Unpacking Keith Richards’ Unique and Distinctive Style of Guitar Playing
Whether you know him as the lead guitarist for The Rolling Stones, a solo artist, or just “that guy with the wild hair,” Keith Richards is one of the greatest guitar players of all time. But what exactly makes his style so unique and distinctive? Let’s take a look at some of his signature techniques.
In this article, I’ll try to provide all the information you need to get as close as possible to getting that tone. First, I’ll provide a little insight as to his influences, his guitar set up, and some amps and the settings you can experiment with on different types of amps and effects pedals.
Regarding his guitar setup, though he played many models of electrics and acoustics, we’ll just focus on his 1953 Fender Telecaster “Micawber.”
One aspect that sets Keith Richards apart from other guitarists is his use of open tunings. Instead of standard tuning (EADGBE), Richards often tunes to an open G (DGDGBD). This gives him more tonal options because the strings are tuned in intervals instead of single notes. This allows him to create different chords by simultaneously pressing down multiple strings, rather than playing each string individually. It also enables him to play slide guitar without having to retune his instrument every time he switches to a different key. Also, he plays with the 6th string removed making his open G tuning (GDGBD)
Another defining feature of Richards’ style is his reliance on rhythm guitar. He rarely plays flashy solos or fills, opting instead for simple yet effective riffs that lay down the foundation for the rest of the band’s sound. His signature riff in “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is one example—it’s short, sweet, and instantly recognizable.
There are many factors that go into making Keith Richards’ style so unique and distinctive; from his use of open tunings to his love of rhythm guitar riffs coupled with unusual amp combinations, there’s something special about how he puts it all together. Whether you’re listening to one of The Rolling Stones songs or watching one of their live performances, you can always count on hearing something special when Richards takes center stage with his trusty five-string guitar in hand.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Keith Richards is a British musician, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to fame as a founding member of the Rolling Stones, one of the most iconic rock bands in history. With his signature style and raw, bluesy guitar playing, Richards has left an indelible mark on the music world, inspiring generations of musicians and earning him a reputation as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Richards was born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. His father, Bert Richards, was a factory worker and jazz musician, and his mother, Doris, was a homemaker. Richards grew up in a working-class family and was exposed to music from a young age, thanks to his father’s passion for jazz and his mother’s love of popular music.
He was drawn to the blues and rhythm and blues music that he heard on the radio and began teaching himself to play guitar at the age of 15. He was heavily influenced by artists like Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Bo Diddley, and would later cite them as some of his biggest inspirations.
Early Musical Career
In the early 1960s, Richards formed a band called the Blue Boys with his childhood friend Mick Jagger. The two had met again on a train and reconnected over their mutual love of music. They were later joined by Brian Jones, and the trio began performing together in local clubs.
In 1962, the band changed its name to the Rolling Stones and began to gain a following in the UK. They released their first single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On,” in 1963, which became a hit and helped to establish the band’s reputation as one of the leading groups of the British Invasion.
Success with the Rolling Stones
Throughout the 1960s, the Rolling Stones enjoyed a string of hits and became one of the biggest bands in the world. Richards was a key member of the group, contributing his distinctive guitar playing and songwriting talents to many of their most popular songs.
One of Richards’ most famous contributions to the Rolling Stones’ catalog is the opening riff to “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” which has become one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history. Richards wrote the riff in his sleep and woke up to record it, not realizing at the time the impact it would have on the world of rock music.
Despite the band’s success, Richards struggled with addiction throughout much of the 1960s and 1970s. He was arrested several times for drug-related offenses and even faced a potential prison sentence in 1967 after being caught with illegal substances.
Despite these challenges, Richards remained a driving force behind the Rolling Stones and continued to write and record music with the band. Some of his most famous songs with the group include “Gimme Shelter,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Sympathy for the Devil.”
Solo Career
In addition to his work with the Rolling Stones, Richards has also pursued a successful solo career. He released his first solo album, “Talk Is Cheap,” in 1988, which was well-received by critics and fans alike.
Over the years, Richards has continued to record and perform as a solo artist, releasing several albums and collaborating with other musicians. He has also worked as a producer and contributed to soundtracks for movies and television shows.
Keith Richards’ guitar playing style is distinctive and unique for several reasons:
Use of Open Tunings: Richards is known for using open tunings such as open G . This allows him to create unique chord shapes and voicings that are not possible in standard tuning. The use of open tuning gives his playing a distinct and recognizable sound.
While he didn’t invent open tunings, frequently employs open strings in his playing, creating a unique sound that often blends seamlessly with the chords and riffs he is playing. This technique is especially evident in songs like “Brown Sugar”, “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking?”, “Happy”, “Tumbling Dice”, “Start Me Up”, and “Honky Tonk Women.”
Rhythm Guitar Playing: Richards is known for his rhythm guitar playing, which is characterized by his use of syncopated, staccato, and repetitive patterns. His approach to rhythm guitar has been highly influential, and it is a key element of the Rolling Stones’ sound.
Use of Alternate Picking and Strumming: Richards often alternates between picking and strumming, creating a distinctive sound that is a hallmark of his playing style. He uses his fingers to strum, creating a more natural, organic sound.
Richards often plays syncopated rhythms, which involve accenting off-beat notes or playing notes in unexpected places. This creates a sense of tension and excitement in his playing and can be heard on songs like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Street Fighting Man.”
Use of Fuzz and Distortion: Richards has used fuzz and distortion pedals to create a rough, dirty sound. This is especially evident on songs like “Satisfaction,” where the distorted guitar riff is a defining element of the song.
Minimalism: Richards is known for his minimalist approach to guitar playing. He doesn’t use a lot of flashy techniques or complicated solos, preferring instead to focus on creating simple but memorable riffs and hooks.
All of these elements combine to create a guitar playing style that is distinctive and instantly recognizable as Keith Richards’.
Chord Progressions and Inversions: Richards’ chord progressions are often unconventional and unpredictable. He frequently uses chord changes that are unexpected, giving his songs a sense of tension and excitement.
Richards frequently uses chord inversions in his playing, allowing him to create interesting and unexpected chord progressions. This technique can be heard on songs like “Wild Horses,” where he uses inverted chords to create a unique and haunting sound.
Improvisation: Richards is known for his improvisational approach to guitar playing. He often comes up with riffs and licks on the spot, and his solos are characterized by their spontaneity and creativity.
Overall, Keith Richards’ guitar playing style is a unique combination of techniques, influences, and improvisation that has helped define the sound of rock and roll. His playing is raw, gritty, and full of energy, making him one of the most influential guitarists in the history of the genre.
Collaborations: Richards has collaborated with a wide range of musicians throughout his career, including Eric Clapton, Tom Waits, and Buddy Guy. These collaborations have allowed him to explore new sounds and styles, and have helped shape his guitar playing in new and exciting ways.
Richards is not just a guitarist, but also a songwriter. His guitar playing is often closely tied to the songs he writes, and his distinctive playing style has helped shape the Rolling Stones’ songwriting approach. He often writes riffs and chord progressions that are tailor-made for his guitar playing style, creating a seamless connection between his playing and the songs themselves.
Overall, Keith Richards’ guitar playing style is a product of his many influences, collaborations, and improvisational approach to music. His use of open tunings, rhythm guitar playing, minimalism, and slide guitar have helped shape the sound of rock and roll, making him one of the most influential guitarists of all time.
Riffs: Richards is known for his iconic guitar riffs, which have become a defining feature of the Rolling Stones’ sound. His riffs are often simple but memorable, and they have helped shape the sound of rock and roll. Some of his most famous riffs include those from “Satisfaction,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Start Me Up.”
Use of Dynamics: Richards is a master of dynamics, using changes in volume and intensity to create tension and release in his playing. He often starts off quietly and builds to a crescendo, creating a sense of drama and excitement.
Influence on Other Musicians: Richards’ guitar playing style has been highly influential on other musicians. His minimalist approach to playing has inspired countless guitarists, and his use of open tunings, slide guitar, and rhythm guitar playing have become staples of the rock and roll sound.
Stage Presence: Finally, Richards’ guitar playing style is closely tied to his stage presence. His wild, flamboyant performances have become legendary, and his guitar playing is an integral part of his onstage persona. His energy, charisma, and guitar playing all combine to create a unique and unforgettable experience for audiences around the world.
Achieving the guitar tone of Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of The Rolling Stones, involves understanding various aspects of his setup and playing style. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Guitar and Equipment
Guitars: Keith Richards is famously associated with Fender Telecasters. His main guitar, nicknamed “Micawber,” is a butterscotch blonde 1953 Telecaster. However, he also uses other guitars like Gibson Les Pauls and various acoustics.
Modifications: Richards often modifies his guitars. For instance, “Micawber” has a Gibson PAF humbucker in the neck position and a removed sixth string, effectively making it a five-string guitar, tuned to open G.
Amplifiers: He has used various amps over the years, but Fender Twin Reverbs and Ampeg SVTs are commonly associated with his sound. Low to medium gain settings on tube amplifiers help emulate his tone.
Pedals and Effects: Keith Richards’ tone is predominantly achieved through his guitar and amp setup, with minimal reliance on effects pedals.
Playing Style and Techniques
Open G Tuning: A significant aspect of Richards’ sound is his use of open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D), with the sixth string removed. This tuning is crucial for playing many of the Rolling Stones’ iconic riffs.
Capo Use: Richards occasionally uses a capo, particularly with open tunings, to change the pitch while maintaining the open G chord shapes.
Tone Settings
Guitar Settings: On a Telecaster, Richards often uses the middle pickup setting (blending neck and bridge pickups) for a balanced tone.
Amp Settings: Aim for a clean but warm sound with a bit of natural tube amp overdrive. Bass and mid should be moderate, with treble slightly higher.
Touch and Dynamics: Much of Richards’ tone comes from his picking dynamics. He often varies his attack, from gentle strumming to more aggressive riffs.
Practice and Listening
Learn Iconic Songs: Practice songs like “Start Me Up,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Honky Tonk Women” to get a feel for his style.
Listen and Analyze: Listen closely to Rolling Stones recordings, focusing on Richards’ parts to understand his tone and technique nuances.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different guitar and amp settings, and try to play along with Stones tracks to fine-tune your sound.
Remember, achieving the exact tone of any guitarist is challenging due to differences in equipment, playing style, and individual touch. However, these guidelines should help you get close to the iconic Keith Richards sound.
Fender Blues Deluxe 1957 Reissue Settings
To mimic Keith Richards’ tone using a Fender American Standard Telecaster (tuned to open G and without the 6th string) and a 1957 Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue, you’ll need to focus on both the settings on your amplifier and your playing technique. Here’s a detailed guide:
Amplifier Settings
The Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue is a tube amp known for its warm, vintage tone, which is a good starting point for achieving a Keith Richards-like sound.
Volume: Start with a moderate volume level. Richards’ tone is often about natural amp overdrive rather than high gain.
Treble: Set the treble to a slightly above-midway point. This will give you that clear, articulate top end without being too harsh.
Bass and Middle: Keep both bass and middle at a midpoint or slightly above. Richards’ tone is warm but not overly bass-heavy.
Reverb: Use a touch of reverb for warmth, but don’t overdo it. Richards’ tone is relatively dry.
Presence: Adjust the presence to taste. This can add some clarity and bite to the sound.
Master Volume: If your amp has a master volume, use it to balance the overall volume with the natural overdrive.
Guitar Settings
Since you’re using a Fender American Standard Telecaster, here are some tips:
Pickup Selection: Richards often uses the middle pickup setting on his Telecaster, blending the neck and bridge pickups. Start there and adjust as needed.
Tone Control: Experiment with the tone control, but a slightly rolled-off setting can warm up the sound, which is characteristic of Richards’ tone.
Playing Near the Bridge: For a sharper attack, play closer to the bridge; for a warmer tone, play nearer to the neck.
Playing Technique
Rhythmic Emphasis: Focus on your right-hand technique. Keith’s style is heavily rhythmic, so practice maintaining a steady groove.
Dynamic Control: Play with dynamics, varying your pick attack from soft to hard. Richards often uses a lighter touch for verses and digs in for choruses and riffs.
Partial Chords: Since you’re in open G tuning, experiment with partial chords and barre chords across the lower four strings. Richards often plays three or four-string versions of chords.
Riffs and Licks: Incorporate classic Keith-style riffs and licks. Listen to Rolling Stones songs to get a feel for his signature moves.
Fender Blues Junior Settings
To achieve a Keith Richards-style tone using a Fender Blues Junior amplifier, you’ll need to focus on achieving a warm, slightly overdriven sound that’s characteristic of Richards’ playing. Here’s a guide for setting up your Fender Blues Junior:
Basic Settings
Volume: Start with the volume at a moderate level, around 3 to 5. This setting allows the tubes to start working without overly distorting the sound. Keith Richards often relies on natural amp overdrive rather than high gain.
