Keith Richards | Guitar Moves Interview

Sweeney got down with Keith Richards. The Rolling Stones icon spends about 30 minutes telling us how he learned how to play the guitar pretty much better than anybody else who's ever touched the instrument. "An astronaut doesn't start in space," he offers. "Somebody's got to build a rocket."
Mid-cigarette, of course, Richards recalls the very first time he played a guitar:
Me? My guitar lessons came from my grandfather who had a guitar. He's a musician: He'd been a fiddle player. Also he'd been a sax player. Wasn't a big deal or anything but he loved his music. There was always instruments around. He had a guitar hanging up on the wall and I was this high and he teased me for years about it because I kept looking at this damn thing on the wall. Way out of reach. He said, 'If you can reach out, I'll let you play around with it.' So I got the chair and a couple of big books and wobbled my way up. I came back in the room and had gotten the guitar. He said, 'OK, all you need to know is a learn little piece called Malagueña. It's a Spanish piece.' He hummed it to me and showed me the first part. He showed me that bit and that was the only part he showed me. He showed me no chords. Only the notes. I used my fingers. The pick came later. I said, 'Grandpa! Are you Spanish!?'"
Original air date: October 23, 2015
Matt Sweeney, host of Guitar Moves, is an NYC based producer (Joanna Sternberg “I’ve Got Me”) and composer (Superwolves, Chavez, Red Dead Redemption 2). His guitar playing can be heard on records by Adele, Johnny Cash, Endless Boogie, Neil Diamond, Cat Stevens, The Desert Sessions, Iggy Pop, Tinariwen.
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[@ryangunwitch-black]

27:18 I never get past this point in the video because I always have to stop and go play guitar 😂❤

[@Songbirdstress]

I don't get that far, have to practise Malaguena...

[@grahamcox8385]

Yep I did the same thing, had to pick up the guitar and try to get it right,I think Keith could play it blindfolded lol

[@leescarpelli3515]

Me too. Lol

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Hey! I came back to revisit my old comfort food video and saw I got pinned! It weren’t a lie, man! I’ve finally seen the whole thing without stopping to grab a guitar and it’s great! Whould’a guessed! Lol

[@rrjr1994]

Dude, Keith Richard's lit your cigarette. That's insane

[@autodidacticprofessor869]

You could literally put that on a resume.

[@seanstewart8943]

right? thats like dimebag pouring you a shot

[@rayfabris2512]

isn't that cool as fk God lights your smoke I'm good and could pass away then after burning my les paul 😅

[@rayfabris2512]

​@@seanstewart8943close but kieth is God lol bro dime still had time to put in but some asshole came along no disrespect to dime so you know

[@seanstewart8943]

@@rayfabris2512 dime would have also love to have a cigarette lit by keith

[@dreamweap0n]

i bet when keith went to light matt's cigarette matt was like 'holy shit holy shit holy shit.' that must've felt awesome hahaha. glad guitar moves is back

[@gdawgs101]

I would have thought I was dreaming 😂

[@blastofo]

I would have preserved that cigarette in acrylic.

[@hello.i.t]

I would just quit smoking after that, because no cigarette could ever top the one personally lit by Keith Richards. 😁

[@kevinborchers3522]

Marc Maron had a similar story from when he had Keith on his podcast. Marc had recently quit smoking and Keith offered him one and he was like “what am i gonna say no to fucking keith richards?”

[@t4cry383]

Keith Richards lights your cigarette, life completed.

[@steveholt5230]

You were a musician.... Keith lit your smoke..... You became a rockstar...

[@balintnemeth7355]

I started playing guitar because of this video.

[@jamesalley7387]

Me too. I’m glad it’s back online not behind a paywall. It’s rock and roll gospel.

[@ridhowiranatakusumah6176]

its am old video god sakes how can they uploadit

[@chrisbauman2562]

Welcome to the world of music friend. Now,never give up. Don't stress you'll never master the thing,just enjoy it

[@iii2187]

6 days ago? :v

[@Skipray_Blastboat]

I started smoking because of this video!

