Some riffs are more than just notes—they're sonic time machines. A killer guitar line can transcend its original era, slip into another genre, and take on a whole new life. Nowhere is that more true than in sampling, where iconic guitar riffs have become the backbone of hit songs across hip-hop, pop, and rock.

Sampling isn't just a production trick. It's a creative bridge between generations, a way for artists to nod to the past while making something entirely new. And for guitarists? It's a chance to reconnect with the riffs that shaped music history.

Let's break down 10 of the most sampled or reinterpreted guitar riffs ever—and show you how to recreate them with a Spark series amp and the Spark app.

1. Steve Stevens – "Top Gun Anthem" (1986)

Sampled in: Yellowcard – "For Pete's Sake" (2003, Pop Punk)

Why it works: This soaring, cinematic riff became an '80s guitar anthem. When Yellowcard sampled it in the epic guitar solo near the end of the song, they brought its epic energy into a new era of punk-pop drama.

Recreate it with Spark: Dial in a shimmering lead tone using a British high-gain amp model with subtle delay and reverb. Push the mids for that 'hero shot' sustain and keep the gain tight but not fizzy. You can also find a custom tone by Steve Stevens himself on ToneCloud in the Spark app.

2. Ozzy Osbourne – "Crazy Train" (1980)

Sampled in: Voodoo Glow Skulls – "Who Is This Is" (1993, Ska Punk)

Why it works: Randy Rhoads' opening riff is an all-time metal classic. The Voodoo Glow Skulls, a legendary skacore hailing from Riverside, CA, made it their opening riff for their debut record.

Recreate it with Spark: Start with a classic British amp model, crank the gain, and add light chorus for depth. A slight mid-scoop captures that tight '80s metal feel. Check out Spark's "Rhoads Rules" tone for fast tracking.

3. Aerosmith – "Dream On" (1973)

Sampled in: Eminem – "Sing for the Moment" (2002, Hip-Hop)

Why it works: Steven Tyler's soaring vocals and Joe Perry's emotive guitar lines created a rock ballad for the ages. Eminem sampled the chorus and guitar solo, turning the song into a raw reflection on fame, family, and frustration.

Recreate it with Spark: Use a vintage American amp with mid-gain and reverb for the rhythm part, then switch to a sustain-heavy lead tone with delay for the solo. Look for classic rock ballad tones in the Spark app or build your own with a boost and a touch of chorus.

4. The Isley Brothers – "Footsteps in the Dark" (1977)

Sampled in: Ice Cube – "It Was a Good Day" (1992, Hip-Hop)

Why it works: Ernie Isley's dreamy, laid-back riff oozes soul. Ice Cube turned it into one of the smoothest beats in hip-hop history, layering nostalgia with lyrical grit.

Recreate it with Spark: Use a clean amp model with compression and a hint of phaser. Roll back the tone knob for that buttery, mellow edge. For inspiration, search the Spark app for neo-soul or vintage R&B tones.

5. Ozzy Osbourne – "Crazy Train" (1980)

Interpolated in: Trick Daddy – "Let's Go" (2004, Hip-Hop)

A song so epic that it made our list twice.

Why it works: Randy Rhoads' legendary riff from "Crazy Train" gets a rowdy makeover in Trick Daddy's crunk anthem. Instead of a direct sample, it's re-recorded and re-energized to drive the song's explosive, party-starting energy.

Recreate it with Spark: Use a British high-gain amp model with sharp attack and bright mids. Add subtle chorus to thicken the tone, and crank the gain just enough to keep it punchy but defined. Spark's Rhoads-inspired tones make the perfect launchpad.

6. Mountain – "Long Red" (1972)

Sampled in: Jay-Z – "99 Problems" (2003, Hip-Hop)

Why it works: Leslie West's raw tone and riff feel primal—part blues, part proto-rap. The sampled groove anchors one of Jay-Z's most iconic tracks.

Recreate it with Spark: Use a vintage American amp model, crank the mids, and blend in a bit of fuzz. Keep it dry and punchy—this one's all about raw attack.

7. Prince – "Do Me, Baby" (1981)

Sampled in: 2Pac – "To Live & Die in L.A." (1996, Hip-Hop)

Why it works: Prince's sultry, slow-burning groove sets a smooth, emotional tone. 2Pac built on that atmosphere to create a West Coast love letter that's both reflective and bold. The sample brings intimacy and soul to a song about identity and place.

Recreate it with Spark: Start with a clean amp model with warm EQ settings. Add light chorus and reverb to round out the tone, and keep the dynamics sensitive to touch. Look for slow jam or neo-soul tones in the Spark app to match the mood.

8. Led Zeppelin – "When the Levee Breaks" (1971) & Black Sabbath – "Sweet Leaf" (1971)

Sampled in: Beastie Boys – "Rhymin & Stealin" (1986, Hip-Hop)

Why it works: The Beastie Boys mashed together two of the heaviest riffs in rock history to launch one of the boldest debuts in hip-hop. Zeppelin's thunderous drums and Sabbath's sludgy guitar created a gritty, rebellious foundation for their punk-infused rhymes.

Recreate it with Spark: For the Sabbath tone, use a British high-gain amp with a thick fuzz pedal and scooped mids. To emulate Bonham's drum energy on guitar, go for a tight, compressed rhythm tone with strong low-end punch. Blend both influences using Spark's tone layering or tone switching features for a dynamic, genre-bending sound.

9. Labi Siffre – "I Got The…" (1975)

Sampled in: Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999, Hip-Hop)

Why it works: A funky, quirky riff that Dr. Dre twisted into a comedic, confrontational anthem for Eminem's breakout. It's funky, odd, and totally unforgettable.

Recreate it with Spark: Try a tight funk tone with palm-muted accents. Use a clean amp, light envelope filter, and a splash of spring reverb to get that snappy bounce.

10. Aerosmith – "Walk This Way" (1975)

Reimagined in: Run-D.M.C. & Aerosmith – "Walk This Way" (1986, Hip-Hop/Rock)

Why it works: This wasn't just a sample—it was a collaboration that changed music forever. Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith blurred the lines between rap and rock, reviving a classic riff and launching it into hip-hop history.

Recreate it with Spark: Go for a crunchy, mid-gain rock tone with a bright EQ and tight attack. Use a classic American or British amp and throw in a bit of room reverb. The Spark app has presets for both '70s rock and '80s crossover tones to help you find that perfect fusion.

Wrap-Up: Riffs That Never Die

These guitar riffs have been sampled, flipped, and remixed—but never forgotten. Whether they're anchoring a punk anthem or driving a hip-hop classic, their DNA runs deep in modern music.

Because a great riff isn't just a part of history—it's a springboard for what comes next.