Renowned producer and bassist Don Was — who has worked with the Rolling Stones since the early 1990s — is once again pushing back against longtime misconceptions about Keith Richards’s guitar playing, insisting the Stones legend’s technique and musicianship are far more precise and deliberate than many critics give him credit for.
In a recent interview with Bass Player magazine, Was reflected on his decades-long creative relationship with Richards and frontman Mick Jagger, including the moment he first met the pair and immediately sensed the musical depth behind Richards’s iconic style. Was says that many listeners who dismiss Richards as “sloppy” fundamentally misunderstand what the guitarist is doing — particularly his mastery of rhythm, timing, note attack, and feel.
“Anyone who thinks he’s sloppy is out of their minds,” Was said, emphasizing that Richards’s technique involves a high degree of precision in both rhythm and lead playing. “He has an impeccable note attack, and the way he releases notes is critical — it’s part of what keeps the groove locked in.”
According to Was, Richards’s role in the Stones goes beyond just classic rhythm guitar; he’s been a major force in blurring the lines between rhythm and lead playing, forging a distinctive style that has influenced generations of rock guitarists. Over the years, Was has observed Richards’s playing becoming even more intentional with age, honing his approach in the studio and onstage rather than relying on raw energy alone.
The producer’s comments come amid a broader reassessment of Richards’s legacy, with many newer fans only familiar with the Stones’ later work. Richards, who has been candid in previous interviews about his evolution as a player — even joking that his style comes from simply “bashing away” while keeping the music’s roots in view — often defies traditional labels applied to technical proficiency.
Was’s defense of Richards also fits into his wider philosophy as a producer and collaborator. Over the past three decades, he’s balanced work with the Stones alongside sessions with artists as varied as Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Ringo Starr, Bonnie Raitt and more, often emphasizing feel and emotional impact over sterile perfection.
The Rolling Stones’ guitar chemistry, driven by Richards’s unpredictable yet deeply rooted approach, has been a central part of their sonic identity since the band’s early days. Behind Richards’s famous riffs — whether in blues-tinged jams or classic rock anthems — lies a musician whose subtleties defy quick judgment. Don Was’s remarks remind fans and critics alike that Richards’s greatness isn’t just about individual notes, but about how those notes propel a groove that has defined rock & roll for more than half a century.
