Nirvana’s legendary hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit” has earned the title of the greatest guitar riff of all time, as per U Discover Music’s recent list of “40 Of The Best Guitar Riffs Of All Time.” The track claimed the coveted number-one position, surpassing other iconic riffs like Deep Purple’s “Smoke On The Water” and Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”

This list pays tribute to the most influential and unforgettable guitar riffs throughout rock history. “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” with its simple yet powerful four-chord riff, stood out due to its compelling quiet-loud dynamic, cementing its place as one of the most unforgettable riffs ever produced.

Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” secured the fourth spot on the list, while Deep Purple’s “Smoke On The Water” came in fifth. Known for being a timeless riff that has become synonymous with rock, the riff was crafted by Ritchie Blackmore during a jam session in Switzerland. Blackmore, the band’s guitarist, famously insisted that the riff could only be played correctly by plucking the strings rather than using a pick.

In addition to Nirvana, the list features an array of other iconic guitar riffs from legendary bands such as Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and The Rolling Stones. Classic tracks like “Whole Lotta Love,” “Back In Black,” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” also made the cut, along with songs from Jimi Hendrix and other rock pioneers.

Interestingly, Kristin Hersh’s track “Your Dirty Answer” rounded out the list at number 40, marking the bottom of this esteemed ranking.