Keith Richards Guitar Tuning Isn’t His Only Secret!

[@TomButwin]

She INVENTED Rock Guitar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIeteHywa62EfdE

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

I would say Richard's secret sauce is RESTRAINT and cool choices. His maturity is the reason he's invited to play with some of the hippest musicians outside of The Stones.

[@kevintaylor6015]

Very good video. One other thing Keith did was to remove the top most magnet on the bridge pickup to keep it from picking up stray signal. I think this just furthers your point. Thanks.

[@teleguy5699]

Most Stones fans have known this for decades, but we aren't all hardcore Stones fans and you explained it well. Long live rock and roll!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

All of this 5 String guitars are tuned to Open G tuning as well. Ry Cooder was using that tuning and THAT inspired Keith to use this tuning.

[@scottnathanphoto]

Nah. He plays plenty of songs in standard as well.

[@g8189728]

@@scottnathanphoto but not on the 5 string guitars

[@chriscampbell9191]

Brian Jones used Open G as well as Open D long before Ry Cooder showed up. So Keith saw the tuning being used plenty of times, as far back as 1962 or whenever Brian first played slide in the band. What Keith did differently from Brian was that he used Open G for picking (Honky Tonk Women is a classic example) and he didn't get that from Ry, who doesn't pick much. He might have got the influence from Gram Parsons, who hung out a lot with Keith from 1968-71, reintroducing Keith to country music. Or Keith may have just picked it up by himself (he also does some soloing in Open D on Beggars Banquet, Stray Cat Blues being a classic example).

[@Caligari...]

Finally a real Keith Richards open G five string guitar lesson ! None of that 6 string standard tuning bull crap ! Thanks Bro .

[@TomButwin]

Appreciate you watching!

[@lucasrodriguezschwarzenber3127]

Great vid! Keith goes into detail on this on his autobio (even calls it 'Uncle Keith's guitar workshop' or something) and mentions the drones and the low E getting in the way. If I may also add to this, other main RS secret is Keith's use of the suspended chords as licks. With standard tuning its not that easy or clear or interesting going from open chords to suspended, but with his tunings, it takes center stage. It's also rly easy to play, which works great if you're stoned/on coke/drunk on stage, as he (allegedly) did many times 😏

[@TomButwin]

Thanks, Lucas! Great call on the suspended chords.

[@Songbirdstress]

@@TomButwin The other stealth exotic tunings guy is Barry Gibb.

[@tomslick2058]

Lol I think that's the real reason Clapton gave him the yellow Tele. So Keith would not fall over from the heavier guitar. Alot of the great songs were done on a Gibson. And sounded better to me.

[@jonness8927]

I saw the "Stones" in 1978 or 79 in Anaheim, CA. at the Big A and Keith Richards was so Stoned, Drunk or whatever he couldn't even perform....What an ASSSSHOLE!!! Jagger was so pissed at Richards I thought Jagger was going to Punch him in the Face! Yea, I was so Close to the stage that people around me were throwing their shoes at the Band in Disgust!! Oh, I think I paid $32.00 dollars for my ticket.

[@chriscampbell9191]

@@Songbirdstress He used Open D because that was the way he learnt it, and he stuck with it.

[@Newfoundmike]

That low E DEFINITELY gets in the Way . I LOVE open G the chords sound better because of the way they are STACKED.! Also sounds great in F# or F

[@lkgreenwell]

I’ve heard this explained before, but never quite so fully. That leaving a chord to the root note makes a lot of sense

[@boatingforbeginners7949]

I always tune the bottom E unison to the fifth string G to give a thicker bass tone especially if using a telecaster

[@Maltloaflegrande]

I've been doing this since I started using the tuning in the 1970s. I only had the one guitar so couldn't afford the luxury of removing the bottom string unless I was prepared to give up normal tuning (and I didn't think of removing a string anyway). Even now when I can afford to own more instruments and have an acoustic and an electric (A tele surprise surprise) custom strung for GGDGBE; I still keep that extra low G.

[@TheCitizenmax]

@@Maltloaflegrande isn't that very slack? you're tuning it down 9 frets?!

[@Maltloaflegrande]

@@TheCitizenmax At the risk of taking a joke seriously (I realise it's probably that, but hey, just in case) it's three up. That tightened bottom string actually led to the eventual wrenching up of the bridge about three years ago. I managed to repair the damage and then did acoustically what I did electrically in the late 80s when I bought a strat to play in standard tuning. I bought a new acoustic so I could string the old repaired one with custom guage strings and keep it permanently in G.

[@TheCitizenmax]

@@Maltloaflegrande wasn't sure actually as I thought tuning the low E up three frets would be a bit dodgy as it indeed turned out for you. You could I suppose lower the other strings 1/2 frets, thus only requiring tuning the Low E up one or two frets, and if you want, put the capo on the second fret. Which would make it a bit slack, especially the already lowered A and top E strings (but not as slack as tuning the E string down 9 frets!)

[@Maltloaflegrande]

@@TheCitizenmaxAll in all, it was never a satisfactory situation tuning to open G on a set of strings gauged for standard. Two were slack and one was overtightened. I'm lucky the necks never twisted on either guitar. I now string the Tele 13-15-20-30-42-42 and the acoustic just a tad heavier than that but balanced in a similar way.

[@timothybladon9958]

I've been wanting to try some Keith Richard's stuff. I have a Squier Tele that I'll probably try like this. Excited at the prospect of what it may sound like.

[@TomButwin]

Keep me posted!

[@johnjohnson3709]

I learned his open tunings a few years ago. I’ve loved it ever since. Thanks. You gave the best explanation of what his open tunings are about. Thanks again! 😊

[@TomButwin]

So glad you enjoyed it. The tunings are a blast!

[@TurboMountTV]

Are you holding?

[@vincentl.9469]

@@TomButwin but it then means having to re learn chord shapes..

[@jackreston8188]

Thank You. I appreciate your discussion on this.

[@TomButwin]

Thanks, Jack! Appreciate you watching.

[@sonnywolfblues]

His reason for removing the big string is to allow his arm to swing the way he likes to do without accidentally hitting the big string which is in the way.He explained this in an interview.He plays open G tuning for certain songs....others are played in standard 440 with 6 strings.

[@greghart6489]

Wee well done.

[@cgrovespsyd]

I just use my thumb to mute the D string. Then I can use it if I want to.

[@tomslick2058]

Yeah. Good call.

[@scottsoucy6186]

I read an interview with him one time where he said he removed the 6th string so he wouldn't muddy up the sound and occupy the bass player's territory.

[@TheStompboxer]

Open G is still “440.” A=440Hz refers to the reference pitch, not the intervals the strings are tuned to.

[@johndriscoll1950]

I'm sure I remember reading somewhere it was Ry Cooder that introduced KR to open tuning

[@TomButwin]

Definitely had an influence! I think Ry’s opinion of how much he influenced KR might be different than KR’s opinion 😂

[@KimTebrok]

That was my understanding too, regarding RC. Wasn’t it Beggars Banquet that he 1st played 5 string & different tunings. Blew my mind that album as it sounded so different.

[@TheStompboxer]

@@KimTebrokrian Jones had used open tuning for slide. Between that and Keith being into blues, it’s very unlikely that Ry Cooder was the first to introduce him to the concept.

[@luke3807]

@@TheStompboxer Correct. Brian made him receptive to open tunings years earlier. Brian got the idea by talking to blues guitarists in early 1960's.

[@steveapplebee-iq9ih]

I think Ry Cooder gave him Honky Tonk Woman and the rest is history.

[@Mark70609]

Basically open G tuning is root note fifth, octave, third, fifth octave. Open D tuning which retains the six strings has root note, fifth, octave third, fifth octave, and root double octave. So in effect you could tune to either D or E and use a capo to get the open G thing.

[@chriscampbell9191]

The two tunings have different voicings, and the string placement is different when you're playing. I've tried Open D, and the way the scale is set across the fingerboard the smallest string gets in the way. So for some things Open D is really cool, for a lot of rock and blues playing (like slide or lead) Open D just gets in the way.

[@petemartin295]

In an interview, Keith said that the five-string guitar idea was not his. In the 1920's and 30's, Sears and Roebuck's used to sell a cheap guitar that had five strings and it was black blues guitarists who bought them. The tuning was even called "Sears tuning". Keith has always been a student of the blues.

[@TomButwin]

Ry Cooder on the tunings as well!

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

Now THAT makes perfect sense...i always wondered where it came from. 'SEARS TUNING'....wow.

[@thedoctor7438]

You can put your finger on any fret and use some finger(s)you can get what you want,hear the ending

[@davehughesfarm7983]

I love his song that Kieth sings (before they make run)

[@raiderjohnthemadbomber8666]

For several months, while playing with the Isley Brothers Jimi Hendrix played with only five strings. Not for the sound but because he couldn't afford a new set.

[@monkeyrevolution1964]

Well , It was not Bryan Jones, Not Ryan Cooder's Keith Richards influence for open G . It was me that left Brazil with a yellow Telecaster missing E string tuned open G and I Said Keith please dont tell to anyone that I did teacher you how to play this way .😊 END OF ALL THIS.😊

[@perkins1439]

This guy's legit I'll Vouch for him. 👍

[@TomButwin]

Me or Keith? Lol

[@matthewtaylor1798]

Another great video for the New Year! what a great tuning secret. Is that a new tele?

[@TomButwin]

Thanks, Matthew! I wish it was mine. That’s a guitar I borrowed from my friend Danny (check out his band The Strangers and their EP “Midnight Queen”).

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@TomButwin Yeah I guess you've restrung it back to normal when you returned it to him.

[@TomButwin]

GET UP TO 40% OFF at SWEETWATER: sweetwater.sjv.io/9gdyrE Shop Sweetwater HERE: sweetwater.sjv.io/vN6V13 Shop Zzounds HERE: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673

[@davehughesfarm7983]

He is the absolute master at open G

[@veglord_the_profane]

Another point. While more strings makes more flexibility in making riffs, it comes a cost. An instrument with fewer strings has less information the brain has to decode, and so playing it becomes far more straightforward. Also if a guitar was made to have 5 strings, you’d get more space between the strings on a slimmer neck, making the instrument more comfortable to play. It’s why some bassists swear by the classic 4-string and don’t like 5- or 6-string as much. It’s all about finding the right balance of efficiency and flexibility for oneself.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Tom Butwin What I did was to move those strings over 1 position & add a High G String so that I'd have Open G Terz tuning (G, D, G, B, D, G). Open G Terz Tuning would be like playing in Open E w/ a Capo on the 3rd Fret which is a bit uncommon but brighter & clearer sounding:kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4Glgp2tiMh6oas

[@TomButwin]

🤯woahhhhh. I need to try this!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@TomButwin From the 5 string Keith Richards Open G Tuning you'll move the 5 strings over one spot & then add a High G String from a 12 String Guitar set (7 gauge should keep the tension down) giving you a neat sounding Open G Terz Tuning. So basically it's like playing in Open E w/ a capo on the 3rd Fret:kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHbJdoF_bKx9atU the Terz Guitar is an old 19th Century Guitar w/ a Shorter Scale Length designed to be tuned a Minor Third above a Regular Guitar (or like a Regular Guitar w/ a capo on the 3rd Fret), Billy Corgan has revived it in an Electrified Version so we could get a Reverend Electric Terz Guitar & tune it to Open G Terz Tuning (G, D, G, B, D, G) which is the same as an Open E Tuned Guitar w/ a capo on the 3rd Fret:reverendguitars.com/guitars/billy-corgan-terz/

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@TomButwin Let's hear it

[@chriscampbell9191]

I've been playing Open G primarily since Summer of 1990, and never have had any inclination to take off the lowest string, as there are chords available with that string (the lowest E chord being an example) that are quite useful. You just deaden it with your thumb the rest of the time. Obviously, though, Keith has made the most of the 5 strings, and it's his own style. I can see where he'd think it gets in the way. It's just another indication of Keith Richards being an innovator and the great guitarist he really is.

[@jperryfan]

Also adding the capo at the 4th fret is part of it too. Ringing B chord

[@TomButwin]

Yes!!!

[@TheStompboxer]

Well, for the songs in B, anyway.

[@fredbreuer5504]

There's an interview with Keith Richards by a guy who brought his own guitar to the interview. Guess Keith seem kinda liked that guy and tuned his guide and also took off the low e-string just like you've said

[@Nautilus1972]

It's in his book, Life.

[@Pushyhog]

thanks much mister, few ah comments. Some one just bought a guitar and appreciates your video.

