Guitar Riffs of the 2020's
Ever since the dawn of the 2020s, the "guitar is dead" narrative has been thoroughly debunked. From the bedroom pop revolution to the resurgence of pop-punk and the technical wizardry of modern metal, the last few years have gifted us some of the most infectious, "stank-face" inducing riffs in recent memory.
Whether you're looking for a funky groove to play on a clean channel or a drop-tuned sledgehammer, here are the most fun guitar riffs to learn from the 2020s so far.
1. The Modern Indie Anthem: "Kilby Girl" by The Backseat Lovers (2020)
If there is one riff that defined the "new wave" of indie rock in the early 2020s, it’s this. It’s a perfect example of how a riff doesn’t need to be complex to be iconic.
Why it’s fun: It’s all about the interplay between the two guitars. The main riff uses a catchy, descending melodic line that feels nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the dynamics. The riff starts clean and relatively quiet but builds into a fuzzy, high-energy climax that is incredibly satisfying to play with a band.
2. The Pop-Rock Polished Groove: "Levitating" by Dua Lipa (2020)
Don’t let the "pop" label fool you—Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia is a goldmine for guitarists. "Levitating" features a disco-infused, Nile Rodgers-style funk riff that will give your right hand a serious workout.
Why it’s fun: It’s pure rhythm. It teaches you the importance of scratching (muted strums) and playing "inside" the pocket.
Difficulty: Intermediate (requires solid 16th-note strumming).
The Vibe: Crisp, clean tone with just a touch of compression.
3. The Metalcore Masterpiece: "Gungrave" by ERRA (2021)
For the technical players, the 2020s have been the era of "progressive metalcore." Jesse Cash of ERRA is a riff machine, and the intro to "Gungrave" is a masterclass in modern heavy playing.
Why it’s fun: It combines "djenty" low-end chugs with ethereal, soaring tapping lines. It’s one of those riffs that makes you feel like a virtuoso once you finally nail the synchronization.
Difficulty: Advanced.
Gear Note: You’ll likely need a 7-string guitar or a very thick set of strings to handle the low tuning ($G\#$).
4. The Neo-Soul Essential: "My Hair" by Ariana Grande (2020)
If you’ve spent any time on "Guitar-Tok" or Instagram lately, you’ve seen players covering the jazzy, neo-soul licks from this track. It’s sophisticated, smooth, and impressively technical.
Why it’s fun: It uses beautiful extended chords (like $Maj9$ and $13th$ chords) and quick, fluid fills that bridge the gap between jazz and pop.
Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced.
Technique: Focus on your hybrid picking (using both a pick and your fingers) to get that soft, piano-like attack on the chords.
5. The Garage Rock Revival: "Rough on Rats" by Jack White (2024)
Jack White returned to his "No Name" roots in 2024 with an album that is essentially one giant riff-fest. "Rough on Rats" is a standout for anyone who loves raw, blues-drenched power.
Why it’s fun: It uses a slide and heavy distortion to create a greasy, "swampy" sound. It’s less about precision and more about attitude and volume.
Difficulty: Intermediate (due to the slide control).
Tone: Crank the gain, use a fuzz pedal, and don't be afraid to let the strings rattle a bit.
A Quick Reference Table: 2020s Riff Breakdown
Song Title | Artist | Key Technique | Learning Level |
"Drivers License" | Olivia Rodrigo | Arpeggiated Chords | Beginner |
"Jaded" | Spiritbox | Drop Tuning / Groovy Chugs | Intermediate |
"Kiwi" | Quarters of Change | Melodic Lead Lines | Intermediate |
"Ohms" | Deftones | Atmospheric Textures | Intermediate |
"Cure" | ERRA | Tapping & Low-end Riffing | Advanced |
6. The Atmospheric Heavy: "Ohms" by Deftones (2020)
Deftones have a way of making simple riffs sound massive. The title track of their 2020 album features a signature Stephen Carpenter riff that is equal parts "stoner rock" and "dream pop."
Why it’s fun: It’s a "wall of sound" riff. It’s played on the low strings with a repetitive, hypnotic rhythm that is easy to get lost in.
Difficulty: Intermediate.
The Secret: The riff relies on open-string drones mixed with heavy distortion, creating a lush, dissonant texture.
7. The New School Shred: "Beyond Heaven's Gate" by Unprocessed (2024)
If you want to see where guitar playing is heading, look at Manuel Gardner Fernandes. His style is a hybrid of percussive "thumping" and lightning-fast acoustic-style licks played on an electric.
Why it’s fun: It’s a total brain-melter. It’s incredibly fast, clean, and rhythmic.
Difficulty: Expert.
Goal: Don’t try to play this at full speed immediately. Use a metronome and start at 50% BPM to master the percussive hits.
How to Master These Modern Riffs
Modern production often layers multiple guitars, which can make a single riff sound more complicated than it actually is. When you're learning these, keep three things in mind:
Isolate the Rhythm: Before you worry about the notes, can you clap the rhythm? Many 2020s riffs (especially in the indie and pop world) rely on "syncopation"—hitting notes off the beat.
Use Tabs & Slow-Mo: Tools like YouTube's playback speed or software like Guitar Pro are your best friends.
Tone is Half the Battle: A riff like "Gungrave" won't sound right on a clean acoustic, just as "My Hair" won't sound right through a high-gain metal stack. Spend five minutes dialing in your pedals to match the "vibe" of the track.
The 2020s are proving to be a golden era for the guitar. Whether you're into the "stanky" funk of pop hits or the "tectonic" shifts of modern metal, there’s never been a better time to pick up the instrument and start riffing.
