If you’re a fan of classic rock, then you’ve probably heard of The Rolling Stones.
This iconic British band has been around for over five decades, and their music has been beloved by fans around the world.
From their early hits like “Satisfaction” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” to their later work like “Start Me Up” and “Sympathy for the Devil”, The Rolling Stones have created some of the most recognizable and beloved songs in rock music.
For guitarists, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of playing one of their classic songs.
If you’re looking to learn some of The Rolling Stones’ songs on guitar, then you’re in luck!
This article will provide you with 17 easy Rolling Stones songs to play on guitar, along with tabs to help you get started.
So, grab your guitar and get ready to rock out with The Rolling Stones!
Table of Contents
- 17. “Ruby Tuesday”
- 16. “The Last Time”
- 15. “Let’s Spend the Night Together”
- 14. “Under My Thumb”
- 13. “Start Me Up”
- 12. “Wild Horses”
- 11. “It’s All Over Now”
- 10. “Brown Sugar”
- 9. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
- 8. “Street Fighting Man”
- 7. “Honky Tonk Women”
- 6. “Sympathy For The Devil”
- 5. “Angie”
- 4. “Paint It, Black”
- 3. “Gimme Shelter”
- 2. “Jumpin Jack Flash”
- 1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
17. “Ruby Tuesday”
“Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones is a classic song that has been covered by many artists since its original release in 1967.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is a reflection on the fleeting nature of love and relationships.
The Rolling Stones were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and their music was a major influence on the development of rock and roll.
The band was formed in 1962, and their first single, “Come On,” was released in 1963. “Ruby Tuesday” was released as part of the album Between the Buttons in 1967, and it was an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Rod Stewart, The Corrs, and The Grateful Dead.
It has also been featured in numerous films, television shows, and video games.
The Rolling Stones continue to be one of the most iconic and influential bands in rock and roll history, and “Ruby Tuesday” is a timeless classic that will always be remembered.
16. “The Last Time”
“The Last Time” by the Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that was released in 1965 as a single from their fourth studio album.
It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and was the first song they wrote together.
It was also the Rolling Stones’ first number one single in the UK.
The song has a bluesy, gospel-influenced sound, with an infectious hook and a memorable chorus.
The Rolling Stones have performed “The Last Time” live countless times over the years, and it has become one of their most iconic songs.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and U2.
The Rolling Stones have been one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, having sold more than 200 million records worldwide and having been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
“The Last Time” is a timeless classic that will remain a classic rock staple for years to come.
15. “Let’s Spend the Night Together”
The Rolling Stones’ 1967 classic, “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” is a timeless pop-rock anthem that has become a staple of their live shows.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is a simple, yet infectious plea for a night of passionate love.
The song’s classic guitar riff, which was played by Richards, is instantly recognizable and has been covered by a variety of artists.
The Rolling Stones’ version of the song reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and number four on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It has been featured on a number of the band’s compilation albums, including Hot Rocks 1964-1971 and Forty Licks.
The song has also been featured in a variety of films, including The Boat That Rocked and The Wolf of Wall Street.
It has become a classic of the Rolling Stones’ catalog and a favorite of fans around the world.
14. “Under My Thumb”
“Under My Thumb” is a song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1966 as a single from their album Aftermath.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is a commentary on the power dynamics of a relationship, with the singer asserting control over a woman who had previously been the one in charge.
The song is marked by a menacing groove, with a distorted guitar riff, a prominent organ part, and a vocal performance by Jagger that is both menacing and seductive.
The Rolling Stones were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and their music has had a lasting impact on the development of rock and roll.
The band was formed in 1962 by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman, and they quickly developed a reputation for their hard-driving blues-influenced sound and their rebellious attitude.
They went on to become one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, and “Under My Thumb” remains one of their signature songs.
13. “Start Me Up”
“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones is an iconic rock song that was released in 1981.
It was the lead single from their album Tattoo You and was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
The song has a classic Rolling Stones sound with its bluesy guitar riffs, and its lyrics are about the power of love and the energy it can give someone to start anew.
It was a huge success and became the band’s most successful single of the 1980s, reaching the top of the charts in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
It has since been covered by many other artists, and it remains a staple of classic rock radio.
The Rolling Stones are one of the most influential and successful rock bands of all time, having sold more than 200 million records worldwide.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and are widely considered to be one of the greatest rock bands of all time. “Start Me Up” is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and is sure to be a classic for generations to come.
12. “Wild Horses”
“Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that was released in 1971.
It is a melancholic ballad about a man’s struggle to stay faithful to his lover despite his longing for freedom.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song has become one of the most iconic songs from the band’s repertoire.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, and even The Sundays.
The Rolling Stones are one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, having sold over 200 million records worldwide.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and are considered to be one of the greatest live acts in the world, having performed over 2,000 concerts since they first formed in 1962. “Wild Horses” is a testament to the band’s songwriting ability and their ability to create timeless music that has stood the test of time.
11. “It’s All Over Now”
“It’s All Over Now” by the Rolling Stones is a classic rock and roll song that was released in 1964.
It was written by Bobby Womack and Shirley Womack and was the first song by the Rolling Stones to reach number one on the UK Singles Chart.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead, and Van Morrison.
The Rolling Stones have been one of the most influential and successful rock and roll bands of all time, and this song is a great example of their classic sound.
It features a driving rhythm section, a catchy hook, and Mick Jagger’s signature vocal style.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been betrayed by a woman, and the song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it an instantly recognizable classic.
It’s All Over Now is a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today and serves as a reminder of the Rolling Stones’ lasting influence on the rock and roll genre.
10. “Brown Sugar”
“Brown Sugar” by the Rolling Stones is an iconic song that has been a staple in the band’s live sets since its release in 1971.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song has been described as a “swaggering blues-rocker” and is one of the most famous songs of the Rolling Stones’ career.
It was the lead single from their album Sticky Fingers and was an immediate success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song has been covered by many artists, including D’Angelo, who released a version in 1995 that reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Rolling Stones have performed “Brown Sugar” in almost every tour since its release, and it remains one of their most popular songs.
The song has been praised for its bluesy guitar riff and Jagger’s vocal delivery, and it has been cited as an influence on many other artists.
9. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is a classic Rolling Stones song that was released in 1969.
It was featured on their album Let It Bleed, which was the band’s eighth British and tenth American studio album.
The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and was produced by Jimmy Miller.
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It is an anthem of sorts for the band, and it has been covered by a variety of artists and bands over the years, including the Grateful Dead, U2, and The Rolling Stones themselves.
The song is about the idea that you can’t always get what you want in life, but you can get what you need.
It speaks to the idea of accepting life’s disappointments and making the most of what you have.
The song features a gospel choir, which was recorded at London’s Olympic Studios.
The song has been featured in movies and television shows, such as The Big Lebowski, The Sopranos, and Stranger Things.
It has become an iconic song for the Rolling Stones, and it is still a favorite among fans today.
8. “Street Fighting Man”
“Street Fighting Man” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock anthem that was released in 1968.
It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, two of the most prolific songwriters of all time.
The song is a call to action, urging listeners to stand up and fight for what they believe in.
The lyrics are full of political and social commentary, referencing the civil unrest that was occurring in the United States at the time.
The song was a part of the band’s album Beggars Banquet, which was released in the same year.
The album was a major success, reaching number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and number 5 on the US Billboard 200.
The Rolling Stones have been a major influence in the music industry since their formation in 1962, and “Street Fighting Man” is a testament to their lasting legacy.
7. “Honky Tonk Women”
“Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that was released in 1969.
It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and produced by Jimmy Miller.
The song was a number one hit in the UK and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It is considered one of the band’s signature songs and has been covered by numerous artists.
The song is a blend of country and blues and features a distinctive cowbell rhythm.
The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has left her man for a life of adventure.
The Rolling Stones were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s and 1970s and are still active today.
They have sold over 200 million albums worldwide and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “Honky Tonk Women” is a timeless classic and is sure to be remembered for many years to come.
