Keith Richards - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Rolling Stones
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Open G
- String Gauge
- .011-.048 (typical)
- String Brand
- Ernie Ball
- Genre
- Classic Rock
About Keith Richards's Sound
Keith Richards (born 1943) is the rhythm guitar architect of the Rolling Stones. His interlocking guitar parts with Ronnie Wood (and previously Mick Taylor and Brian Jones) created the 'two guitars as one' approach that defined the Stones' sound. Richards learned Open G tuning from Ry Cooder in 1968 and made it his signature. His rhythm playing is deceptively complex - what sounds like simple riffs are actually sophisticated combinations of bass lines, chords, and lead fills played simultaneously. Beyond music, Richards' survival of legendary excess made him a rock icon.
Tunings Used
Open G (5-string) - 5 songs
- Start Me Up Try this tuning →
- Brown Sugar Try this tuning →
- Honky Tonk Women Try this tuning →
- Tumbling Dice Try this tuning →
- Wild Horses Try this tuning →
E Standard/Open E - 1 song
- Jumpin' Jack Flash Try this tuning →
E Standard - 1 song
- Satisfaction Try this tuning →
Open E - 1 song
- Gimme Shelter Try this tuning →
Open D (acoustic) - 1 song
- Street Fighting Man Try this tuning →
Open G - 1 song
- Can't You Hear Me Knocking Try this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
Ernie Ball
.011-.048 (typical)
Why Keith Richards uses these
Keith's famous 5-string open G tuning (removing the low E string) was inspired by banjo and bottleneck blues players. The removed string simplifies fingering and prevents the droning low E from muddying the open G chord. He tunes D-G-D-G-B-D and often capos at various frets. His Telecasters (especially 'Micawber') are his primary instruments, modified with humbucker pickups. Richards uses medium gauge strings to balance the open tuning's tension requirements. His '5-string weaving' technique creates rhythm parts that function as both bass and melody.