riff
riff — noun
- riffsingular
- riffsplural
1. a short, recognisable pattern of notes that repeats through a section of a jazz,
a short, recognisable pattern of notes that repeats through a section of a jazz, rock, or pop song, giving other musicians a base to improvise over.
Kenji learned the opening guitar riff from his favourite rock song after weeks of practice.
guitar riff — common collocation for instrument-specific phrase
The DJ sampled a classic jazz riff and built an electronic dance track around it.
Sofia's fingers danced across the keys as she played the same riff repeatedly.
That simple bass riff became the most recognisable part of the whole song.
- lick
a short, casual musical phrase, used especially in jazz and blues; less formal than riff
- ostinato
a constantly repeated musical phrase, often in classical music; more formal and less associated with improvisation
- hook
a catchy musical idea designed to grab the listener's attention, often the chorus; a hook can be a riff, but a riff is not always a hook
文法句型
guitar riff / piano riff / bass riff
play + a riff
riff + on + [instrument]
用法筆記
Often paired with the name of the instrument: guitar riff, bass riff, piano riff. Also used with a style label: blues riff, jazz riff.
常見錯誤
2. a version of something that keeps the basic character of the original but adds n
a version of something that keeps the basic character of the original but adds new or different elements.
The designer's latest collection offers a modern riff on traditional Japanese clothing.
a riff on — prepositional pattern indicating the source being varied
Aisha's painting presents an unexpected riff on the classic still-life arrangement.
The film is a clever riff on the vampire legend, moving the story to modern Taipei.
Wei created a new riff on the original recipe by adding Thai spices and coconut milk.
文法句型
a riff on + [noun phrase]
a new riff on + [something familiar]
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'on' to indicate the original thing being reworked. Common in discussions of art, fashion, food, and entertainment.
常見錯誤
riff — verb
- riffpresent simple I / you / we / they
- riffshe / she / it
- riffedpast simple
- riffing-ing form
1. when a musician performs a short, catchy note pattern several times, especially
when a musician performs a short, catchy note pattern several times, especially in jazz or pop music, so that other players can build their solos over it.
The bass player riffed on a simple two-note pattern for the whole chorus.
riffed on — verb + preposition for musical base
Chidi loves to riff on his guitar whenever the band takes a short break.
The pianist riffed for several minutes while the drummer kept a steady beat.
Jiro spent the afternoon riffing over blues chord changes with his saxophone.
文法句型
riff + on + [musical element]
riff + over + [chord progression]
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'on' (the musical element being used) or 'over' (the harmonic progression supporting the riff). The subject is always a musician.
2. to talk for an extended period about a subject in a lively, humorous, or freely
to talk for an extended period about a subject in a lively, humorous, or freely improvised manner, often without a fixed plan.
During the late-night show, the comedian riffed on the absurdities of daily life for twenty minutes.
riffed on [topic] — prepositional pattern for subject matter
Elena riffed about her bicycle journey across Southeast Asia, keeping everyone at the dinner party amused.
The podcast host riffed on the week's news stories, adding his own humorous take to each item.
Nalini riffed for the whole car ride about why she thinks cats are smarter than dogs.
- hold forth
similar meaning but slightly more formal and can imply the speaker is being self-important
- improvise
broader; riffing is a specific kind of spoken improvisation with a playful, extended quality
文法句型
riff on + [topic]
riff about + [topic]
riff + for + [duration]
用法筆記
Used informally. The speaker is usually entertaining and creative, not simply rambling. Often followed by 'on' (topic) or 'about' (topic).