Forgotten Classic Rock Guitar Riffs That Still Pack a Punch Today

Digging Deeper into Rock’s Hidden Riff Library

Classic rock has never lacked iconic riffs that inspire new guitar players year after year. But once you move past the usual staples like “Iron Man,” “Back In Black,” or “Smoke On The Water,” there’s a whole world of lesser-known gems waiting to be explored. These riffs offer something fresh for players who want to go beyond the basics and dive into deeper cuts from the legends who shaped rock guitar.

This list highlights three riffs that often get overshadowed by bigger hits, yet still show the same power, creativity, and attitude that made their creators household names.

“Spanish Castle Magic” – Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix changed the electric guitar in ways that still influence players today. Songs such as “Little Wing,” “Purple Haze,” “Foxey Lady,” and “Hey Joe” helped inspire future greats including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Prince, and Slash. Yet one of Hendrix’s strongest riffs doesn’t even break into his Top 10 most-streamed songs.

“Spanish Castle Magic” is a reminder of how effortless Hendrix made innovation sound. The riff moves with force and confidence while leaving plenty of space for his trademark melodic touches. Even his own words—“Little bit of daydreaming, here and there”—capture the loose, creative spirit behind the track. It’s a must-learn for anyone wanting to understand the fuller range of Hendrix’s guitar work.

“The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)” – Fleetwood Mac

Before Fleetwood Mac became a global pop-rock powerhouse, the Peter Green era delivered some of the most interesting music of the late British blues revival. “The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)” stands out as a moody and experimental piece built around a hypnotic, driving riff.

The track represents Green’s unique songwriting, blending heavy blues with psychedelic tension. His high falsetto near the end only adds to the mysterious tone. Whether the “Manalishi” was money, fear, or something else entirely, the gripping guitar line helped cement Peter Green’s legacy as one of rock’s great innovators.

“Rock ’N’ Roll Rebel” – Ozzy Osbourne

Guitarist Jake E. Lee is sometimes overlooked because he came between two giants in Ozzy Osbourne’s lineup: Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde. But Lee’s contributions were enormous. He wrote the blistering riff for “Bark At The Moon,” considered by many as Osbourne’s strongest guitar moment after “Crazy Train.”

“Rock ’N’ Roll Rebel” is another showcase of Lee’s style—sharp, energetic, and full of movement. Many casual listeners miss this track, but it remains a highlight for Ozzy fans who know his catalog well. With a history of guitar legends on his records, beginning with Tony Iommi during the Black Sabbath years, Ozzy has always surrounded himself with players who understand the meaning of being a true “Rock ’N’ Roll Rebel.”