Play electric guitar like Jim Root

Is Jim Root your idol and do you want to sound like him? Then you're in the right place. Here you'll learn everything about Jim's guitars, amplifiers, effects and accessories. We show you equipment from all price ranges that will help you achieve the best possible heavy metal sound and emulate Jim Root's look. Have fun browsing!

Who is Jim Root?

James Donald Root, better known as Jim, was born on 2 October 1971 in Iowa and is an American guitarist and songwriter. He is currently both one of the two guitarists and one of the main songwriters in the world-famous heavy metal band Slipknot, in which he is also known as #4, as well as the former lead guitarist of the rock band Stone Sour.

Jim began playing in the early 1990s with the thrash metal band Atomic Opera from Iowa. Shortly after that band's breakup he played in groups such as DeadFront and Stone Sour. He joined the latter in 1995 and returned to it with singer Corey Taylor when the band was revived in 2002. Before joining Slipknot and achieving his breakthrough, he worked at various jobs including as a screen printer, waiter and kitchen assistant.
Jim joined Slipknot in January 1999, replacing the original guitarist Josh Brainard, who left the band during the recordings of their self-titled first album. Like every member of Slipknot, Jim also wears a mask at all performances. At first he adopted the black mask with pink hair that covered most of his head from his predecessor Josh Brainard. He now wears a white jester mask which, with its fixed facial features, closely resembles a death mask.

Jim is considered one of the band's most important songwriters and has written lead guitar parts for Slipknot's later albums, particularly for All Hope Is Gone and .5: The Gray Chapter. Of the nine-member lineup of Slipknot that existed between 1999 and 2010, he was the last to join.

Besides Slipknot and Stone Sour, which he left in 2014, Jim Root's guitar work can also occasionally be heard on songs by other artists across many different genres. His past collaborators include DJ Starscream and Lil Wayne, among others.

Affordable guitars for Stone Sour and Slipknot fans

Jim Root favours guitars by the brands Charvel and Fender. Most of Jim's original guitars are very expensive, but there are also more affordable versions of these models that let you copy Jim's sound very well. Below we've put together a selection of these guitars for you.

High-end and signature instruments from Jim Root

Jim is an endorser of Fender and Charvel guitars and over the years has had several signature models tailored to him by both manufacturers. In July 2007 Fender released the  Jim Root Telecaster as his first signature model. This model is still available today. Before his collaboration with Fender, Jim was also seen with PRS, Jackson and Maverick electric guitars.

See the Fender & Charvel Jim Root signatures in action

The following videos give you a good impression of the sound and features of the Fender & Charvel Jim Root signature models. Experience Jim's Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster as well as his Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 in action.

Expert opinion

An important component of guitars are active pickups; he usually chooses models from EMG. These pickups are largely responsible for Jim's aggressive tones. When choosing the right guitar you should consider whether you also want active pickups installed. These use ceramic magnets instead of Alnico magnets, which produce a noticeably brighter, harder tone.

Alternative high-end electric guitars for Jim Root fans

Haven't found what you're looking for among Jim's high-end instruments or want to check out other brands? Then we have a selection of alternative high-end models from other manufacturers for you. These are also suitable for emulating Jim's characteristic sound.

Jim Root's amplifiers and cabinets

While Jim primarily uses Orange Rockerverb amplifiers live, he is known to use a variety of amplifiers in the studio, including a modified Bogner Uberschall and a Mesa Boogie Mark, the latter of which can be heard on the 2004 album Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) and the 2019 album We Are Not Your Kind.

Jim Root's effect pedals

Jim uses a range of different effect pedals to spice up his sound. Here we've compiled the most important pedals used by Jim for you.

The perfect accessories for Slipknot fans

With the following accessories you can perfect your look and sound and sound even more like Jim Root. Whether strings, picks or other accessories, here you'll find everything a Slipknot fan's heart desires!