Riff Tone

Get Close

The Rolling Stones

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarFender Telecaster (likely Keith Richards' main guitar for riff work in this era)

AmpAmpeg V-2 (studio, possibly Ampeg VT-22 or VT-40 as per Keith's 2010s+ studio rig)

PickupsSingle-coil (vintage Telecaster style, likely custom-wired for Keith's preferences)

Amp Settings

gain5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 2023 (Hackney Diamonds album). Keith Richards is credited for the main riff. No evidence of pedals or effects beyond amp and possible studio reverb. No evidence of alternate guitars for this riff section.

Tone Character(10)

edge-of-breakup crunchcrisp midrange biteample headroomfull yet chimeyclarity and edgedynamic response to pickingtight, percussive rhythmclassic Stones riff soundbright and articulateno heavy saturation

Difficulty

The riff requires tight timing and dynamic picking to achieve the signature Stones groove and edge-of-breakup tone, but does not involve advanced techniques or complex chord voicings.

Sources

Chasing a Specific Tone - The Rolling Stones | Guitar Forum Gear Rundown: Keith Richards Guitar parts on Hackney Diamonds. Who actually plays each part?

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account