The forbidden riff is essentially any overplayed song that has been (jokingly) banned from being played in guitar stores. The list is comprised of many well-known, but easy-to-learn riffs and licks that guitar store employees are subjected to hearing butchered on a daily basis.
Also question is, is Stairway to Heaven about drugs?
THE first three lines of Led Zeppelin’s 1971 rock classic “Stairway to Heaven” speak of a lady who’s sure “all that glitters is gold” and who is “buying a stairway to heaven.” This, according to social scientists, is a clear reference to drug use. Acapulco gold. Buying a means to get high in the sky.
Additionally, is Stairway to Heaven banned in guitar stores? “Stairway To Heaven” may be banned in guitar stores, but it’s not against the law to play it. That said, it is seen as a forbidden riff by many, and not often well received.
Consequently, what are the forbidden riffs?
What Are The Other Forbidden Guitar Riffs?
- Smoke On The Water – Deep Purple (when I first heard of the forbidden riff, I actually expected it to be this one!)
- Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana.
- Iron Man – Black Sabbath.
- Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- Enter Sandman – Metallica.
- Wonderwall – Oasis.
What is the Forbidden riff and why is it forbidden?
The Forbidden Riff refers to the list of songs that are strictly prohibited to play in guitar stores. It is an inside joke that began in 1973 in the street of Denmark, London. This list is comprised of songs often referred to as – overplayed riffs. A lot of beginner guitarists mostly play overplayed riffs to show off.
Why is the forbidden riff banned in guitar stores?
Stairway is Banned Because it’s Easy to Learn
One main reason why Stairway to Heaven is so overplayed in guitar stores to the point of being coined the “Forbidden Riff” is simply because of how easy it is to learn.
Why is the Stairway to Heaven riff forbidden?
The main reason why Stairway to Heaven is ‘banned’ in many guitar stores is because of a movie released years ago. The reality is that the song isn’t forbidden to play, it’s just very overplayed by people trying out guitars. You’re not going to get kicked out of any guitar stores if you begin playing this iconic song.