“To this day, I find it incredibly ironic and hilarious that it turned into a song, especially such a successful one”: How Slash’s throwaway riff became the most successful Guns N' Roses song ever

Slash of Guns N' Roses at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, July 19, 1988. Duff McKagan is visible in the rear.

Guns N' Roses' Sweet Child O’ Mine has stood the test of time. Slash’s iconic intro riff must reverberate through every Guitar Center – and, for that matter, guitar stores around the world – at least a couple of times a day.

But what’s Slash’s secret technique to his perennial finger-twisting riff? According to the man himself, there isn't one.