Keith Richards’ right hand may very well be the source of the entire concept of modern rock guitar playing. “The Rolling Stones contributed to the invention of the great guitar riff, with Keith Richards creating little song fragments out of thin air. Acts like The Beatles and Chuck Berry may have laid the foundation for what modern rock would become.” Even though Keef has a lot of iconic songs, one riff sticks out more than the others.
However, The Rolling Stones were never intended to be a conventional songwriting group. The group members were content playing standard 12-bar blues songs. They had loved these blues tunes since their early performances in London clubs. They frequently packed their albums with covers while sprinkling in the occasional original song
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards started writing their own original masterpieces after witnessing what John Lennon and Paul McCartney could accomplish with The Beatles. They produced timeless songs like “As Tears Go By” and “Play With Fire.” Even though the majority of his songs had a verse and chorus format, Richards discovered something novel when he sat down to write “Satisfaction.”
“Richards came up with the idea for the guitar riff, which would eventually be covered by everyone from Led Zeppelin to AC/DC. This was in an attempt to mimic a horn line.” Experimenting with different open tunings, Richards crafted “Jumpin Jack Flash.” The result was one of the band’s most brutal singles to date.
“The song, named for a gardener who would watch over Richards’ house while he was on tour, had some of the wildest guitar tones ever heard on a record. Richards laid the groundwork for Mick Jagger’s sultry vocals.” “While he’s always searching for that one perfect riff, Richards acknowledged that he achieved the closest thing to perfection. He did this when he penned the song’s main hook.”
Richards continued, “As soon as I pick up the guitar and play that ‘Jumpin Jack Flash’ riff, something happens here – in your stomach,” when discussing the album’s last track. He claimed that there was nothing like plugging his guitar into an amp and hitting that particular riff. One of the best feelings in the world, that is. That riff just plays you when you jump on it. In actuality, it takes command. The best way to describe it would be as an explosion. If I were hoping to reach Nirvana, I would definitely go there right away.
However Richards is credited with creating one of the most iconic rock riffs ever, he was far from finished. The Stones’ later releases featured Richards’ newly discovered sonic vocabulary, which he used to create musical pieces full of attitude, from the menacing sounds of “Gimme Shelter” to the one guitar break that opens “Start Me Up.” Richards eventually tuned most of his guitars to an open tuning.
“Even with the vast array of iconic tracks in their collection, ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash‘ would consistently hold a prominent place in the band’s setlist. It captivated the audience from the moment the guitar hits the air.” The guitar break in “Jumpin Jack Flash” encapsulates The Stones’ sound. Richards continued to craft more complex riffs in the future.