[@puliturchannel7225]

I like the way Keith kind of leaniently measures the interviewer at the beginning, sensing his nervousness and smiling to himself or for the interviewer and so forth. He is an observant, bright old ape of a human.

[@sassulusmagnus]

Yes, very observant. And lots of good advice woven into his comments.

[@itdies2dayyo]

Genuinely seems like one of the coolest fucking dudes. Could've gone on for 6 hours talking about guitar and music, and i'd watch every second of it.

[@danielstephens9748]

I get the impression that if you walked up to a bar and Keith was there (probably drinking a club soda now) and you said hello, he'd give you some time...genuine man.

[@henrydemonfreid1985]

Keith is such a sweetheart. When he's playing and looking at the interviewer he just knows his playing is making someone happy.

[@rr2147]

Saw Keith perform with the Winos way back when, it was an amazing show. I was able to get within feet of the stage where her was playing and I swear our eyes locked while he was playing. It’s as if he knew how much the music was speaking to me. It was pretty cool.

[@Ult_Media]

I dont consider myself someone who'd be starstruck by too many other people, but if Keith Richards ever lit my cigarette... I would spend at least the next 5 minutes giggling uncontrollably

[@Effedoppio]

The amount of coolness that comes from Keith’s aura is overwhelming.

[@arcidiavolo]

hye s drunk kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIHMeH14fbuUmqM

[@RedLittleBee]

Dear Matt, me and my friends really were shocked when we couldn‘t find the best Keith Richards video EVER any more. Thank you for bringing it back. 😍😍 You did such a great job. Keith felt relaxed and he even lit your cigarette. And the guitar playing scenes are so informative, funny and amusing. The setting is wonderful. Even the acoustic guitars are unique: 1930s Kel Kroydon KK-2, and Keith playing‘ a 1930s Martin 0-18 shade top?!? This is a treasure!! Thank you for sharing this best Interview. And keep on interviewing the other ones. Do it as long they are on earth. All the best for you! ❤

[@chimpansi2]

Listening to keef is always a pleasure😊

[@Jim-cl5ed]

Keith is way beyond cool .. the best 5 str open G demo ...e-v-e-r !

[@taz454]

The epitome of Rock n Roll with a great sense of humour and great storyteller. Could listen to him all day. Love this interview

[@petev.2120]

We must be in a rabbit hole. All of humanity and only 7 up thumbs up.

[@calixa]

I just saw the Stones in Vancouver 6 days ago and still riding the high. It was INCREDIBLE. Ronnie, Mick and Keith are such an inspiration.

[@mikeg3660]

What a legend and down to earth guy Keith is. Great interview.

[@lolololmunchmyass]

I watched this when I was 11 and now I'm living it over Andover again I love eletric lady studios and I can't get enough of jmis real home, and the people who know it true

[@XBomyX]

hell yeah, gonna rewatch all of these and start the guitar for 3 months again

[@stthbldt3594]

Greatest rhythm player of all time. Greatest guitar interviewer of all time.

[@poetryofbeing]

The way they attacked that guitar and how they smiled at each other when Keith was playing was so amazing.

[@marycarmel2398]

I started playing cause of Keith . Glad I had an older brother, was already playing his stuff and left the guitar around . Then he taught me a couple of things . To this day- 50 + years later Keith is our fav player . To think I majored in jazz comp piano and vocals afterward was funny. Guitar was my fun instrument . Still is . Great interview ! I saw him of course but never got to meet my fav rockstar EVER since 1960s . NO ONE plays acoustic with heart like him. Open G 💯 ❤🎉

[@54woodsgirl]

Malagueña. One of my very favorite songs!

[@Patrick-fm5dk]

Happy 80th Birthday to the living legend Keith Richards ❤🎉😊

[@zorantopisirovic762]

OVAKAV LIK SE NIKADA VIŠE NEĆE RODITI ... HVALA TI ŠTO SI MI ULEPŠAO ŽIVOT , EVO SVE DO MOJE 76 te GODINE .... .... IDEMO DALJE PA KOLIKO GOD BUDE TRAJALO ...

[@jamesalley7387]

I have literally spent the last two years playing guitar because of this video. Keith’s guitar wisdom has guided me, there is so much in this video that is IMPORTANT. I grabbed my wife’s closeted acoustic and promptly broke the low e trying to remove it. Keep in mind I’m a lefty player (let’s not go there) so I’m playing this guitar upside down. I tuned it according to Keith’s instructions (duh, open g, but I had no clue). It WAS Like magic, even upside down, and I played for three hours. A few days later and my wife discovered the state of her guitar…not good. I couldn’t even remove the pegs, so I took it to a shop to have it restrung for $15. While waiting, I found a little lefty Ibanez on the rack. Only $170? I grabbed an $8 cable, a slide, went home, plugged into my receiver, and never looked back. I’m getting a little misty thinking about it. I suppose this also set off a luthier skills journey for me as well. Invaluable.

[@thomasallen4340]

The mans a guitar god. Love Keith and the stones

[@CagedPaps]

So good to see these back, I remember one half was taken down at first, finding a mirror was tough so good we're getting them back.

[@QuincyJamesMusic]

I'm so stoked this is back! I first picked up a guitar in 2010 and was always watching these interviews with St. Vincent, Josh Homme, Dean Ween, and Albert Hammond Jr etc. trying to figure out the instrument. Glad Matt Sweeney is taking ownership of this series and giving it back to the music community, incredible.

[@galetinm]

James Williamson for me.

[@rgould2]

These videos are so great. The palpable nervousness is very endearing, reminds all of us watching we would feel the exact same way.

[@francispower1418]

I remember this interview from the first time around. Possibly the greatest ever guitar tutorial out there, even if it isn’t a guitar tutorial. But in particular I have remembered Keith’s thoughts on silence being a part of the band ever since the first time I watched it. I have always made sure silence was a first call on every recording I have made since. And he’s right. It never broke the bank!

[@wheresmywrench3219]

thank the lord these videos are back, i’ve been bootlegging them for years

[@keefriffhard6352]

When Keith talks about music, he creates sentences that sound philosophical.

[@rjbelcher4415]

HooRay! It's back. Keith is so genuinely excited to talk about the guitar to a fellow brother about the craft, and not some journalist just asking the same questions. I love the whole series.

[@rowlerberry]

Keith Richards calling you a simpatico must be a great feeling

[@jrsthelens]

That was an "It's okay , I can die now" moment.

[@mathuwhycough6591]

I'm probably the 100th person to comment on it but Keith pulling off the low E of my guitar would be SO epic. That guitar would never see a low E after that

[@jobysw]

Very generous for one of the finest guitarist out there to sit down and talk with Keith.

[@kiezersosay49]

I know its cleshay to say, but we need to cherish the time we had left with this man on earth. To say he's a dying breed is an understatement. He's one of the last true original rock stars left. Im 35, but when i was a young kids were still taught these guys were living legends. I feel like the knowledge and appreciation is dwindling...

[@MrWonka5MEO]

He's unbelievably talented. He wrote all those stones songs I didn't know that . We'll cry and say we should have recognized him when he's gone and too late. Him and Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, jimmy page, Robert plant, PAUL MCARTNEY!! We have 2 Beatles we don't make fuss about. We should have reality shows to learn what we can while they're here.

[@AmenMoto]

cliché

[@madarab37]

the word you're looking for is cliche, with an accent over the e

[@DeadLifeBoat100]

Cleshay 😮😅

[@natem966]

Richards may not be the best guitarist but he is the coolest

[@xxlionroarxxxxxxxx4438]

But nobody better than Keef on RIFFS .

[@markhamer7220]

The riffmaster general.

[@AstroJenkins]

I’ll take him on a bad day with his creativity over the top 1,000 best technical players.

[@STVG71]

Hokey smokes! What a great interview!

[@JobyP]

Bout FuK’n time this show came back!

[@blacob]

Bro Matt man. Thank you for putting this back on KZbin.

[@DaniloMarrone]

Amazing! One of the first songs I learned on guitar was “Malagueña” as well. A fellow student taught me the whole thing. Wonderful words of wisdom from Maestro Keith!

[@G.Patrick_Johnson]

I have seen this interview more than one time. I LOVE how enamored the interviewer is with the fact that he is speaking with his hero. For me, sitting down with Keith Richards would be the same way for me as well. I am congratulatory to the interviewer getting to meet Keith.

[@ronv1725]

This is beyond awesome. Keith seems like such a cool human being.

[@CasuallyJapan]

If Keith Richards lit my cigarette I would take it home and hang it up on my wall 😂

[@Burghbhoy1]

I'm in awe of ling term guitar players like Richards , Knopfler etc ... the hours of practice they gave put into their skill level .

[@scaredypicker]

There aren’t many interviewers who could keep Keith engaged and this interested for so long. Matt has that gift, and we have the gift of this video…

[@shanebrbich5698]

Matt is the same creature!

[@nigelwallis9223]

Keith Richards has always been my guitar hero. I can only imagine what you felt like after nailing that interview. You held it together, well done thank you 👍

[@dela4153]

keiths best and most revealing interview.

[@patrickharrison4763]

YES! Thank you for posting this, there's so few genuine Keith interviews and this is one. Also love how Keith connects with him over the course of the interview, and then at the end when he's playing all the open G stuff he has "dad playing for his son" energy. So so cool.

[@ineedjesus7]

Keith Richards smoking a cigarette at 80 years old is the most rock and roll thing I’ve ever seen

[@paulolezigoto3262]

The interview dates back to 2015, and he has stopped smoking since then

[@ineedjesus7]

@@paulolezigoto3262 thanks for the fact check, but my point still stands. keith smoking at an old age is still rock and roll. cigarettes rock.

[@andydixon2980]

He quit while he was still young.

[@ineedjesus7]

@@andydixon2980 he’s literally smoking a cigarette in this video lol watch the vid before you try to fact check me

[@cdemike7517]

Please bring this series back! I learned so many useful tricks from my favorite guitarists and learned to appreciate guitarists I thought I didn't like.

[@NYRPRODS]

I’ve searched for this video so often over the past few years, one of my all time favorite interviews, so beyond grateful that this channel is back

[@salomeacreshomestead]

So happy these are coming back! Hopefully this means new episodes too!

[@guitar-moves]

You know it!

[@dannywoody5497]

What a great sense of humor keith has giant character and he was able to keep this interview. Very cool.

[@manospapadakis1]

Love you Keith! Great interview man! Guitar Moves is just great! Nice job guys! Greetings from Greece 🇬🇷!

[@goffdroid]

I got 3 years in on guitar. This channel just hit me . But it’s great.

[@sifumontgomery]

Wow, what an amazing interview! Thank you for this!

[@taylorlimbeck6854]

I’m so glad to see these videos. Loved this series, make more please

[@paulhollingsworth490]

This is one of those interviews that I can watch and watch again and never get bored. There’s always something to go back to. Watching the hands, the facial expressions, and of course the fluidity of the conversation! GOAT (both of you)

[@meaningfulcontributionjunkie]

Excited for these new eps. You rock baby

[@Solfonny]

Love him talking about the Jimmy Reed turnaround. Billy Gibbons mentions the exact same thing says "it's so wrong, it's right."

[@johndodson4527]

Dude is a power house of knowledge.

[@davidallen527]

Like that point thanks man

[@boschi1968]

Love that Guitar Moves are back. The world needs that 😊.

[@sheldonhavlik]

I love that you can feel the nerves at the beginning with the potential of this not being a good interview and then they break the ice and end up talking about music, smoking cigs, and jamming like two mates. Fantastic interview!! Thanks for re-uploading!

[@kostapanis]

I love this man... He really has something to say... his songs, his guitar playing, his humor .... he is a story that he lives every day and gives us an incredibly great gift with it.... Thank you ❤️❤️🎸🙂🎸

[@pitpride1220]

I'm glad you're back and on your own! You've always put up the best stuff. Thank you for what you do for musicians!

[@stnwrd]

Keith, I give my thanks as my main inspiration that got me started with the guitar. After seeing Hampton '81 live on TV that changed everything for me. Thanks very much Keith!!!!

[@slashtrio]

This interview is freaking gold

[@homunculusSZN]

Been waiting to see this whole thing.

[@allthingsawesome2]

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS VIDEO FOREVER

[@artistnamedsow]

SO HAPPY YOUR BACK! I LOVE THIS SERIES SOOOOOO MUCH

[@jmanuelzapata8928]

We are glad you brought the show back, man. Keep it going!

[@TheAtlitor]

I thought Keith was quitting smoking few years ago. But great interview with a legend of rock

[@mickcorbett6724]

This interview is pretty old. I’m asking someone to date it. Way before he gave up the cigarettes.

[@deztruct0823]

So happy to see Guitar Moves back!!!

[@autodidacticprofessor869]

I love that Keith mentioned the "mystery 5 chord" from Jimmy Reed and in another episode Billy Gibbons basically demonstrated how weird it was. Haha. I love this show!

[@MayorMcCheese2000]

floored.... straight floored by how awesome this is.... thank you!

[@TheALan556]

What a lovely interview great informative and a real treat to watch thx vm ❤️

[@jesuselbailador8914]

You are awsome! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@pollyanna147]

I saw this years ago but I give Matt props for pushing Keith to play. I know the handlers were livid.

[@alexisherrera4687]

Why did they instruct him not to play?

[@pibstarr]

@@alexisherrera4687 In the video he says he'd have to charge more which is probably I think because contractually turns it into a performance not an interview. That's just my wild guess

[@alexisherrera4687]

Why would he HAVE to tho? He doesn't NEED to charge for anything if he doesn't want to@@pibstarr

[@themagikian4237]

Because he can't really play. It's an "act". They had songs made for them by Tavistock Institute. He can probably play some, like George Harrison could play some. But everyone has to wake up. This is make believe non sense. They ain't gods. Walk the other way.

[@pollyanna147]

@herrera4687 What makes this interview so special is that Matt knows what he's talking about and Keith felt comfortable enough to throw him a bone. This interview was like two friends talking to each other. Keith could sense that. This wasn't some bait and switch.. Matt is a peer and Keith shared his knowledge and based on how the conversation was going, picked up the guitar when asked like a they were in living room. Keith probably felt like a human compared to countless BS interviews he's done over 50+ years. Amazing stuff.

[@JdubU]

.. so nice to spend some time on the same cloud as Keith. One of the best interviews ever GuitarMovesMan be well brother

[@joecvar]

This was such a treat! Thank you ✌🏻

[@samuelmath1723]

Wow! I was looking for this interview for a long time. Thanks a lot. Vraiment bonne entrevue, man!

[@Booogieman]

What a charming gentleman

[@eskilboyesen4274]

been looking for this since it first came out, finally

[@davidradtke5215]

I started playing guitar because of the Rolling Stones!! Keith is the man the Legend I just love his style of playing guitar!! I learned myself the Open G style of playing guitar. .. I LOVE IT!! I EXSPERAMENT EVERY DAY!!! LOVE YOU KEITH MY BROTHER 💙 FOR ALWAYS!?? 💙🍻

[@christopherdamron269]

Letting Keith Richard's light your cigarette is like magic

[@GingerWaters]

Happy that I found this channel. You guys doing good work. True lessons from true masters.

[@aidanrojas9650]

Best artist interviews on the internet…hands down

[@LordOfTheThreeWorlds]

Yea Keith was feeling it - I've heard a couple of these stories before but with first hand illustration on guitar we alight into an entirely 'nother world. Thrilling

[@Bojanmarsetic]

I like the videos on this channel because there is a very natural approach of talking, smoking, like being there, no boundaries for what a video should have now days. It perfectly reflects the what music should be after all.

[@phil.d-roll6393]

Hell yeah. Love this video. Merry Christmas!!!

[@mvinge]

Wonderful. Keep the videos coming.

[@KN-lq4zv]

One of my favourite interviews

[@hazynebula3144]

Probably my fave from the "first series"... Keep them coming buddy! 🔥

[@lancashirebomber9744]

keith richards is just cool man, walks it.

[@garynelson4893]

dude , when he lights your smoke . . . . . . . . fffuuuuuccccccckkkkkkk that was heavy. . .props

[@danieldacosta4350]

Just truly great stuff!!