[@FOFFENDURP]

I went one step further. I also got rid of the low E but I replaced it with a G string tuned to G. Now the 6th string doubles the 5th (spaced an octave) and emphasizes the base note.

[@TomButwin]

I need to try this!

[@FOFFENDURP]

How about this: What if, in open G tuning, there was a way to drop the pitch down 1/2 tone on the B string? That would give you easy access to minor chords. There could be a whammy bar type of device that that flatted that string, but that would lead to tuning issues. A better alternative would be to place 2 B strings side by side, as in a 12 string guitar. One string is tuned to B, the other to Bb. A simple muting device is added to mute either of those 2 strings. That way you can make your chord a minor by pressing on something with some part of your hand. The nice thing about it is that the minor chord you would be producing is the same as the major chord in that fretboard position. You don't have to do any mental math to figure out where to find the chords. The drawback is that with the extra gizmos, you've committed your guitar to open G, although there's no reason you couldn't string it up to standard tuning.

[@joeroubidoux2783]

Nice. Can’t wait to get that set up

[@cv4wheeler]

The truth is playing in open E is really, really hard on your hands. Just try to play all of Gimme Shelter the way it appears on the album Let it Bleed--it is a nightmare of hand stress. Three strings tuned UP to much higher tension, and you have to fret all 6 strings for every strum (other than open). Which is why Keith has NEVER played it that way live! Open D is a little bit better and I can get through Stray Cat Blues, but its still tough. Now, getting rid of that thick E string leaves you only needing to fret 5 strings, with two of them tuned DOWN to lower tension in open G. Piece of cake. That is the real; reason Keith plays in Open g with 5 strings.

[@officialWWM]

Uncle Keef ain’t no fool!

[@chriscampbell9191]

I think he took the string off because he didn't use the lowest string in the tuning. Open G isn't any harder on your hands than standard. In fact, it's easier. Your ring finger doesn't get stressed from A position barre chords. You're using the index finger instead. Agreed that Open D can be a bear sometimes. Unless you're using slinky strings and low string action, it does take some hand strength. Open G is easier though.

[@JKentF]

He didn’t take the low e string off for all open g songs. Tumbling Dice has it on the studio track.

[@harryballs7029]

So does Rocks OFF one their baddest ass tunes

[@JKentF]

@@harryballs7029 Rocks Off is standard tuning

[@snakelakeestates8666]

What some call the river boat banjo had a simple hand friendly tuning.

[@michaelcoady9363]

I remember when I was sixteen I read an aricle on this..I tried it out on my first guitar (Yamaha strat copy) I was so green I couldnt figuire it out😂 When I was 18..I had a wild ass dream where Keith was showing me how to play the stevie wonder cover they did called "I dont know why" (Metamorphosis). Got up that morning jumped on my Les Paul and BINGO. I am now 50 yrs old. I have recorded, at home, 20 demos, 15 are originals and several of them utilize 5 string open G tuning. The five demos that arent mine are : Heart of Stone. Satisfaction .Ruby Tuesday (I played a recorder, just like Brian did, just not as good😂). Out of Time and the previous mentioned, I Dont Know Why. I do want to say one thing...3 months after I was born, they released Goats Head Soup. 5 months after I turn 50...Hackney Diamonds. I must be living in an old age twilight zone cause I was truly suprised.

[@TomButwin]

So awesome! They have stood the test of time and “Angry” off that new record is a killer tune!

[@joebond5012]

Thank you, I enjoyed your video very much.

[@TomButwin]

Appreciate that. Thanks Joe!

[@UCS0608]

I don't think his tuning is a secret. It's common knowledge for many guitarplayers. 😄 He was inspired by Ry Cooder!

[@TomButwin]

True! Just the name of my series. Check it out.

[@chriscampbell9191]

He was inspired to use the Open G tuning by Brian Jones and Gram Parsons, though.

[@SuperJ333]

Yes, low D is bad, but I tune the low E to yet another G - that takes you somewhere different too...

[@dougdavis8986]

He has a built-in metronome that is very difficult to reproduce.

[@stevespectra2719]

I use open G tuning quite a bit, both for Rolling Stones and Status Quo covers but I don't cut off my 6th string. I simply tune it in unison to the 5th and this gives me a much fatter sound whilst still playing all the same notes. It works for me. Why not try it?

