Keith Richards is a name synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll. Known for his groundbreaking riffs and unmistakable style, he’s cemented his place as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. But even legends have their inspirations.
Behind Richards’ iconic sound lies a tapestry of influences, shaped by the work of other remarkable musicians. These artists helped fuel his creativity and refine the signature style that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
From blues pioneers to rock innovators, Richards has openly shared his admiration for the guitarists who shaped his journey. Let’s dive into the six guitarists he holds in the highest regard.
Chuck Berry Was The Starting Point for Keith Richards
Richards has often expressed how Chuck Berry shaped his early guitar playing. He once shared in an interview with Rolling Stone that his goal was simple: “If I could play like Chuck Berry, I’d be the happiest man in the world.”
Richards was especially struck by Berry’s performance in Jazz on a Summer’s Day, where he played alongside jazz musicians, a moment that deeply influenced the young guitarist. The clash of styles made an impression on Richards, who was already a fan of jazz.
Alongside Berry, Richards admired other legends like T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, and B.B. King. He also credits Scotty Moore, Elvis Presley’s guitarist, as another major influence in shaping his unique sound.
Keef’s Immense Respect for George Harrison
Keith Richards has always had high regard for George Harrison, especially for his role as a team player within The Beatles. In an interview, he explained, “You’ve got your Jimi Hendrix, you’ve got your Eric Clapton, and then you’ve got guys who can play with bands. George was a band and a team player.”
Richards pointed out that many guitarists get lost in solo performances, relying too much on histrionics and feedback. For him, honesty in playing was key, and Harrison embodied that perfectly, focusing on the band rather than individual spotlight.
Richards sees Harrison not just as an artist, but as a craftsman, someone who was integral to the band’s success. As Richards put it, George wasn’t just a great musician; he was essential to the collective sound of The Beatles.
Far Out Magazine made a list of the best guitarists of all time, according to Keith Richards. Feel free to also experience their greatness with the following playlist:
Chuck Berry
Muddy Waters
Elmore James
B.B. King
Scotty Moore
George Harrison
Perspective on Other Rock Stars
Richards has never shied away from sharing his thoughts on fellow rock stars. While he admires the skills of musicians like Mick Taylor, who played with The Rolling Stones during their peak years, Richards points out the differences in their approach. He tends to focus more on rhythm and song structure, whereas Taylor’s style was marked by technical solos.
Richards has also opened up about his experiences with other famous musicians, including John Lennon. Despite Lennon’s blunt criticism of some of Richards’ solos, even calling one “particularly bad,” Richards didn’t take offense. Instead, he showed resilience and a deep understanding of the creative dynamics among fellow artists.
This interaction highlights Richards’ belief in the blend of competition and respect that exists within the rock community. While musicians may critique one another, there’s an underlying acknowledgment of each other’s contributions to the genre.