pretty much...Keith Richards ahead of Beck, Allman, and Townshend? Or for that matter, Richard Thompson, Lindsey Buckingham, David Gilmour, Johnny Marr.
Ridiculous.
I like Keith, but he’s a primarily a rhythm guitarist. Since Brian Jones died, he’s effectively been able to hide behind Mick Taylor and Ronnie Wood.
pretty much...Mark Tremonti is as creative and more technically sound a rhythm guitar player than Richards.
I am not much of a Keith Richards fan and can't imagine why he would even make the top 50 but that's The Rolling Stone for you. However I am puzzled by your statement. Jagger wrote the lyrics and a few melodies but essentially Richards wrote the riffs and almost all the music. As far as the music goes Keith Richards IS the Rolling Stones.
Mick Taylor was a good soloist (Can't you hear me knocking) but was just a sideman. Ronnie Wood is a mediocre guitar player and hasn't added anything really. Their act would be delayed sometimes for hours waiting for Keith to show up or Keith to get his son to help him find his junk. They didn't perform without him. Keith just does his thing & it doesn't impress me much but he is the musical heart of the Rolling Stones. What I did find interesting though is Richard's vast use of tunings and his claim that there are no electric guitars on Jumping Jack Flash - all acoustic.
I saw him do things with the guitar that were physically impossible. The odd thing is that it was a joint concert with Sean Colvin. The changing hands thing in mid song without any change in sound was a mind blower. My bassist friend said it was just a trick. Pretty good trick.