ISBN 0631212639.