Home » Ronnie Wood: Mastering The Iconic Guitar Sound #58
Ronnie Wood: Mastering The Iconic Guitar Sound #58

Few guitarists have shaped rock ‘n’ roll quite like Ronnie Wood. As a core member of The Rolling Stones and a former guitarist for Faces and The Jeff Beck Group, Wood’s distinct style has influenced generations of musicians. His bluesy riffs, gritty rhythms, and ability to effortlessly move between rhythm and lead guitar make his playing stand out. In this edition of Mastering The Iconic Guitar Sound, we explore Ronnie Wood’s musical journey, his most memorable hits, and how you can dial in his unmistakable guitar tone.
A Brief History of Ronnie Wood
Ronnie Wood was born on June 1, 1947, in Hillingdon, London. His musical career began in the early 1960s as a guitarist for The Birds, where he played rhythm guitar and began shaping his bluesy rock tone. In 1967, he joined The Jeff Beck Group as a bassist, collaborating with Rod Stewart. This period laid the foundation for his blend of blues, rock, and soul influences.
Wood’s major breakthrough came when he co-founded Faces in 1969, teaming up once again with Rod Stewart. The band’s laid-back, blues-rock vibe perfectly matched Wood’s rough-edged, expressive guitar style. Songs like “Stay With Me” and “Ooh La La” highlighted his knack for blending bold riffs with catchy melodies, creating music that felt both lively and relatable.
In 1975, Wood joined The Rolling Stones, officially replacing Mick Taylor. His chemistry with Keith Richards solidified the Stones’ dual-guitar attack, bringing a looser and more spontaneous dynamic to the band’s sound. Wood’s playing added a new dimension to the Stones’ live performances and recordings, making him an essential part of their continued success.
Beyond his work with The Rolling Stones, Wood has also pursued a solo career, releasing several albums that highlight his unique guitar voice. He’s also an accomplished painter, blending his love for music with visual art.
Top Hits Featuring Ronnie Wood
Ronnie Wood’s guitar work can be heard across some of The Rolling Stones’ biggest hits. Here’s a look at some standout tracks that showcase his style:
1. “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” (1974)
Though recorded before Wood officially joined the Stones, his influence is unmistakable on this track. His loose and gritty rhythm playing helped define the song’s almost punk like energy.
2. “Start Me Up” (1981)
Wood’s tight interplay with Keith Richards makes this one of the Stones’ most iconic guitar-driven songs. The track peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving the power of their combined riff work.
3. “Beast of Burden” (1978)
Wood’s delicate touch on rhythm guitar complements Richards’ lead work, creating a laid-back groove that contributed to Some Girls becoming a No. 1 album.
4. “Emotional Rescue” (1980)
Blending funk and rock, Wood’s clean rhythm work adds subtle complexity to this Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
How to Replicate Ronnie Wood’s Sound
1. Focus on Feel Over Perfection
Wood’s playing is all about groove and feel. He often blends rhythm and lead lines fluidly, so practice improvising within scales and blues progressions to capture that spontaneity. Incorporate slide guitar techniques and experiment with dynamics, moving between soft strumming and aggressive picking. This will help you mimic Wood’s expressive and fluid playing style, where the energy and emotion drive the music more than technical precision.
2. Dial in a Warm, Gritty Tone
Start with a clean amp setting and introduce overdrive gradually. Keep the gain moderate to maintain clarity, emphasizing midrange frequencies for that bluesy bite. Try rolling back the tone knob slightly on your guitar to soften the treble and create a warmer sound. Using vintage-style pickups, like P90s or low-output humbuckers, can also help achieve Wood’s rich, gritty tone. Layering subtle amp overdrive with a mild overdrive pedal can add extra texture to your sound.
3. Use Open Tunings
Like other Stones guitarists, Wood often employs open tunings, particularly open G tuning. Experiment with this to nail the vibe of tracks like “Start Me Up.” Open G tuning allows for more expressive chord voicings and lends itself well to slide guitar. Practice playing simple chord shapes and letting open strings ring out for a fuller sound. This tuning is ideal for creating that signature Stones rhythm that feels loose yet powerful.
4. Keep Effects Minimal
Ronnie Wood’s tone is largely natural. Use light modulation (like a phaser) and occasional overdrive to add color without overshadowing your playing. A subtle reverb can also add depth, especially for clean or slightly overdriven parts. When using a wah pedal, focus on timing and subtle sweeps rather than dramatic shifts to keep the effect tasteful. The goal is to enhance your tone, not to dominate it, staying true to Wood’s minimalist approach to effects.