[@TomButwin]

Good idea! I’ll give it a try.

[@UncleDickeysRandomLife]

Keith had a Basi player that turned his volume up.

[@ericdavidwallace]

That’s interesting. Thanks for the tip.

[@TomButwin]

Appreciate you watching!

[@taylor-vl1re]

Most of the old timers didn't have a clue about music theory. Paul McCartney, for example. They just played stuff over and over until " that sounds good, let's keep that." Eagles, and singer songwriter era...basic 1st position chords with a minor or two. Easy. Hundreds of songs and albums...."What's that chord? I don't even know but it sounds good."

[@TheStompboxer]

The Beatles learned a lot as they went, particularly from George Martin, but they always used more interesting chords than most of their contemporaries.

[@Alienkiwi730]

Also helps to play a Telecaster with a humbucker in the neck

[@TomButwin]

Will you send me one? That was the only Tele I had available.

[@Donjasoni]

Nice vid!

[@theofulk5636]

Just shows that somehow he found the ingenuity to produce a sound that DOES NOT REQUIRE AS MUCH SKILL !

[@DrSammyMunchkin]

Thanks for sharing. ✌

[@Gregorovitch144]

Open G chords just sound massively better without the low D string. It's a pain to damp it all the time, It stops you digging in properly. If you're playing finger picked or slide blues stuff the low D is useful and doesn't really get in the way but for rocking out in the style of Mr. Richards taking it off is a no brainer.

[@TomButwin]

I agree. You play differently without that string!

[@paulschlapper643]

In a group as large as the Stones, with people attending to the stage, you can have the luxury of a half dozen different instruments tuned to different settings so when a new song comes up, someone just hands you a new guitar and does he switch without missing a beat - no need to add, change tuning or remove any strings.

[@Gregorovitch144]

@@paulschlapper643 This is true. I only have two guitars, a strat and an SG, and they stay in either standard or Open G tuning for the whole period of a string change. I'm saving some pennies for a new guitar specifically for Open G or I might make the SG my Open G permanently, dunno yet. You might think that with this level of hassle I would never take the bottom string off so I could just retune whenever, and indeed when I first started playing Open G I didn't for that reason. However eventually I decided to try out taking it off when my strings were due for a change anyway and within a couple of days I realised exactly why Keith did it and have done so ever since. The difference is that big, the hassle worth it IMO.

[@vincentl.9469]

@@paulschlapper643 but if you stick to this open g minus bottom e, you will need to re learn all those chord shapes you learnt with standard tunings and six strings

[@fonklangoryklangory2586]

Hi, awesome sound, what is your setup in this video ? Best ! 😎😎🤩🤩🤩

[@TomButwin]

Just plugged straight into my Apollo X4 interface and using the UA ‘55 Fender Tweed plug in!

[@garyeckel1656]

I showed Brown Sugar to a guy doing a club gig and he couldnt give a shit. I think its a lot of fun and fun is what rock music is all about.

[@tomslick2058]

I believe Jagger came up with the riff to Brown Sugar. Keith refined it.

[@J.OKRoadrunner]

"More concerned with the roll than the Rock"

[@kronblom2345]

World's longest kept secret weapon in music history. After decades of mystery Keith's secret is finally revealed. Manufacturers of guitar strings refuse to give any comments.

[@TomButwin]

And the sarcasm award goes to…😂

[@4unkb0y]

great stuff, thanks

[@TomButwin]

You’re welcome! Check out the whole Secret Weapon series.

[@therealfronzilla]

Also does a mean open e tuning

[@johnstephen7610]

Seems like it would be hard to play minor chords in an open major chord tuning. I'm not a Stones fan, so I don't know any of their songs other than the big hits. Did they do songs in minor keys? Of course, I'm sure Keith Richards has more than one guitar, so maybe he has others in standard tuning.

[@timmarkowicz779]

Thr D as the base note is simply a chord inversion.

[@klauscapeotway]

Was Ry Cooder that showed how..

[@jcruisioso5975]

The secret of course, is writing countless songs with great riffs , for the biggest band on earth. Something none of us have done . Except Keith.

[@captainkirk70]

I started buying two A string gauges. So I tune the two to G so it's just a double up.

[@TomButwin]

Alright, that’s cool. I like it.

