Here are some fun guitar riffs from the 80s.
“Take On Me” by A-Ha
This song was propelled by its cutting-edge music video.
This part is actually performed on a synthesizer, but it is an excellent little lead riff that helps with dexterity.
“Turn Up The Radio” by Autograph
Despite writing an MTV hit with their very first single, “Turn Up the Radio,” Autograph quickly got lost in the shuffle of the pop-metal scene. Formed in the early ’80s, the band seemed to have it all: a fine radio-friendly single from their debut album, good looks, big hair, and even a puppet-like drummer (Animal from “The Muppets”). Still, it wasn’t enough, and by the time they released a new album the following year, Autograph’s 15 minutes were pretty much up. (But we can still have this one song!)
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar has won 4 consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Female Vocalist in 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983 for “Crimes of Passion”, “Fire And Ice,” “Shadows of the Night” and “Love Is A Battlefield.” The video for “Love Is A Battlefield” was
the first music video to also include dialogue. Pat’s video “You Better Run” was the second video ever to be played on MTV in August 1981.
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” is one of her songs that still gets heavy radio station airtime.
“Talk Dirty To Me” by Poison
Nothing screams “hair metal” more than the band Poison. Their image may be a little outdated by today’s standards, but all-in-all they were a fun party rock band. “Talk Dirty To Me” is a perfect example of that.
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police
This instantly recognizable riff can be tough on the left hand. It has some wide intervals in its chord voicings. The first thing to do is get the fingerings down.
Hungry to learn more riffs and songs? Check out Riff-O-Matic.