In the latest episode of Gear Factor, renowned guitarist Pepper Keenan, known for his work with Corrosion of Conformity and Down, shares some of his favorite guitar riffs that have shaped his music journey. This episode captures the essence of a true artist’s passion for music, showcasing how his early influences have laid the foundation for his incredible career.

Corrosion of Conformity was just one of the many exceptional bands that rocked the stage at the 2025 Sonic Temple Festival in Columbus, Ohio. We were fortunate to spend some time with this stoner rock legend, who generously opened up about his life experiences through the lens of his favorite riffs. This intimate session highlights the connection between music and personal history.

Each episode of our series dives deep into the origins of our guests’ musical passions, exploring the very first guitar riff that inspired them to pick up an instrument. For Keenan, that pivotal moment arrived with Led Zeppelin‘s “Communication Breakdown,” a track from the band’s iconic 1969 debut album. This song not only sparked his love for music but also ignited a lifelong journey filled with rock and metal influences.

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“That riff sent me down a rabbit hole that eventually led to the Ramones and everything related to down-picking as a rebellious punk rock teenager,” Keenan reminisces, reflecting on the profound impact of his youthful inspirations, particularly at around 14 years old.

“I didn’t even own a guitar back then. My friend, who was a bit older and played guitar, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident. In our grief, my buddy and I broke into his house and borrowed his guitar, as his parents were not supportive of his musical endeavors anyway,” he recalls with a chuckle, illustrating the lengths he went to embrace his passion for music.

Regarding his fingerpicking technique, Keenan attributes this skill to the influence of David Gilmour from Pink Floyd. He even demonstrates this technique while performing the Down song “Jail,” showcasing his versatility as a guitarist and emphasizing the importance of learning from diverse musical styles.

Discover more about Keenan’s journey as a guitarist and enjoy even more riffs from both Down and Corrosion of Conformity. At the end of the episode, he discusses his ongoing songwriting efforts for new albums with both bands, so fans should stay tuned for exciting new releases filled with heavy sounds and powerful riffs.

Keep up with Corrosion of Conformity on social media platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook. Visit their official website for more updates, including an upcoming new site and merchandise store. Don’t miss out on their upcoming tour, where they will be opening for Alice Cooper and Judas Priest later this year. Also, follow Down on Instagram, X, and Facebook, and visit their website to stay informed about their latest news and events.

Discover Pepper Keenan’s Favorite Riffs from Corrosion of Conformity and Down