In music what is a "riff"?

Question

In music what is a "riff"?

Answer 1

A short recognisable phrase, which is usually repeated throughout the main song. Think of the start of "Smoke on the water" by deep Purple. That's a riff. Or the little sampled piece from Dido that Eminem used at the start of Stan. That's a riff.

Answer 2

a pattern of notes that is repeated

Answer 3

A melody or part of one.

Usually a riff is the basis of a song.

Answer 4

A riff is a progression of musical chords and notes that usually serves as basic rhythm of a song. A riff can also be a series of chords or notes that will end up being a part of a song, like a guitar solo.

Answer 5

A small tune that could go over and over. It would be short, like a phrase. And I think this answer is too short. Oh well.  

Answer 6

a riff is notes produced by the instruments during the verses

e.g. in rock and pop usually during the verses the bass, guitar and drums repeat the same pattern until the end of the verse.