Who’s the Ultimate Riff Machine? Iommi vs Hetfield vs Dimebag

Tony Iommi laid the foundation of heavy metal with doomy, detuned riffs that felt like ancient thunder—Black Sabbath wasn’t just heavy, it was apocalyptic.
James Hetfield turned rhythm guitar into a weapon, down-picking at light speed to define thrash with Metallica. His riffs are tight, precise, and brutal.
Dimebag Darrell brought chaos and groove, combining squealing harmonics with southern metal swagger. Pantera riffs didn’t just hit hard—they moved.

[ironpatriot-nolt]

The answer is simple: YES!!! ALL OF THEM

[MONSTERKING]

All of them, but if I had to choose one, I’d have to choose Dime. Dime is THE best guitarist to ever live

[Boabywankenobi]

Van Halen. Gets the shine for tapping, but actually an unbelievable riff master

[danielclark]

Through the decades how we've evolved for the better ....keep rocking

[JamesEllenburg-ygz]

All of em was amazing. James was Darrells idol. Is mine too. James most relevant today sooo

[tedcrocker]

They're all amazing for their contributions and the music that they played. But not speaking of riff machines but machines, Dime bag is your man.

[johngoins]

Honestly, just by popularity alone, I'd have to say James

[suzaku]

Clearly the winner is the inventor of metal

[Joeypopshot]

Tony practically invented the heavy metal riff. James & Dime were both 'heavily' influenced by Sabbath.

[patrickmcdaniel]

As far as I know, the only one of those three that could get 750, 000+ people to headbang in unison is Dime.

[TylerVanHalen]

All of them are great, but you have to credit the inventor of metal, give me Tony

[raisedinabarn-jd]

Coming in first we have papa het. fastest down picking I have ever seen. And second tommi. Timeless metal riffs. Plus his hand was smashed by a press ... last but not least dimbag Darrel speedy perfectly timed harmonics and beautiful acoustical playing in cemetery gates.

[philipdavis]

Tony, he played “riffs”. Dimebag played runs and licks and riffs. James had another guitar player who wrote “riffs” also. So Tony is the ultimate “riff machine” of these three. Just my opinion. Honestly Page is the ultimate “riffer”, for sure. Again, just my humble opinion.

[RakhiA-tu]

For me its very close, but hetfield gets the edge

[BenScisly]

Tony started it dime and james continued it my thought