Sound Like Keith Richards
Keith Richards stands as one of rock's most enduring tonal references — powerful and driving by nature and endlessly studied. 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. These complete rig guides at four budget levels show exactly what gear it takes to get there.
Budget Comparison
Pick Your Budget Level
£200 · Beginner
~£178
- OverdriveJoyo Vintage Overdrive
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
£500 · Sweet Spot
~£497
- GuitarSquier Classic Vibe 60s Telecaster
- OverdriveBoss SD-1 Super Overdrive
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
£1,000 · Pro-Level
~£878
- GuitarFender Player Telecaster
- AmpBoss Katana 100 MkII
£2,500 · Premium
~£2497
- GuitarFender Player Telecaster
- OverdriveFulltone OCD Overdrive
- AmpFender '65 Twin Reverb
Tone Profile
Keith Richards's Sound
Open G tuned Fender Telecaster "Micawber" (low E string removed, 5 strings) into a small Fender or Tweed-style amp at the edge of natural saturation. No pedals on most recordings — the amp's breakup does the work. Warm, slightly compressed and honky with natural bite from the Tele bridge pickup.
Tone Match
Closest Real-World Tone Match
If you like Keith Richards's tone, these players use a similar approach — same gear philosophy, comparable sound characteristics.