The best guitarists of all time: Keith Richards
Text by Nils Lofgren
I remember hearing “Satisfaction” in high school and not believing the shock it gave me. It’s this combination of the riff and the chords that form a counterpoint underneath. Keith can write two or three note vignettes that are more substantial than any great solo.
On “Gimme Shelter” he played lead and vibrato rhythm guitar – creating a menacing atmosphere that no one had ever achieved before. The contrast between the two guitars opens up space for Mick Jagger to come through with his vocals in the middle. Nobody is better at tuning their guitar to their own taste. Keith finds a tuning that allows him to express his feelings without having to worry about technical aspects.
One time I was replaying the chorus of “Beast Of Burden” and thought, “Those are exactly the right chords, but it doesn’t sound anything like Keith.” He plays chords that sing. And that’s the secret of the great guitar moments on Stones records: Keith finds a tuning that allows him to express his feelings without worrying about technical aspects.
I once went to a Keith and the X-Pensive Winos concert. In the locker room, Keith played a Chuck Berry riff, but it sounded completely different than the original. I love Chuck Berry, but this was simply better – not in terms of playing technique, it was the emotional content that jumped out at me. What Chuck is to Keith, Keith is to me.”
Born: 1943. Guitar: Fender Telecaster (“Micawber”, 1953)