Muse: Riff Of The Decade

The guitar hook from Muse's 2001 track Biffy Clyro,Kasabian, Green Day and Metallica in the top 50. Red Hot Chili Peppersalso made the list, as did Mercury Music Prize winners Elbow.

The poll focused specifically on the past decade to give (relatively) new bands a chance to shine. Classic 60s and 70s acts such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Creamtraditionally dominate guitarist lists, with Hendrix's Voodoo Chile topping a greatest all-time riff poll last year.

Total Guitar's editor Stephen Lawson explained Muse’s appeal. "I think Muse won because Matt Bellamy is a guitar hero for the 21st century. He's genuinely innovative, a real creative type who comes up with unique guitar parts. I'm sure it helps that his riffs are catchy too."

It’s been a good week for the Devon band – their recording of Feeling Good is being used as the soundtrack to a £6m ad campaign to push Virgin Atlantic in America. The 90-second ad debuted this week and is being shown in New York, Washington, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles.