Aspiring guitarists flock to Guitar Center to browse the extensive selection of guitars and try them out in-store. However, what is the forbidden riff in guitar center? In this article, I will show you the origin of the forbidden riff, why it is banned, and the impact it has had on the music community.
The forbidden riff in Guitar Center is a specific sequence of notes that have been deemed off-limits by the employees and management of the store. It is not a well-known riff but rather a simple, repetitive sequence that has been played countless times by guitarists trying out instruments in the store.
Furthermore, the riff itself is not inherently bad or offensive, but it has become a source of irritation for the staff and customers of Guitar Center due to its overuse.
The origins of the forbidden riff are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have started as a way for inexperienced guitarists to test out the sound and feel of a guitar quickly. As more and more people began using the riff, it became an annoyance to those around them.
Eventually, the employees of Guitar Center decided to ban the riff altogether, leading to its status as a forbidden sequence of notes.
Despite its prohibition, the forbidden riff has taken on a life of its own within the music community. It has become a sort of an inside joke among guitarists, and many have even composed songs based around the riff. Some musicians have even gone so far as to sneak the riff into their performances at Guitar Center, much to the amusement of their fellow musicians.
While the forbidden riff in Guitar Center may seem like a trivial matter, it has become a part of the culture of the music community. It is a reminder that even the most innocuous things can have a significant impact on our lives and the world around us.
What Is the Forbidden Riff in Guitar Center?
The “Forbidden Riff” at the Guitar store is a joke/meme that originated on social media platforms like Reddit and Twitter. It is not an actual musical riff that is prohibited or banned by Guitar Center, but rather a humorous reference to the often-repeated and overplayed riffs that some beginner or novice guitar players tend to play when trying out instruments at music stores.
The joke is that if someone were to play the “Forbidden Riff” at Guitar Center, they would be immediately asked to stop playing or even leave the store, as it is seen as annoying and cliche. However, this is all in good fun and not an actual store policy or rule.
There is no one specific “Forbidden Riff” that is universally agreed upon, but some popular contenders include the opening riff to “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple, “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath, “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, and “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses.
Is Master of Puppets a Forbidden Riff?
No, “Master of Puppets” by Metallica is not considered a “Forbidden Riff” at Guitar Center or any other music store. While the opening riff to “Master of Puppets” is certainly recognizable and popular among guitar players, it is not generally regarded as overplayed or annoying in the same way that some other riffs are.
In fact, “Master of Puppets” is often considered a classic and influential heavy metal song, and many guitar players may choose to play it at music stores as a way to showcase their skills and demonstrate their appreciation for the genre.
That being said, individual store employees or customers may have their own preferences and opinions about which riffs are overplayed or annoying, and it’s possible that someone playing “Master of Puppets” or any other riff repeatedly and loudly could be asked to stop or leave the store if it becomes disruptive.
However, this would be based on their behavior rather than the specific riff they were playing.
What Happens If You Play the Forbidden Riff?
Playing the “Forbidden Riff” at a music store like Guitar Center is not against any official rules or policies, as there is no actual “Forbidden Riff” that is prohibited or banned. However, repeatedly playing any riff or song, including the “Forbidden Riff,” can be seen as annoying or disruptive to other customers and employees in the store.
If you were to play the “Forbidden Riff” or any other riff excessively loud or for an extended period, it could potentially disturb others in the store, and you could be asked to stop playing or leave the store. This is not because of the specific riff you are playing but rather due to the disruption you are causing.
Most music stores have a policy that encourages customers to test out instruments before buying them but also asks them to be considerate of others in the store. This means not playing too loudly or for too long and not hogging equipment that other customers may want to try.
How to Play the Forbidden Riff
The “Forbidden Riff” is not an actual musical riff that is prohibited or banned, but rather a humorous reference to overplayed and cliché riffs that some beginner or novice guitar players tend to play when trying out instruments at music stores like Guitar Center.
While there is no one specific “Forbidden Riff,” some popular contenders include the opening riff to “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple, “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath, “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, and “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses.
If you’re interested in learning how to play the “Forbidden Riff,” here’s a step-by-step guide to playing the opening riff of “Smoke on the Water”:
- Start by placing your left hand on the fretboard of your guitar. Place your first finger (index finger) on the 6th string at the 3rd fret, your third finger (ring finger) on the 5th string at the 5th fret, and your fourth finger (pinky finger) on the 4th string at the 5th fret.
- Use your right hand to strum the 6th string with a downward motion. This is the first note of the riff.
- Now, using your left hand, move your first finger to the 6th string at the 5th fret while keeping your other fingers in place. Strum the 6th string again with a downward motion.
- Move your first finger back to the 6th string at the 3rd fret, and strum the 6th string again.
- Move your third and fourth fingers up one string each so that your third finger is now on the 4th string at the 5th fret, and your fourth finger is now on the 3rd string at the 5th fret. Strum these two strings together with a downward motion.
- Move your third and fourth fingers down one string each so that your third finger is now on the 5th string at the 5th fret, and your fourth finger is now on the 4th string at the 5th fret. Strum these two strings together with a downward motion.
- Move your third finger down one fret to the 5th fret on the 5th string, and strum the 5th string with a downward motion.
Why Can’t You Play the Forbidden Riff in Guitar Stores?
You can play the “Forbidden Riff” or any other riff in guitar stores. The term “Forbidden Riff” is actually a humorous reference to overplayed and cliché riffs that some beginner or novice guitar players tend to play when trying out instruments at music stores like Guitar Center.
While it’s perfectly fine to play the “Forbidden Riff” or any other riff in a guitar store, it’s important to be considerate of others in the store. If you play too loudly or for too long, you could potentially disrupt other customers or employees in the store, and you may be asked to stop playing or leave the store.
Most music stores have a policy that encourages customers to test out instruments before buying them but also asks them to be respectful of others in the store. This means not playing too loudly or for too long and not hogging equipment that other customers may want to try.
In general, there is no actual ban or prohibition on playing the “Forbidden Riff” in guitar stores. However, it’s important to be respectful of others in the store and not to play too loudly or for too long, as this can be disruptive and annoying to others.
Is Stairway to Heaven a Banned Riff?
No, “Stairway to Heaven” is not a banned riff. The term “Forbidden Riff” is actually a humorous reference to overplayed and cliché riffs that some beginner or novice guitar players tend to play when trying out instruments at music stores like Guitar Center.
While “Stairway to Heaven” is a very popular song with a recognizable guitar riff, it is not actually banned or prohibited from being played in music stores or anywhere else.
However, as previously mentioned, it’s important to be respectful of others in the store and not to play too loudly or for too long, as this can be disruptive and annoying to others.
It’s worth noting that some music stores may have their own policies or guidelines for customers testing out instruments, which may include restrictions on certain songs or riffs being played. However, this would be specific to the individual store and not a universal ban on any particular song or riff.
Conclusion
The term “Forbidden Riff” is a lighthearted reference to overplayed and cliché riffs that some beginner or novice guitar players tend to play when trying out instruments at music stores like Guitar Center. But what is the forbidden riff in guitar center?
While there is no actual ban or prohibition on playing the “Forbidden Riff” or any other riff in guitar stores, it’s important to be respectful of others in the store and not to play too loudly or for too long.
Customers should also be aware of any specific policies or guidelines for testing out instruments that may be in place at individual music stores.
However, overall, it’s perfectly fine to play recognizable riffs such as “Stairway to Heaven” in a guitar store as long as you’re not causing a disturbance and are also focused on improving your own skills and exploring new musical ideas and techniques.