The 1990s was an exciting time for all forms of rock music.

The big, crazy hair and eccentric clothing were replaced with a grungier style accompanied by more of an alternative rock sound.

Some of these bands transitioned from the wild 80s to a different sound in the 90s. Meanwhile, others were new bands that dove headfirst and defiantly made their mark in music history.

Go find your old denim vest and let’s revisit these rockin’ guitar riffs that spun around our heads well after the track ended.

Important note: Songs are listed chronologically by year of release, not order of preference.

Table of Contents

• Man in a Box
• Enter Sandman
• Under the Bridge
• Smells Like Teen Spirit
• Alive
• Plush
• Killing in the Name
• Walk
• Today
• American Jesus
• Dammit
• Good Riddance
• Song 2
• The Stone
• Learn to Fly

1. Man in a Box (1990)

Artist: Alice in Chains
Album: Facelift
Guitarist: Jerry Cantrell

Alice in Chains released their debut album Facelift in 1990, featuring what is widely considered their most notable song, Man in a Box. The song’s distinctive riff, talk box effect, and lyrical themes helped establish it as a defining track of early 90s rock.

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2. Enter Sandman (1991)

Artist: Metallica
Album: Metallica
Guitarist: Kirk Hammett

One of the most recognizable guitar riffs of the decade, Enter Sandman propelled Metallica into mainstream success and remains one of the most iconic rock songs of all time.

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3. Under the Bridge (1991)

Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Guitarist: John Frusciante

Under the Bridge marked a stylistic shift for the band, showcasing a softer and more introspective sound. Frusciante’s guitar work and Anthony Kiedis’ vulnerable lyrics helped make it one of the band’s most enduring songs.

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4. Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)

Artist: Nirvana
Album: Nevermind
Guitarist: Kurt Cobain

Few songs define a decade the way Smells Like Teen Spirit defines the 1990s. Cobain’s dynamic guitar riff and raw vocal delivery helped usher grunge into the mainstream.

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5. Alive (1991)

Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: Ten
Guitarist: Stone Gossard

Alive was Pearl Jam’s debut single and remains one of their most powerful songs. Its soaring guitar solo and emotionally charged riff helped define the grunge movement.

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6. Plush (1992)

Artist: Stone Temple Pilots
Album: Core
Guitarist: Dean DeLeo

Plush features a heavy, memorable riff that pairs perfectly with Scott Weiland’s vocals. The song remains a standout track from the band’s debut album.

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7. Killing in the Name (1992)

Artist: Rage Against the Machine
Album: Rage Against the Machine
Guitarist: Tom Morello

Powered by a drop D riff and politically charged lyrics, Killing in the Name became an anthem of protest and remains one of the band’s most recognizable songs.

8. Walk (1992)

Artist: Pantera
Album: Vulgar Display of Power
Guitarist: Dimebag Darrell

Built around groove rather than speed, Walk helped redefine heavy metal in the 1990s and pushed Pantera into a new genre-defining space.

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9. Today (1993)

Artist: Smashing Pumpkins
Album: Siamese Dream
Guitarist: James Iha

Today pairs an upbeat riff with darker lyrical themes, using dynamic contrast to create one of the band’s most memorable tracks.

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10. American Jesus (1993)

Artist: Bad Religion
Album: Recipe for Hate
Guitarist: Brett Gurewitz

American Jesus opens with a driving riff that sets the tone for a song tackling themes of religion, war, and American identity.

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11. Dammit (1997)

Artist: Blink-182
Album: Dude Ranch
Guitarist: Tom DeLonge

Dammit became a defining pop-punk anthem thanks to its fast tempo, catchy riff, and youthful energy.

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12. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) (1997)

Artist: Green Day
Album: Nimrod
Guitarist: Billie Joe Armstrong

Good Riddance showcased a more acoustic and reflective side of Green Day and became one of the most recognizable songs of the decade.

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13. Song 2 (1997)

Artist: Blur
Album: Blur
Guitarist: Graham Coxon

Often referred to as the “woo-hoo” song, Song 2 helped Blur gain major traction in the United States and remains a staple of 90s alternative rock.

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14. The Stone (1998)

Artist: Dave Matthews Band
Album: Before These Crowded Streets
Guitarist: Dave Matthews

The Stone builds gradually from a quiet, eerie riff into a layered arrangement featuring saxophone and violin, showcasing Matthews’ unique rhythmic style.

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15. Learn to Fly (1999)

Artist: Foo Fighters
Album: There Is Nothing Left to Lose
Guitarist: Dave Grohl

Learn to Fly helped bridge the transition into the 2000s, offering a cleaner, alternative-rock sound that remains instantly recognizable.

There are countless guitar riffs from the 1990s that still hold a nostalgic place in music history. These are just fifteen that continue to stand the test of time.

If you are a driven musician looking to take your guitar skills to the next level, the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media offers programs designed to help you build on your experience and grow as an artist.

If you liked this article, check out:

• 15 Greatest Guitar Riffs of the 2000s
• 15 Greatest Guitar Riffs of the 2010s