Keith Richards

Keith Richards revolutionized rhythm guitar with his five-string open-G 'Keith tuning,' removing the low E string and capoing up to create the elemental groove of *Brown Sugar* and *Start Me Up*. Active since 1962, his deceptively simple playing carries entire songs, as seen on *Some Girls*, which sold over 6 million copies. Richards’ rhythmic innovation is faster than the typical rock rhythm guitarist’s approach, outperforming #7 Carlos Santana in driving a band’s energy through groove alone. His twin-guitar interplay with Ronnie Wood on *Tattoo You* proves that precision and swagger coexist seamlessly.