6. “Sympathy For The Devil”
“Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones is an iconic song from the band’s 1968 album, Beggars Banquet.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is a dark, bluesy rock anthem that delves into the themes of temptation and sin.
The song is known for its catchy, repetitive chorus and its unique instrumentation, which includes a variety of percussion instruments and a distinctive bassline.
The Rolling Stones are one of the most influential rock bands of all time, and “Sympathy For The Devil” is one of their most beloved and recognizable songs.
It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films, television shows, and video games.
The Rolling Stones have been performing the song live since 1969, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
5. “Angie”
The Rolling Stones’ classic song “Angie” is a heartfelt ballad about a love lost.
It was released in 1973 as the first single from their album Goats Head Soup.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is a melancholic reflection on a relationship that has ended.
It features a gentle, acoustic guitar-driven melody, with a gentle string arrangement in the background.
The lyrics are filled with emotion and nostalgia, as Jagger croons about the pain of losing someone he loves.
The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time.
Formed in London in 1962, they are known for their blues-influenced sound, and their classic hits such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Sympathy for the Devil.” They have sold over 200 million records worldwide, and are considered one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. “Angie” was a huge success for the band, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming their eleventh number one single in the US.
It has since become a classic and is still played regularly on radio stations around the world.
4. “Paint It, Black”
The Rolling Stones’ iconic song “Paint It, Black” is a classic that has been covered by many artists since its release in 1966.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song has a haunting and mysterious vibe that has resonated with listeners for decades.
The Rolling Stones were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and their music was a major influence on the development of rock and roll.
The song starts with a simple guitar riff that builds to a powerful chorus, featuring the memorable lyrics “Paint it black, paint it black.” The song was the first single released from the band’s 1966 album Aftermath, and it went to number one on both the UK and US charts.
It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, and has been covered by artists such as The Clash, U2, and The White Stripes. “Paint It, Black” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and remains one of the Rolling Stones’ most beloved songs.
3. “Gimme Shelter”
The Rolling Stones’ 1969 classic, “Gimme Shelter,” is a powerful and haunting song that speaks to the tumultuous times of the late 1960s.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song features a driving rhythm, a bluesy guitar riff, and a soulful vocal performance by Jagger.
The song’s lyrics speak to the political and social unrest of the era, with Jagger singing about the need for a safe haven from the chaos.
The song was recorded during the band’s sessions for their 1969 album Let It Bleed and was released as the opening track.
It has since become one of the band’s most recognizable and beloved songs, and has been covered by a variety of artists.
The Rolling Stones are one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, having sold over 200 million records worldwide and having been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
They are known for their unique blend of blues, rock, and soul, and their influence on popular music has been immense. “Gimme Shelter” is a perfect example of their ability to capture the spirit of a time and place and turn it into a timeless classic.
2. “Jumpin Jack Flash”
The Rolling Stones’ classic song “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is an iconic rock and roll anthem that has been a staple of the band’s live shows since its release in 1968.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song showcases the band’s signature blues-rock sound and has become one of the most recognizable songs of all time.
The song is driven by a powerful, driving guitar riff and a catchy chorus that has become a staple at rock concerts.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who is running away from a mysterious figure, and the song has been interpreted as a commentary on the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life.
The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has since been covered by numerous artists, including Aretha Franklin, The Who, and Bruce Springsteen. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” has become an anthem for the Rolling Stones, and its popularity and timelessness are a testament to the band’s musical genius.
1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
The Rolling Stones’ iconic song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is a classic rock anthem that has been a staple in the band’s live shows since its release in 1965.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song was an immediate hit, topping the charts in the US and UK and becoming the Rolling Stones’ first number one single in the US.
The song’s catchy riff and memorable lyrics about the frustrations of modern life have made it a timeless classic.
The song is also notable for its use of a fuzz box, a guitar effects pedal that gives the guitar a distorted sound.
The Rolling Stones have gone on to become one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” often cited as one of the most iconic and influential songs in rock history.
More than 10 years of experience playing and writing about guitars! When not writing, I can be found strumming away some Johnny Cash tunes. Favorite all time guitar is the Gibson Les Paul. #TeamGibson
