What is Keith Richards' role in The Rolling Stones?

Keith Richards' role in The Rolling Stones is guitarist. He is an original member of the English rock band and has played lead, rhythm, and slide guitar throughout its career.

Richards also contributes backing and lead vocals, bass guitar, keyboards, and percussion, but guitar is his defining role in the group. His interlocking rhythm-guitar style, especially alongside Ronnie Wood and earlier guitarist Brian Jones or Mick Taylor, became central to the Stones' sound.

Richards met Mick Jagger in childhood and later reunited with him, helping form the Rolling Stones in London in 1962. The pair became the band's principal songwriting partnership, credited with classics including “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin' Jack Flash,” and “Brown Sugar.”

A common mix-up is calling Richards the band's bassist because he has played bass on some recordings. Bill Wyman and later touring musicians held the primary bass role; Richards is chiefly recognized as the Stones' guitarist and co-songwriter.