20 Best Classic Rock Guitar Riffs Of All Time
19. Roadhouse Blues - The Doors
When the Doors first came on the scene, they were not necessarily known for their riffs. Though tracks like "Light My Fire" and "The End" had great musical peaks, it all came down to the lyrics of Jim Morrison that would drive the song's message home.
As the band began expanding beyond their psychedelic phase, their return to their bluesy roots heralded one of the best riffs of the late 60's. The persistent rhythm on "Roadhouse Blues" has such a drive to it that you almost feel like you're barreling down a dusty highway as you listen to it. As opposed to filling the song up with abstract metaphors like on their previous material, Morrison understood that the song called for being a bit looser, with lyrics about going down to his favorite watering hole for a night of heavy drinking.
Keyboardist Ray Manzarak always gets the accolades as the musical genius in the Doors, but Robby Krieger's unstoppable energy on this track is where the real musical depth comes in. The good times for the Doors may have been numbered at this point, but at the moment, it was time to hit the bars and throw caution to the wind. Pour yourself one and get in on this riff.