Play electric guitar like Jim Root

Jim Root is your idol and you want to sound like him? Then you've come to the right place. Here you'll learn all about Jim's guitars, amps, effects and accessories. We'll show you equipment from all price ranges with which you can achieve the best possible heavy metal sound and imitate Jim Root's look. We hope you enjoy 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 one of the two guitarists as well as one of the main composers of 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 performing with the Iowa thrash metal band Atomic Opera in the early 1990s. Shortly after the band broke up, he performed in bands such as Deadfront and Stone Sour. He joined the latter band in 1995 and returned to them along with vocalist Corey Taylor during the band's revival in 2002. Before joining Slipknot and celebrating his final breakthrough, he worked as a screen printer, waiter and kitchen assistant, among other jobs.
Jim joined Slipknot in January 1999, replacing original guitarist Josh Brainard, who left the band during the recording of their self-titled first album. Like every member of Slipknot, Jim wears a mask at all gigs. At first he took over the black mask with pink hair, which covered most of his head, from his predecessor Josh Brainard. He now wears a white juggler's mask, which strongly resembles a death mask with its rigid facial features.

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

In addition to Slipknot and Stone Sour, which he left in 2014, Jim Root's guitar work can also be heard from time to time in songs by other artists from many different genres. His previous collaboration partners include DJ Starscream and Lil Wayne, among others.

Cheap guitars for Stone Sour and Slipknot fans

Jim Root prefers to play Charvel and Fender guitars. Most of Jim's original guitars are very expensive, but there are also cheaper versions of these models that can be used to copy Jim's sound very well. We have put together a selection of these guitars for you below.

High end and signature guitars of Jim Root

Jim is an endorser for Fender and Charvel guitars and has had several signature models customised by both manufacturers over the years. 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.

Experience the Fender & Charvel Jim Root Signatures in action

The following videos will 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 Jim's guitars are the active pickups, he usually chooses models from EMG. These pickups are responsible for Jim's hard sounds. When choosing the right guitar, you should consider whether you want to active pickups in your guitar.

Alternative high end electric guitars Jim Root's fans

You haven't found what you're looking for in Jim's high-end instruments or would like to take another look at other brands? Then we have a selection of alternative high-end models from different manufacturers for you here. These are also suitable for emulating Jim's characteristic sound.

Jim Root's amps and cabinets

While Jim primarily uses Orange Rockerverb amps live, he has been known to use a variety of amps 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 effects pedals

Jim uses a range of different effects pedals to spice up his sound. We have compiled the most important pedals from Jim for you here.

The perfect accessoires for Slipknot fans

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