What Are Lindsey's Signature Riffs?

[cliffdweller]

I was listening to Neil Young last night and during certain parts of "Hurricane" and "Winterlong" I kept thinking, now these are signature Neil Young riffs. Then I got to thinking, hmmm,... are there signature Lindsey riffs and if so, what are they? I think his acoustic guitar playing is totally distinct and showcases his own unique style, but what about his electric playing? Any riffs pop out at you as uniquely Lindsey? And if so, why?

And sorry in advance if this thread has been discussed lately!!

[Mari]

Those loooooong notes in the guitar solo of GYOW, how he manages to put so much into playing one string only
Not unlike Neil Young, now you mention him! I'm a Neil Young fan too.
Also a lot of rifs that I just wouldn't know how to describe, but I keep finding the same fingerpositions for certain melodies. Two solos on the white album (Sugar Daddy & Say You Love Me), they're really just a variation on the same positions, the same key...
Also I notice he incorporates a lot of bass-riffs into his playing, I don't know if other guitarists do that. It's the fingerpicking style, but in an electric guitar riff it's unusual (f.e. opening-riff from live version of The Chain)
I'll leave it to the other guitarists here to verify if all this makes any sense

[DownOnRodeo]

The YMLF bridge, definitely.
Same with those of SYLM and SYW.

[Dulcimer]

Signature riffs: The main Rhiannon riff comes to mind.

[4Buck]

Lindsey Buckingham is the ultimate hyphenate!: Singer - songwriter - guitarist - producer - engineer - arranger! His virtuosic pickin' is just a plus!

Yes, I'd say his riffs on SAY YOU LOVE ME, YOU MAKE LOVING FUN are most distintive. I agree about his RHIANNON highlight, as well. And right, Buckingham does incorporate bass riffs into his electric lead playing as on THE CHAIN. Amazing!

Buckingham's stun-guitar riffs fly, and always evolve into something more complex. When his fingers explode up the fretboard his guitar catches fire -- totally liberating him and the listeners! He is so creatively spontaneous with those seductive high notes. They are aural treats!

For entire tracks, I’d say I’M SO AFRAID (Dance Version) and GO YOUR OWN WAY are Lindsey Buckingham's signature songs. Absolutely brilliant!

[cliffdweller]

Originally Posted by 4Buck

Lindsey Buckingham is the ultimate hyphenate!: Yes, I'd say his riffs on SAY YOU LOVE ME, YOU MAKE LOVING FUN are most distintive. I agree about his RHIANNON highlight, as well.

this seems to be the consensus so far. I'll have to go back and listen to them closely. I like how he incorporates a bluegrassy, somewhat country style into even his electric playing. For instance, Gold Dust Woman, when you strip it down to the main riff is really that of a country song! I would say that that is a signature of his style~ breakin' all the rules of what a rock song should sound like.

[Cammie]

Lindsey has many signature Riffages!GYOW & Big Love
stand out in our mind as does Trouble and Not That Funny
and the ever Spine-Tingling... Iam So Afraid! Etheral!
Love That Lindsey and His Guitars! Skylark #3 Fan!!!

[chiliD]

Well, since he used the same riff in three different songs I'd say, the riff from:
Stephanie
Eyes Of The World
Bang The Drum

Then "signature riff #2" would be:
Don't Let Me Down Again
World Turning
Big Love
Miranda
Murrow (the verses)

Then "signature solo" would be:
I'm So Afraid
Tango In The Night
Murrow

[mylittledemon]

well my friend Bill and I call the signature riff "The Donkey" He pulled it from Clapton of course who does it so well. It makes that high pitched "eeyore, eeyore" sound. Lindsey does it on Go Your Own Way, I'm So Afraid, Come, Tango in the Night, Book of Love and countless other tunes.

[wondergirl9847]

I agree that when he does the "one note hold", like in ISA (Dance version especially) towards the end and in GYOW as well. Tango in the Night, when he holds that note, it just SOARS!

Also, that opening riff on Rhiannon, spectacular, gives me chills. The riff throughout Dreams too, so familiar.

[AgainLindsey]

Originally Posted by chiliD

Well, since he used the same riff in three different songs I'd say, the riff from:
Stephanie
Eyes Of The World
Bang The Drum

Then "signature riff #2" would be:
Don't Let Me Down Again
World Turning
Big Love
Miranda
Murrow (the verses)

Then "signature solo" would be:
I'm So Afraid
Tango In The Night
Murrow

awesome! i second this. these are such blistering and muscular riffs! they get 'im gigs a-plenty!

[Mari]

Originally Posted by mylittledemon

well my friend Bill and I call the signature riff "The Donkey" He pulled it from Clapton of course who does it so well. It makes that high pitched "eeyore, eeyore" sound. Lindsey does it on Go Your Own Way, I'm So Afraid, Come, Tango in the Night, Book of Love and countless other tunes.

rotflmao...

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by mylittledemon

well my friend Bill and I call the signature riff "The Donkey" He pulled it from Clapton of course who does it so well. It makes that high pitched "eeyore, eeyore" sound. Lindsey does it on Go Your Own Way, I'm So Afraid, Come, Tango in the Night, Book of Love and countless other tunes.

NO legitimate rock or blues guitarist can avoid it!! If someone claims to, they're lying. (unless maybe Steve Vai or Yngvie Malmsteen)