Master: The master volume controls the overall loudness of the amp. Adjust this depending on your situation (practice, recording, gigging). It’s usually best to set this after setting the volume to achieve the desired amount of overdrive.
Treble: Set the treble to around 5 or 6. This should provide a clear, articulate top end without becoming too harsh. Adjust to taste depending on your guitar and playing environment.
Bass: The bass should be set at about 4 or 5. Richards’ tone is warm, but not overly bass-heavy. Adjust based on your room acoustics and guitar.
Middle: Set the middle around 5 to 6. The midrange is crucial for the guitar to cut through the mix and to achieve that classic rock tone.
Reverb: Keep the reverb relatively low, around 2 to 3. Richards’ tone is typically dry, but a touch of reverb can add some depth without washing out the sound.
Marshall Code50 Settings
Setting up your Marshall Code50 amp to emulate Keith Richards’ tone involves balancing the amp’s digital modeling capabilities with the right mix of EQ and effects. Since the Code50 is a versatile amp with a wide range of options, you’ll want to start with a basic setup and then tweak it to suit your playing style and environment. Here’s a guideline to get you started:
Choosing the Right Amp Model
Preamp Model: Select a model that emulates a classic Marshall tube amp, like the JTM45 or a Plexi. These models will give you a warm, slightly overdriven sound characteristic of Keith Richards’ tone.
Power Amp Model: Choose a standard EL34 model for that classic British rock sound.
Cabinet Model: Pair it with a 1960s-style 4×12 cabinet model to replicate the sound of classic Marshall stacks.
EQ Settings
Bass: Set around 4 or 5. Richards’ tone has warmth but isn’t overly bass-heavy.
Middle: Around 6 to 7. The midrange is crucial in achieving that punchy, classic rock guitar tone.
Treble: Start with a setting of 5 or 6. This should provide clarity without becoming too sharp.
Presence: Adjust to taste, but a moderate setting around 5 can add some additional clarity and definition.
Gain and Volume
Gain: Set the gain to a lower level, around 3 to 5, to achieve a lightly overdriven sound that’s still articulate.
Volume: Adjust according to your environment. Remember, the volume on the Code50 also affects the overall tone.
Additional Effects
Reverb: Use a small amount of reverb for depth. Set it low, around 2 to 3.
No Heavy Effects: Richards’ tone is relatively straightforward, so avoid using heavy modulation or delay effects.
Optional Overdrive: If you need a bit more bite for solos, a mild overdrive effect can be useful, but keep it subtle.
Experiment and Adjust: Since the Code50 offers a wide range of options, don’t hesitate to tweak the settings as you go. The perfect tone often comes from fine-tuning based on your guitar and playing style.
Listening and Emulating: Listen to Keith Richards’ recordings to understand the nuances of his tone and try to replicate them.
Remember, digital modeling amps like the Marshall Code50 offer a lot of flexibility, so use these settings as a starting point and adjust them to suit your specific needs and environment. Enjoy exploring the different sounds!
Boss GT-3 Multi-Effects Settings with Earbuds (sans-amp)
Achieving Keith Richards’ tone with a Boss GT-3 multi-effects processor while using only earbuds (no amp) will require careful setup, as you’ll be relying solely on the processor’s preamps, EQ, and speaker simulations. Here’s a guide to help you set up your Boss GT-3:
Choosing the Right Preamp Model
Preamp Type: Select a preamp model that mimics a classic British-style tube amp. Look for options like ‘Brit Combo’ or ‘Stack’. These will emulate the warm, slightly overdriven sound characteristic of Keith Richards.
EQ Settings
Bass: Set around 4 or 5. Richards’ tone is warm but not overly bass-heavy.
Middle: Around 6 to 7. The midrange is essential for the guitar to cut through and for achieving that classic rock tone.
Treble: Start with a setting of 5 or 6, providing clarity without being too sharp.
Presence: Adjust to taste, but a moderate setting around 5 can add some additional clarity and definition.
Gain and Volume
Gain: Set the gain relatively low, around 3 to 5, to achieve a slightly overdriven sound that’s still articulate.
Volume/Level: Adjust the output level to a comfortable listening volume for your earbuds.
Effects
Reverb: Use a small amount of reverb for depth, set it low around 2 to 3. Keith Richards’ tone is typically dry.
Overdrive/Distortion: If available, a mild overdrive effect can be useful for solos, but keep it subtle.
Modulation Effects: Generally, avoid heavy modulation effects like chorus or flanger, as Richards’ tone is quite straightforward.
