Keith Richards plays the guitar solo in The Rolling Stones’ 1968 song “Sympathy for the Devil”. The article argues that his sharp, abrasive playing suits the song’s dark subject matter and reflects the band’s turmoil during the recording of *Beggars Banquet*.

The song was recorded during a difficult period for the Stones, including internal conflict and Brian Jones’s declining involvement. Jones contributed only limited guitar work to the album, while Richards provided the piercing solo and demonstrated his ability to create a powerful lead-guitar part despite primarily being the band’s rhythm guitarist.