The Rolling Stones – Honky Tonk Women Riff
Learn to play one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock 'n' roll history with LickLibrary's note-for-note guitar lesson for “Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones. This classic track delivers a perfect blend of country, blues, and rock elements, showcasing the laid-back but masterfully gritty guitar work that has helped define The Rolling Stones' unmistakable sound. Our comprehensive lesson breaks down every detail of the main riff, giving guitarists of all levels the opportunity to develop key techniques while diving into an era-defining rock classic. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song and Its Legacy
Originally released as a single in 1969, “Honky Tonk Women” stands as one of The Rolling Stones’ most celebrated tracks. From its cowbell intro to its swampy guitar-driven groove, the song oozes attitude and feel. The riff is immediately recognisable and has become a benchmark for blues-infused rock rhythm guitar playing.
This track is a masterclass in groove, space, and touch — a riff that’s deceptively simple but packed with nuance. Our lesson captures these intricacies to ensure you get every detail right, both sonically and technically.
Guitarists Behind the Song
The iconic riff in “Honky Tonk Women” was played by Keith Richards, one of the most influential rhythm guitarists in rock music. Known for his raw tone, open tunings, and tight phrasing, Richards defined a sound that inspired countless guitarists. His playing on this track is a perfect example of his ability to make a riff not only support a song but define it.
While Mick Taylor and Brian Jones also contributed to the Stones’ guitar legacy, this riff is all Keith — his blend of looseness and swagger offers a study in rhythm guitar mastery. Learning this riff offers a glimpse into Richards’ unique style and his masterful use of space and groove.
Techniques Covered in the Lesson
Slides
Slides are essential to replicating the feel of the Honky Tonk Women riff. They help connect chord shapes and single-note phrases with smoothness and attitude. This technique contributes to the laid-back swagger that makes the riff groove so effortlessly.
Why it's useful: Slides improve fretboard navigation and phrasing, letting you link notes fluidly and enhance expression in your playing.
String Bending
Keith Richards integrates subtle bends into the riff to add a vocal-like quality to the phrasing. These bends are not overly dramatic but are essential to capturing the emotional and bluesy feel of the part.
Why it's useful: String bending is fundamental to blues and rock, teaching pitch control and adding expressive nuance to solos and riffs.
Open String Riffs
The riff heavily incorporates open strings, which contribute to the raw, resonant character of the sound. Mastering this approach is key to replicating the tonal fingerprint of Richards' playing.
Why it's useful: Open string riffs boost your awareness of tonal options and encourage creative rhythm and chord use in multiple positions.
Syncopated Rhythms
The riff is rhythmically engaging, with syncopation that creates a sense of swing and groove. Playing this properly requires rhythmic discipline and a feel for off-beat phrasing.
Why it's useful: Learning syncopated rhythms enhances your timing and helps you develop a deeper groove, especially important in blues, funk, and rock.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
While subtle, these articulation techniques add to the smooth flow of the riff. Used in transitions, they keep the riff fluid and lively.
Why it's useful: Hammer-ons and pull-offs increase speed and fluidity in your playing, vital for crafting seamless licks and phrases.
Double Stops
This riff occasionally features double stops — two notes played simultaneously — which give the riff extra punch and harmonic depth.
Why it's useful: Double stops strengthen your finger independence and are perfect for adding texture and punch to lead or rhythm lines.
Why This Lesson is a Must for Any Guitarist
Learning “Honky Tonk Women” isn’t just about playing an iconic riff — it’s about developing musical touch, groove awareness, and expressive articulation. Whether you're a beginner wanting to play something recognisable or a more advanced player looking to refine your feel, this riff offers something for everyone. It teaches you to play with attitude, space, and phrasing — all vital ingredients for any great guitarist.
By focusing on tone, phrasing, and subtle technical embellishments, this lesson will not only help you sound like Keith Richards but also develop your own voice as a rhythm player.
Techniques Used in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...