Speaker Simulation
Since you’re using earbuds, engage the speaker simulation feature to replicate the sound of the guitar cabinet. This is crucial for a more authentic guitar tone.
Additional Settings
Compressor: A slight touch of compression can help even out the dynamics, but be careful not to overcompress.
Noise Gate: Use a noise gate if necessary, set just high enough to eliminate any unwanted noise without affecting your playing dynamics.
Playing Technique and Guitar Settings
Dynamic Playing: Emulate Richards’ playing dynamics. He often varies his picking attack.
Guitar Settings: With your Telecaster, try different pickup selections and adjust the guitar’s tone knob to match the warmth and clarity of Richards’ sound.
Listening and Replicating: Listen to Keith Richards’ recordings to capture the nuances of his playing style and sound.
Remember, achieving the exact tone of a guitarist like Keith Richards is challenging, especially without an amp. However, these settings on your Boss GT-3 should get you close to his classic sound. Be prepared to make small adjustments based on your earbuds’ response and your playing environment.
Boss ME-25 Multi-Effects Settings with Earbuds (sans-amp)
Setting up your Boss ME-25 multi-effects pedal to approximate Keith Richards’ guitar tone while using earbuds instead of an amplifier involves a mix of selecting the right amp model, adjusting EQ settings, and using minimal effects. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Amp Model
Preamp Type: Choose a preamp model that emulates a classic British tube amp. The ME-25 has models like “Brit Combo” or “Stack.” These settings will help emulate the warm, slightly overdriven sound characteristic of Keith Richards.
EQ Settings
Bass: Set around 4 or 5. Richards’ tone is warm but not bass-heavy.
Middle: Set this to about 6 or 7 to emphasize the midrange, crucial for that classic rock guitar sound.
Treble: Start with around 5 or 6 for clarity, but adjust to avoid harshness, especially when using earbuds.
Presence: If available, adjust to around 5 for additional clarity, but this may vary depending on your earbuds.
Gain and Volume
Gain: Set the gain to a lower level, around 3 to 5, to achieve a light overdrive without heavy distortion.
Volume/Level: Adjust according to the comfortable listening level for your earbuds. Be mindful of the overall volume to protect your hearing.
Effects
Reverb: Use a slight reverb (set around 2-3) for depth. Richards’ tone is relatively dry.
Overdrive/Distortion: If desired, a mild overdrive can be used for solos, but keep it subtle to stay true to Richards’ style.
Avoid Heavy Modulation Effects: Richards’ tone is generally straightforward, so heavy chorus, flanger, or phaser effects are typically not characteristic.
Speaker Simulation
Use the ME-25’s built-in speaker simulation to get a more authentic guitar amp sound through your earbuds.
If there are additional amps you’d like to read about to get close to Keef’s sound, let me know in the comments below, or if you have settings already dialed in, please let other readers know!
Additional Tips
Strings: Use a set of strings that’s comfortable for you, but remember that Richards often uses a set where the heaviest string is a .011.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to tweak settings as you play. Slight adjustments can sometimes make a big difference.
Listen and Learn: Continuously listen to Keith Richards’ playing. Try to capture not just his tone but his style and attitude.
Achieving the exact tone of a legendary guitarist like Keith Richards is a blend of gear, settings, technique, and feel. While gear and settings provide a foundation, much of the magic comes from your personal touch and familiarity with his playing style.
Dynamic Playing: Focus on your picking dynamics. Richards often varies his pick attack for different song parts.
Guitar Settings: With your Telecaster, experiment with different pickup settings and tone control to find the right balance. Not all Telecasters are equipped with a PAF pick-up in the neck position.
Some Really Good Video Tutorials on Open G tuning
I reached out to my buddy Dwane Dixon, who’s got some really cool YouTube tutorials on playing some Rolling Stones songs in Open G. Check out his site here, and his YouTube channel here.
Remember, achieving Keith Richards’ tone is as much about the playing style and guitar technique as it is about the equipment and settings. Experimentation is key, as is a solid understanding of his musical style. Enjoy the process of dialing in your sound!
In conclusion, Keith Richards’ guitar playing style is a complex and multifaceted blend of techniques, influences, and improvisation. His use of open tunings, rhythm guitar playing, minimalism, slide guitar, and syncopated rhythms, along with his stage presence and influence on other musicians, have helped define the sound of rock and roll and cemented his place as one of the most influential guitarists of all time.