[@captainkirk70]

@@TomButwin Removing the 6th string sounds great. But I can never really get used to missing it. Just feels like I broke a string and haven't replaced it. Lol. I guess I'm anal but the two together works for me and you can still avoid the 6th if you want to but if you hit it then it sounds fine.

[@donaldbutcher1260]

I've been listening to Keith since '64 and I have never heard him called " The Human Riff " If you drop the sixth string down to D there is no need to remove it.

[@Mark-f7o]

Yep this is how I roll..and manage not to play it if required.

[@MichaelTheophilus906]

He said it was in his way. He didn't want it there.

[@DaveGrandel]

Drop the E to a D…or just don’t hit the E when you play… Works for me in Standard Tuning when I play an A chord, so I’m not sure why it seems to be such a problem with Open G. Just my $0.02, not looking to start a war here. Also, for those folks silly enough to grab wire cutters and cut that 6th string off, just don’t… That’s what your tuners are for.

[@TomButwin]

The Secret Weapon Series kzbin.info/aero/PLjNIskxVP-fOCcN4ajomLpli2EiW5zYtp

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

What Telecaster are you using there, An American Standard Tele?

[@TomButwin]

Roadworn Tele!

[@jennybaji421]

💥SECRET WEAPON of kieths for a few yrs was: 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 Mr JIMMY PAGE FACT!

[@bobfletcher8196]

I knew that 30 years ago

[@sharonlee4773]

Secret Weapon?? Its the most common thing known about Keith!!

[@TomButwin]

Just the name of the series! Check out the rest on my channel.

[@mercerstmustang]

There've Benn many guitar players in The Rolling Stones... Wrong only three beside Keith and Mick...Brian Jones, Mick Taylor and Ronnie Wood

[@spamblocker-f1g]

Anyone else notice that at 5:07 keith seems to have 6 strings?

[@tomslick2058]

Hes just a great riff master. And a good soloist to. Theres no magic tricks. The set up has nothing to do with his imagination and playing. He plays many guitars with 6 strings.i

[@johnwatts8346]

yes- but playing live, if his gat is open G with the high E tuned to D, how can he play that chuck berry style lead of his? well the obvious answer is- ya cant.

[@tomslick2058]

@@johnwatts8346 Keiths big thing is not sounding Juke box. He said stay home if you want that. And he says he is always discovering something new about a old song. Let's not forget he often sticks to rythem and let's Ronnie takes the lead . He plays a junior on Symphony and I believe it's got six string and standard tuning. Think Taylor did the lead on Symphony for thd Devil back in the day. Interesting thoughts for sure. And speculation on my end. I'm no guitar expert to be sure.

[@johnwatts8346]

@@tomslick2058 yeah- he changes gats during concerts, he deosnt use the open tuning for every song live.

[@TheStompboxer]

@@tomslick2058*Sympathy, and Keith played the lead on the studio version.

[@tomslick2058]

@@TheStompboxer true. Only one guitarist on that song. These days he does the lead with a Jr.with Taylor they jammed more exchanging leads. Thet were a true double lead guitar band on the road for a short time. Ronnie seems to not play much rythem . Taylor jumped in or played rythem at the same time. Ronnie takes off a bit..

[@bddmhopp5]

Or you can tune the low E to a G and have a double G

[@Bazonthebass]

Fab.

[@hill-di2ui]

smart

[@kevintaylor6015]

He is the Picasso of the guitar.

[@mikemcneil8268]

Keith’s secret riff is Ronny Woods !

[@pavlovdog3906]

Keith is God

[@fuzzprobe]

How is his Tele wired? He has a humbucker, but is always switched to lead pickup? Help!

[@TomButwin]

This is the best explanation I’ve found on Ultimate Guitar. Basically, likely wired like a Broadcaster thats knobs act as pickup blends. “Keith is almost always seen playing the guitar with the pickup selector in position one, which would indicate the bridge pickup but most argue that the humbucker tone is clearly evident. This leads us to believe that Micawber may have been wired up like a Broadcaster, with one volume control and the other knob the “tone” being used to blend in the neck pickup.”

[@lu77xiaojun37]

@@TomButwin Thanks, had not heard this explanation before.

[@jacko717]

If I recall correctly, the tone knob is wired as a blend control, between the neck 'bucker and the bridge pup. I have a loosely themed Keef Tele and wired it this way. I also turned the neck humbucker back to front and slapped a Strat pup selector switch knob on instead of a Tele 'top hat.'

