Vacation time is the perfect opportunity to break out of a playing rut, pick up the guitar, and explore new sonic territories without the pressure of a deadline. While it is tempting to fall back on the same classic rock staples, the holiday season offers a great excuse to dive into some underrated riffs that are fun to play, technically engaging, and guaranteed to impress. These under-the-radar gems often provide a fresh perspective on rhythm and tone, making them ideal for expanding musical horizons during a well-deserved break.
The Groovy Intensity of “Searching…”From the prolific Australian psychedelic rock band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, the track “Searching…” from their 2017 album Polygondwanaland is a masterclass in hypnotic rhythm. Written by Stu Mackenzie, this dark and driving riff relies on a simple yet highly effective melody that loops intensely. The riff is melodic, often played with a bright tone, but it requires precise picking and a steady groove to maintain the dark, hypnotic atmosphere that defines the track. It is an excellent exercise for intermediate players looking to lock in with a metronome and develop a tighter right-hand technique, while also offering a challenge in managing melodic repetition.
Summery Fuzz and Glam-Rock EnergyFor a completely different vibe, JD McPherson’s “Sunshine Getaway” provides a crunchy, uplifting alternative. This track, featuring a blend of surf rock and glam-rock, showcases a fuzzy guitar sound that is both retro and fresh. The riff is upbeat and infectious, driven by a summery feel that contrasts perfectly with the relaxing holiday mood. It’s a great piece to practice playing with overdrive or fuzz, emphasizing tight, rhythmic chords that are not overly complex but rely on great timing and an energetic feel to truly pop.
Atmospheric Indie-Alt LicksIf the goal is to lean into a more relaxed, modern, and atmospheric vibe, Mk.gee’s “Lonely Fight” is an exceptional choice. This track features a unique style of playing that mixes melodic licks with a hazy, nostalgic atmosphere. It is less about a traditional, high-gain riff and more about finding the right emotional notes and infusing them with a “gliding” feel. Playing this requires a good understanding of dynamics and the ability to play with a light touch, making it perfect for developing a more expressive, nuanced guitar style. It is an underrated masterpiece of indie-alt music.
Modern Technical Flair with “Stabs”For players who want to spend their vacation improving their technical skills, Moray Pringle’s “Stabs” is a fantastic challenge. As a guitarist known for his intricate and catchy riffs, Pringle’s work in “Stabs” offers a high-level, modern guitar approach. It involves quick, precise rhythmic stabs (hence the title) that require excellent fretboard knowledge and clean technique. This is an ideal riff for practicing muted notes and alternating between chordal work and fast melodic phrases, providing both a mental and physical workout.
Taking the time to learn these underrated riffs during a vacation allows for a fun break from the norm, helping to build both technical proficiency and musical creativity. Whether it’s the hypnotic repetition of King Gizzard, the crunchy tones of JD McPherson, the indie vibes of Mk.gee, or the technical precision of Moray Pringle, there is plenty of underappreciated material waiting to be played. These selections offer a great blend of styles to keep the fingers moving and the creativity flowing all through the holiday break.
Leave a Reply