Why Do Guitar Stores Have Forbidden Riffs, and What Happens When You Play Them Backwards?

Guitar stores are often seen as sanctuaries for musicians, places where creativity and passion for music come alive. Yet, many guitar stores have an unspoken rule: certain riffs are forbidden. These forbidden riffs are not just any random notes; they are iconic, powerful, and often associated with legendary songs. But why are they forbidden? And what happens when you play them backwards? Let’s dive into the mystery and explore the many perspectives surrounding this intriguing phenomenon.

The Legend of the Forbidden Riffs

The concept of forbidden riffs in guitar stores is almost mythical. Walk into any guitar store, and you’ll likely hear the faint whispers of employees warning newcomers not to play certain riffs. The most infamous of these is the opening riff of Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple. This riff is so universally recognized that it has become a cliché, often played by beginners who are just learning the guitar. But why is it forbidden?

One theory is that these riffs are overplayed to the point of annoyance. Guitar store employees, who spend hours surrounded by the sound of guitars, have likely heard these riffs thousands of times. The repetition can become grating, leading to an unspoken ban on their performance. Another theory is that these riffs are so iconic that they overshadow other music. When someone plays Smoke on the Water or Stairway to Heaven, it can dominate the soundscape of the store, making it difficult for other customers to focus on their own playing or shopping experience.

The Psychological Impact of Forbidden Riffs

The forbidden nature of these riffs also has a psychological impact. When something is off-limits, it becomes more enticing. This is a classic case of the “forbidden fruit” effect. By banning certain riffs, guitar stores inadvertently make them more appealing. Customers may feel a thrill when they sneak in a forbidden riff, even if it’s just for a few seconds. This dynamic creates a playful tension between the store employees and the customers, adding an element of fun to the shopping experience.

Moreover, the forbidden riffs serve as a rite of passage for guitarists. Beginners often start by learning these iconic riffs, and playing them in a guitar store can be a way to show off their progress. However, as they become more experienced, they learn to respect the unspoken rules and move on to more complex and unique pieces of music. In this way, the forbidden riffs act as a marker of a guitarist’s journey from novice to seasoned player.

The Myth of Playing Riffs Backwards

Now, let’s address the second part of our title: what happens when you play these forbidden riffs backwards? This idea taps into the long-standing myth that playing music backwards can reveal hidden messages or summon supernatural forces. The most famous example of this is the “Paul is dead” conspiracy theory, which claimed that hidden messages in Beatles songs, when played backwards, revealed clues about Paul McCartney’s supposed death.

In the context of forbidden riffs, playing them backwards could be seen as an act of rebellion. If the riffs are forbidden when played forwards, then playing them backwards might be a way to subvert the rules. However, the reality is that playing a riff backwards simply produces a different sound, one that is often dissonant and unrecognizable. While it might not summon any supernatural forces, it could certainly catch the attention of store employees and other customers, adding an element of surprise to the experience.

The Cultural Significance of Forbidden Riffs

The forbidden riffs also hold cultural significance. They are a part of rock and roll history, representing the rebellious spirit of the genre. By banning these riffs, guitar stores are, in a way, perpetuating the rebellious image of rock music. It’s almost as if the stores are saying, “These riffs are too powerful, too iconic, too rock and roll for us to handle.” This adds to the mystique of the riffs and reinforces their status as legendary pieces of music.

Furthermore, the forbidden riffs serve as a reminder of the communal nature of music. When someone plays a forbidden riff in a guitar store, it often elicits a reaction from others in the store. Some might groan in annoyance, while others might smile in recognition. This shared experience creates a sense of community among musicians, even if it’s based on something as simple as a banned riff.

The Future of Forbidden Riffs

As music evolves, so too might the concept of forbidden riffs. With the rise of new genres and the constant influx of new music, the riffs that are considered forbidden today might not hold the same status in the future. However, the idea of forbidden riffs is likely to persist, as it taps into a fundamental aspect of human nature: the desire to rebel against rules and norms.

In the future, we might see new riffs being added to the list of forbidden ones, while others are removed. The criteria for what makes a riff forbidden might also change, reflecting shifts in musical tastes and cultural attitudes. But no matter how the landscape of music changes, the forbidden riffs will always hold a special place in the hearts of guitarists, serving as a reminder of the power and allure of rock and roll.

Related Q&A

Q: Why is Smoke on the Water considered a forbidden riff?
A: Smoke on the Water is often considered a forbidden riff because it is overplayed and has become a cliché, especially among beginner guitarists. Its repetitive nature can be annoying to guitar store employees who hear it frequently.

Q: Are there other riffs that are commonly forbidden in guitar stores?
A: Yes, other commonly forbidden riffs include the opening of Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin and Enter Sandman by Metallica. These riffs are also iconic and frequently played by beginners.

Q: What happens if you play a forbidden riff in a guitar store?
A: Playing a forbidden riff in a guitar store might elicit a range of reactions, from amused smiles to annoyed groans. In some cases, store employees might politely ask you to stop playing it.

Q: Is there any truth to the idea that playing riffs backwards can reveal hidden messages?
A: The idea that playing music backwards can reveal hidden messages is largely a myth, popularized by conspiracy theories. While playing a riff backwards can produce interesting sounds, it is unlikely to reveal any hidden meanings.

Q: Will the concept of forbidden riffs change in the future?
A: As music evolves, the riffs that are considered forbidden might change. New iconic riffs could emerge, while older ones might lose their forbidden status. However, the concept of forbidden riffs is likely to persist as a cultural phenomenon.