[@SoloSi2024]

Mr Indestructible!

[@danielpayne3336]

I always called it banjo tuning

[@TomButwin]

Great call!

[@lu77xiaojun37]

...so did Keef in Life.

[@RYDR6517]

5 string king

[@jackroller8237]

And that"s why 99.9999999999% of the guitarrists in the Planet stay on A = 440Hz 😂 And with the E string boosting It all. Keith is awesome!!! Cool video. Namaste 🙏🏻

[@TomButwin]

Thanks, Jack!

[@TheStompboxer]

A=440Hz is a reference pitch, not a tuning.

[@angelonemo5551]

The five string guitar hero.

[@jcruisioso5975]

Of course gimme shelter is in open E

[@dethmerwillems5439]

Yeah well known by guitarists.. and the missing D can be muted right? And it’s a D so in the G triad😅

[@TomButwin]

I had never played guitar before this video.

[@roddieruddie4545]

Whether he has a 6th string or not, he never uses it so same difference. Think you are talking BS about how he is taking up room in the low range stuff. Besides, Keith said it was removed to make it easier for him to play because it just got in the way.

[@GeraldCummings-d3z]

You gave away the secret sauce, now they’ll all be Rolling Stones. lol

[@TomButwin]

That’s all it takes!

[@radiomindchatter7994]

Which he has done since 1968..

[@FOFFENDURP]

Go one step further. Instead of removing the 6th string, replace it with a G string and tune it to G (octave above that 5th string. This add much punch.

[@TomButwin]

I like this.

[@J.OKRoadrunner]

One can also tune The low E to G as well as the 5th string to G if one doesnt have loads of “bread” for new packs of Strings..

[@TheStompboxer]

Or even a secret at all.

[@TomButwin]

The Secret Weapon Series kzbin.info/aero/PLjNIskxVP-fOCcN4ajomLpli2EiW5zYtp

[@winkfinkerstien1957]

😮 ! 👍🏻

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

So now ya know…..I’m Paul Harvey. Page 2…..

[@TomButwin]

I appreciate and respect the Paul Harvey reference.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

@@TomButwin It certainly is reaching back in time, a bit! 😆

[@FinsburyPhil]

The famous Keef quote: five strings, 3 notes, 2 hands and one arsehole to play them...

[@TomButwin]

😂

[@bristolfashion4421]

Bloke can do OK 'cos that Ry Cooder show him how to play... it is known that Keith Richards (reel name Kevin Splot) was going to give up playing cos in the erly days the audience kept throwing fruit and vegetables at him, shouting Boo and You Can't Play ! But the other one with the lips go like You can't leave I'd be so lonely !! So he go like Yes But what about my crap playing?? That when they hire the American guy to give lessons innit...

[@cerclesvicieux]

I didn't know it was a secret. To you maybe. Apparently. A mystery.

[@danbuffington75]

Rofl. 😂❤

[@TomButwin]

Sorry it took me 3 months to respond, Charles. It’s the name of the series. Nothing is a secret…except for maybe what has kept Keith and Mick going. Thanks for watching!

[@angusperry2730]

Not everyone is born knowing everything . some of us have to learn , so when someone else shares we can learn .

[@dougdavis8986]

Try harder no to be a jack a**.

[@TheStompboxer]

@@angusperry2730It’s a lot easier to learn things when they aren’t secrets.

[@WinstonTexas829]

How is it a secret when everybody’s known about it for around 50 years?

[@TomButwin]

It’s the name of the series. Kind of like “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” There were definitely funnier videos than what they had.

[@mihailmilev9909]

60th like

[@ConcernedCiti-Zen]

Or you could get rid of string 1 and retune the rest.

[@LanceRomanceF4E]

Got Stones tickets for Denver show this summer…..don’t hate me cause I’m beautiful

[@TomButwin]

Incredible!

[@jg9249]

Keith Richard’s you are not sir , lol

[@TomButwin]

Ah ya got me there. I did say I’m KR reincarnate in the video…wait, no I didn’t. Wrong video. Thanks for watching!

[@jg9249]

He’s got gray hair lolol have a good day !

[@TomButwin]

And a pretty impressive career to boot.