Is Keith Richards OVERRATED as a guitarist? #therollingstones #guitarist #keithrichards #gibson

Keith Richards is one of the most legendary and influential guitarists in rock history. As the co-founder and guitarist of The Rolling Stones, Richards is known for his distinctive riffs, songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger, and his iconic persona. His contributions to rock and roll have made him a cultural icon and a key figure in the development of modern music.

### Early Life and Career:

- **Full Name**: Keith Richards
- **Born**: December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England

- **Early Influences**: Richards grew up in a musical household, with his grandfather, a jazz musician, introducing him to the guitar at a young age. He was heavily influenced by American blues and rock and roll, particularly the music of Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Jimmy Reed. These influences would later play a significant role in shaping The Rolling Stones' sound.

- **Meeting Mick Jagger**: Richards met Mick Jagger in the early 1960s, and the two quickly bonded over their shared love of blues and rock music. Along with Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman, they formed The Rolling Stones in 1962, with Richards and Jagger taking on the roles of primary songwriters.

### The Rolling Stones:

- **Rise to Fame**: The Rolling Stones quickly rose to prominence in the 1960s as part of the British Invasion. Their early hits, including covers of blues and R&B songs, showcased Richards' raw, energetic guitar playing. By the mid-1960s, Richards and Jagger had developed into a formidable songwriting team, penning hits like "Satisfaction," "Paint It Black," and "Get Off of My Cloud."

- **Iconic Riffs**: Richards is known for creating some of the most memorable guitar riffs in rock history. The opening riff of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" is one of the most famous in rock music, instantly recognizable and emblematic of The Rolling Stones' sound. Other classic riffs include those from "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Honky Tonk Women," and "Start Me Up."

- **Songwriting Partnership with Mick Jagger**: Richards and Jagger have written many of The Rolling Stones' greatest hits, earning them a place among the most successful songwriting duos in music history. Their partnership has produced a vast catalog of songs that have become staples of rock music.

### Musical Style and Technique:

- **Guitar Playing**: Richards is known for his distinctive guitar style, characterized by his use of open G tuning, a five-string guitar setup, and a rhythmic, riff-based approach. His playing often emphasizes groove and feel over technical virtuosity, giving The Rolling Stones their signature loose, swaggering sound.

- **Rhythm and Lead**: Unlike many rock guitarists, Richards often blurs the lines between rhythm and lead guitar, seamlessly moving between the two within a single song. This approach is a key element of The Rolling Stones' sound, allowing for a dynamic interplay between the guitars.

- **Influence on Rock and Roll**: Richards' guitar style has been hugely influential in rock music. His emphasis on rhythm, groove, and riff-driven songs has inspired countless guitarists. Bands like Aerosmith, The Black Crowes, and Guns N' Roses have all cited Richards and The Rolling Stones as major influences.

### Personal Life and Image:

- **Rock and Roll Lifestyle**: Keith Richards is as famous for his rock and roll lifestyle as he is for his music. His image as a hard-living, rebellious rocker has become iconic, contributing to the mythology of the rock star. Despite his well-publicized struggles with drug addiction and legal troubles, Richards has remained an enduring figure in popular culture.

- **Health and Longevity**: Despite his lifestyle, Richards has maintained a remarkably long career, continuing to perform and record with The Rolling Stones well into his 70s. His resilience and longevity have only added to his legendary status.

- **Cultural Impact**: Richards' influence extends beyond music. His image, persona, and even his fashion sense have made him a cultural icon. He has appeared in films, written a best-selling autobiography titled *Life* (2010), and continues to be a subject of fascination for fans and media alike.

### Legacy:

Keith Richards' impact on music is immense. As a guitarist, songwriter, and cultural figure, he has left an indelible mark on rock and roll. His work with The Rolling Stones has defined the sound and spirit of rock music for over six decades. Songs like "Satisfaction," "Brown Sugar," "Angie," and "Gimme Shelter" remain timeless classics, and his guitar playing continues to inspire generations of musicians.

Richards' legacy is one of innovation, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to rock and roll. He has helped shape the genre and has become a symbol of its rebellious spirit. As one of the last remaining icons of rock's golden age, Keith Richards stands as a testament to the enduring power of music and the unbreakable bond between a guitarist and his guitar.

[dennistaylor]

it’s not a competition. They create music. If you want to watch a competition, tune to a sports channel. Stop trying to turn the music industry into a sporting event and comparing musicians against each other. They are all unique and bring their own style of playing.

[bendagostino]

Anyone who says he's overated, id like to see you write memorable songs that will be played for hundreds of years.

[xadovitch]

He probably don't care about being rated, he"s a legend

[hesh]

Keith is a melody man. He writes killer licks. He doesn’t need to be a technical wizard. It’s about the groove and the melody.

Same as the Beatles, only the Stones were more gritty. None of the Beatles are mastered either (arguably George), but it didn’t matter. They could write a tune.

Rock doesn’t need to be pigeonholed into one style. You don’t need to have an Eddie Van Halen, a Neil Peart, or a Jack Bruce. You just gotta catch the ear with a great sound.

Keith mastered the sound, not the scales.

[AlvaroCordova-cr]

The Stones without him wouldn't be The Stones. An icon.

[beakerstreet]

Keith is not overrated, or underrated. Keith is Keith! Laughing at us all! All the way to the bank!

[stormbringercoming]

Keith never claimed to be good, but what he does have is that he captures the essence of rock and roll. He has that in spades.♠️

[detroitlady]

Went to Claptons Crossroads concert and Keith walked on as unexpected guest! Watched him and Clapton jam. Keith's a legend like Clapton and that song rocked the place! Great night, one of two in NYC with all the greats you can think of!

[grantstewart]

Sounds pretty cool to me, and no he’s not overrated, he’s simply the human riff

[mrdan]

Not overrated. Unique. He fit perfectly with the success they called The Stones.

[keithowens]

Underrated. You know it's Keith Richards when you hear a riff. He's iconic and his hooks are unforgettable. Much more interesting than virtuosos who just know how to shred but can't write a song like Keith Richards that you can't make leave your head.

[lindatherrien]

Love this man
He a legend and one the best there is.
Over my life I've seen him 17 times. I'm 75 just saw the stones this year at Gillette Stadium and fell I'm love with all over again❤❤❤

[Frequenceez.]

He created some of the most iconic parts. Playing guitar is not about who can play the most notes the fastest and cleanest but who can create music to make you feel something.

[antoniocarlosdasilva]

Mande o vídeo completo, para eu te seguir. Ok. Sou tão fã dos Stones que dizem que pareço com o Mick Jagger, KKkk.

[frankspeight]

Richards is an icon - his riffs are at the center of some of the best rock of all time - to say otherwise is stupid

[matthewblanchard]

Hell No!!! He wrote the book on rock guitar, at least he was one of the few who did. 🎸👍

[concordiaciviummurusurbium]

About Keith Richards, do not look for a technical maestro or virtuose... Just look for the soul, the heart, the balls!

[hyacinthlynch]

He's got a passion for what he does and he's made a successful living at it. I admire that.

[JackFlaps]

he plays Keith Richards, and he does it perfectly

[bodhi]

Keef is a legend either way ~ 80 years old and still gigging; enough said. Love Keef.
🌟🎵🎶 🎸