Dive Deeper into Ronnie Wood’s Playing Style
In this video, Jeff from Reverb.com breaks down the key elements of Ronnie Wood’s rhythm guitar playing, focusing on how Wood blends Chuck Berry-inspired riffs with dissonant chords and effortless transitions. Jeff demonstrates how Wood incorporates hammer-ons, single-note fills, and percussive strumming to create his signature sound—techniques that you can apply to your own playing.
Whether you’re aiming to master riffs from The Faces or The Rolling Stones, this tutorial offers practical insights into the subtle nuances that define Ronnie Wood’s rhythm guitar approach. It’s a perfect resource for guitarists looking to inject more feel and originality into their rock and blues rhythm playing.
To truly appreciate Ronnie Wood’s unique rhythm guitar style, check out the video below:
Ronnie Wood’s Signature Gear
Guitars
- Zemaitis Guitars: Wood is famously associated with custom-built Zemaitis guitars, known for their unique metal-front designs.
- Gibson Les Paul Junior: His use of this stripped-down guitar brings a raw, punchy tone perfect for blues-rock.
- Fender Stratocaster: Wood occasionally uses Strats for their bright, cutting sound.
Amplifiers
- Fender Twin Reverb: Known for its clean tone and powerful headroom, this amp is a staple in Wood’s live rig.
- Ampeg SVT (for studio use): While traditionally a bass amp, Wood has used it to add warmth and depth to his guitar tones.
Effects
- MXR Phase 90: For subtle modulation, adding movement to his rhythm parts.
- Wah Pedal: Used sparingly to add expression during solos.
-
Keeley Magnetic Echo Digital Tape Delay Pedal: Ronnie often relies on natural amp overdrive but enhances his tone with effects like the Keeley Magnetic Echo Digital Tape Delay Pedal.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Creating Ronnie Wood’s iconic sound doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some affordable alternatives to his signature gear:
- Guitar: Epiphone Les Paul Junior
- Amp: Fender Champion 40
Community Reflections
Ronnie Wood’s influence can be felt across generations of guitarists. Fans and musicians alike admire his trademark blend of rhythm and lead playing, often describing his style as both simple and refined. His ability to complement Keith Richards while also standing out on his own has inspired countless musicians to pursue rhythm guitar with renewed passion. From casual players to professional artists, many cite Wood as a guitarist who proves that feel and emotion often outweigh technical perfection. His unique phrasing, spontaneous riffs, and natural sense of groove have made him a role model for guitarists seeking authenticity over flash.
In our community, fans share how they’ve integrated Wood’s techniques into their playing, whether it’s experimenting with open G tunings or focusing more on groove and timing. Some players have even shared stories of performing in Stones tribute bands, where nailing Wood’s tone and attitude was key to capturing the band’s essence. His influence extends beyond rock music, impacting blues, alternative, and even indie genres. Share your favorite Ronnie Wood-inspired riffs, setups, and stories in our community forum—we’d love to hear how his style influences your playing and creativity!
Ronnie Wood Today
Even after decades with The Rolling Stones, Ronnie Wood continues to perform and record, showcasing his unique guitar style. He’s also an accomplished artist, blending his love for music with painting and visual art. His resilience—including a battle with cancer—and passion for music make him an enduring figure in rock history.
Outside of music, Wood’s artwork has gained international recognition. His paintings and sketches, often depicting fellow bandmates and musical icons, reveal another layer of his creative spirit. Despite the physical demands of touring, Wood maintains an active role in The Rolling Stones’ live shows and recording sessions, proving that age has not dimmed his enthusiasm or energy.
Wood also engages with fans through interviews, exhibitions, and social media, sharing insights into his music, art, and personal journey. His candid reflections on his past struggles and triumphs have further endeared him to fans, solidifying his status as not just a rock legend but a resilient and multifaceted artist.
Final Thoughts
Ronnie Wood’s guitar work is a masterclass in blending rhythm and lead with soul and authenticity. By focusing on feel, experimenting with gear, and embracing a looser style, you can begin to capture the essence of his iconic sound. Wood teaches us that music isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection, energy, and expression. Plug in, turn it up, and let the music flow—after all, it’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but we like it!
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