Ever wonder how Keith Richards created that unmistakable Stones swagger with just five strings? Keith Richards revolutionized rock guitar by adopting open G tuning and removing the low E string, creating a signature five-string approach that defined the Rolling Stones' sound. His custom guitars, including the "Micawber" Telecaster and "Keith-Burst" Les Paul, were specifically modified for this D-G-D-G-B-D tuning arrangement inspired by banjo techniques. The combination of his methodical rhythm approach, double strumming precision, and open-string drones created space within arrangements that enhanced musicality and birthed some of rock's most memorable riffs. Read on to discover how to unlock Keith's innovative tuning techniques and transform your own playing.
The Heart of Open G
Open G tuning is Keith Richards' signature guitar sound that redefined the Rolling Stones' musical identity.
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The tuning method involves adjusting three strings – the 6th, 5th, and 1st – to create a D G D G B D arrangement, bringing out unique sonic qualities.
Players typically remove the lowest string during performance, allowing them to form major chords with minimal finger movement, while the tuning's distinctive resonance creates the characteristic frequency patterns that became synonymous with the Rolling Stones' musical legacy. This approach emphasizes riffs and bluesy licks rather than complex technical elements.
Richards' innovative open tunings transformed the band's sound throughout their extensive musical career, particularly in their golden era.
Five Strings Are Better
Keith Richards revolutionized guitar playing by removing the low E string and using open G tuning. His innovative five-string approach drew inspiration from banjo tuning techniques, resulting in a distinctive sound that emphasized clarity and rhythmic precision. While blues rock pioneer Eric Clapton pioneered many electric guitar techniques, Richards carved his own unique path with his five-string style.
Richards further developed this style by collaborating with luthier Vicente Carrillo, who crafted custom instruments including specialized five-string and nylon-string guitars that perfectly suited his unique playing method. This experimental approach helped create the signature Stones sound that fans worldwide have come to recognize.
Signature Sound
Keith Richards' signature sound is characterized by tonal simplicity and distinctive rhythmic patterns that define the Rolling Stones' musical identity.
Richards shapes the band's foundation through deliberate space creation within song arrangements, employing syncopated patterns that interact with the snare drum's beats. His close musical connection with drummer Charlie Watts created a tight rhythmic interplay that became a hallmark of their performances. Like Pete Townshend's dramatic windmill strums, Richards developed his own theatrical playing style that energized live shows.
The guitarist's musical approach flows through his famous Telecaster "Micawber" guitar and open G tuning, where his focus on rhythmic elements rather than technical complexity produces the unmistakable groove that has become synonymous with the Rolling Stones' distinctive musical character.
Mastering The Flow
The key to mastering open-tuning flow lies in understanding methodical approaches to rhythm and resonance.
Playing technique development centers on double strumming precision while implementing string removal strategies to achieve distinctive tonal characteristics. Removing the low E string creates authenticity in reproducing Keith's signature sound. Cultural pioneers like Richards transformed how guitarists approached traditional playing techniques.
Advanced musicians utilize barre chord adaptations mixed with open-string drone elements for depth, as chord progressions integrate 6sus4 formations and complementary rhythm patterns that create continuous musical movement.
Guitar Arsenal
Keith Richards' guitar collection formed the foundation of the Rolling Stones' signature sound through a carefully curated set of iconic instruments.
His most famous guitars shaped rock history, including the prized 1959 "Keith-Burst" Les Paul, which brought distinctive tones to many classic recordings.
The customized Telecaster nicknamed "Micawber" delivered Richards' signature sound thanks to its unique Gibson PAF humbucker modification in the neck position. This legendary guitar was used to create iconic tracks like Brown Sugar and Start Me Up.
His instrument lineup also featured a 1962 Epiphone Casino and the powerful ES-355, both of which contributed to his versatile playing style and the band's groundbreaking musical catalog.
Richards' profound respect for guitar innovation was evident in his use of the multi-track recording techniques pioneered by Les Paul to layer his distinctive guitar parts.
Rock Legacy Through Melody
Keith Richards' enduring impact on rock music stems from his revolutionary guitar techniques and melodic innovations.
His guitar playing style, anchored in the distinctive five-string open G tuning (GDGBD), became the foundation for iconic Rolling Stones songs, with "Brown Sugar" and "Start Me Up" showcasing this signature approach. His early experiences performing in the Westminster Abbey choir shaped his understanding of melody and harmony.
Much like Jimmy Page's riffs, Richards' innovative approach helped define an era of rock guitar.
Richards shaped rock's essential character through his focus on compelling riffs and sustained drone notes, choosing musical effectiveness over technical showmanship.
This created a template that influenced countless musicians and defined rock's core sound.
