Who plays sitar on The Rolling Stones’ 1966 song ‘Paint It Black’?

The sitar on The Rolling Stones’ 1966 song ‘Paint It Black’ was played by Brian Jones, the band’s founding member and guitarist. Its droning sound helped give the track its sinister atmosphere and marked the group’s move towards more experimental arrangements.

The article places the choice in the context of The Beatles’ use of the sitar on ‘Norwegian Wood’, which helped bring the instrument into Western pop. Jones used the opportunity to explore beyond lead guitar, and later tried other instruments as the band developed its sound.