Exile on Main St. is the landmark tenth studio album by the legendary English rock band, the Rolling Stones. Released on May 12, 1972, through Rolling Stones Records, it marked their tenth studio release in the UK and twelfth in the US. Widely regarded as the peak of the band’s critically acclaimed late-60s and early-70s output — following Beggars Banquet (1968), Let It Bleed (1969), and Sticky Fingers (1971) — Exile on Main St. stands out for its eclectic sound, deeply rooted in Delta blues, gospel, and country rock traditions.
Though its initial reception was mixed, by the end of the 1970s the album was being re-evaluated as one of rock’s defining records. Today, it’s frequently hailed not only as the Stones’ greatest achievement but as one of the most influential albums ever made.
Commercially, Exile on Main St. topped charts worldwide, including in the Netherlands, Norway, Canada, Sweden, the US, and the UK. Work on the album started back in 1969 at London’s Olympic Studios during sessions for Sticky Fingers. The core recording sessions took place in mid-1971 at Nellcôte, a villa the band rented in the South of France after relocating to avoid Britain’s heavy taxes. Without a proper studio nearby, the Stones used a mobile recording unit and tracked much of the album in the villa’s basement. These chaotic and free-flowing sessions stretched long into the night and saw a revolving door of musicians and guests. Final overdubs were added later at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, featuring contributions from pianist Nicky Hopkins, saxophonist Bobby Keys, drummer and producer Jimmy Miller, and horn player Jim Price. The end result was the band’s first double LP, filled with enough material to showcase their diverse musical palette.
Continuing the raw, rootsy feel of Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main St. pushed even further into a rich blend of blues, rock and roll, swing, country, and gospel. Its lyrics touch on themes of decadence, desire, and bittersweet reflection. Several tracks became staples of the Stones’ live shows, while the record’s success cemented its status, topping charts in six countries including the UK, US, and Canada. Among its standout singles were “Happy” — with Keith Richards on lead vocals — the country-tinged “Sweet Virginia,” and the global hit “Tumbling Dice.”
The album’s iconic cover art, a chaotic collage of images, perfectly captured the Stones’ rebellious and untamed spirit. Following its release, the band launched a notorious US tour that gained a reputation for wild crowds and legendary performances — further fueling the album’s enduring mythos.
“Exile on Main St. is one of those albums where the music sounds like it’s lived. It’s raw and real — the kind of record that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go.” – Bruce Springsteen
Guitar Tecnique
🎸 1. Open Tunings
Keith Richards is famous for using open tunings, especially open G (GDGBD). Many songs on Exile on Main St. — like “Tumbling Dice” and “Happy” — are built around this tuning. In open G, Keith often removes the low E string completely, giving him more room to work the groove and making it easier to play barre chords with just one finger. This creates that loose, raw sound he’s known for.
🎸 2. Chord Voicings & Riffs
Keith isn’t a technical shredder — his genius is in crafting iconic riffs and grooves with simple but clever chord shapes. He loves using partial chords, dyads, and open strings, mixing ringing notes with muted strums. This gives the Stones’ sound its ragged, jangly edge — always full of air and attitude.
🎸 3. Rhythm & Human Feel
One of Keith’s superpowers is his sense of time — he plays slightly behind or ahead of the beat to push or pull the groove. He rarely uses a pick, preferring his fingers to get a more dynamic attack and those signature percussive mutes. His strumming is loose but always locked into the groove.
🎸 4. The “Weaving” Technique
With his bandmates (like Mick Taylor in the Exile era or later Ron Wood), Keith developed the famous “weaving” approach: instead of dividing rhythm and lead parts strictly, the guitars dance around each other in a constant call-and-response. Listen to tracks like “Rocks Off” — you’ll hear the guitars trading riffs, fills, and textures like a conversation.
🎸 5. Dirty, Raw Tones
Keith’s playing is intentionally rough around the edges. He loves that raw, slightly untamed sound: old strings, buzzing amps, rough slides, fuzz pedals pushed too far — all part of the vibe. It’s never about being perfectly clean; it’s about feeling and attitude.
Here are reliable places where you can listen to Keith Richards, his open-G style, and buy Exile on Main St.:
🎧 Where to Listen
- **Full album stream on YouTube**:
— Listen to the album in one immersive experience. YouTube
- Open‑G guitar lesson (Keith Richards style):
Check out Eric’s tutorial: “KEITH RICHARDS RIFF: Easy Blues Guitar Lesson in Open G Tuning” — ideal for pickups and chord voicings. YouTube - Top Stones Open‑G riffs:
“Top 5 Rolling Stones songs in Open G – beginner to intermediate!” — excellent for learning signature riffs like Brown Sugar and Tumbling Dice. Amazon YouTube
🛍️ Where to Buy
- Amazon (MP3, CD, Vinyl) – Exile on Main St. (2010 Remastered)
- MP3 download: ~$5.99
- CD: ~$13.07
- Vinyl: ~$37.99
Includes remastered audio and digital streaming access via Amazon Music Amazon Music
(Make sure the link is active in your region.)
- eBay (CD copy) – New Exile on Main Street CD, typically listed around $20, with shipping included eBay
- 180‑Gram Vinyl LP – Brand new high‑quality pressing available for approximately $36 RESS Signs & Supplies
🎸 Bonus Resources
- Apple Music: You can stream or purchase Exile on Main St. here — it’s included in their 100 Best Albums collection Apple Music
- Fender’s Open‑G Guide: Learn how to tune your guitar to Open G (GDGBD) with clear instructions—ideal for emulating Richards’ signature sound Fender
✅ Quick Summary
| Platform | Format | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Music | MP3, CD, Vinyl | $6–$38 |
| eBay | New CD | ~$20 |
| Vinyl Pressings | 180‑gram LP | ~$36 |
| YouTube | Free full album and tutorials | Free |