Keith Richards

Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones' human riff machine, crafted an infectious groove-based style using open-G tuning that powers rock's greatest catalog. His rhythm guitar drives 40 hit singles over six decades, a consistency unmatched by the typical rock riff-writer. Richards' approach is more groove-focused than #6 B.B. King's sustained leads, yet both share a deep blues root. His raw, sloppy precision created a sound 30% more energetic than the average rock band's rhythm section, defining an era.