Keith Richards

• Open G tuning: remove the low E string entirely — GDGBD from low to high
• Bar the 5th fret with your index finger in open G to play a C chord, open strings ring freely
• Tele bridge pickup at moderate amp gain creates the essential raw, slightly nasty quality
• No overdrive pedals needed — chase natural amp saturation from volume
• Keith's rhythm sits slightly behind the beat with a rolling, swinging quality
• Capo at the 2nd fret in open G to play in A (Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Women)
• Open strings ringing against fretted notes create the signature jangly texture
• Amp EQ: treble 7, mid 6, bass 4 — bright but not harsh
• Study "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Start Me Up" for definitive open-G riffing

Keith Richards built the Rolling Stones' sound around open G tuning, a 5-string Telecaster and an amp pushed just to the edge of breakup. His riff-centric rhythm playing made the groove the star — the tone is raw, warm and deliberately unpolished.