Slipknot guitarist Jim Root has opened up about one of the most pivotal decisions in his career: joining Stone Sour despite having reservations about the band’s musical direction. In a recent interview on the RIDE BYND podcast, Root revealed that he didn’t initially love the music Stone Sour was creating. He described it as leaning toward a “hair metal or butt rock” vibe that didn’t align with his personal taste for edgier, harder-hitting material.
However, Root’s decision to join the band wasn’t about the music itself. It was about the people. He was drawn to frontman Corey Taylor’s undeniable talent and passion. “I saw something in Corey that was undeniable. He has that stardust. He has that thing and you can just tell that he’s so passionate about what he does that he puts his soul into it,” Root explained. “And then the dude’s so talented. It’s like I have to play guitar in this band regardless of what it is. Like we can make it into what it can be, you know.”
Root’s willingness to compromise on musical style for the sake of working with exceptional musicians became a defining characteristic of his career. When Corey Taylor eventually left Stone Sour to rejoin Slipknot, Root was devastated. He soon found himself reunited with Taylor in the heavier band. This reunion also gave him the opportunity to work alongside Mick Thomson, whom Root considers one of the best guitar players in the world. “It’s hard to believe guys like that exist in Iowa,” Root remarked, expressing his gratitude for the caliber of musicians he’s been able to collaborate with throughout his career.
Root’s journey in both bands reflects a broader philosophy about musicianship and artistic growth. His playing style is characterized by intense down-tuned riffs and tight rhythm work. He has become one of the most important nu-metal guitarists of all time. When Root joined Slipknot in January 1999, just before the release of their debut album, he became the final piece of the nine-person lineup that would define the band’s sound. This lineup helped establish them as a dominant force on the metal scene.
Throughout his decades as a guitarist, Root has developed a distinctive approach that blends shredding with classic rock sensibilities. He balances aggression with melody. His influences span from thrash metal legends like Metallica, Megadeth, and Exodus to classic rock icons such as Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and David Gilmour. This eclectic range of influences has allowed him to bring both technical proficiency and emotional depth to his work, whether in Slipknot’s ferocious wall of sound or Stone Sour’s razor-edged precision.
Root’s tenure in Stone Sour lasted from 2001 to 2014. During this period, he contributed to multiple albums including the self-titled debut and House of Golden Bones Part Two. He served primarily as the lead guitarist, showcasing his ability to craft emotionally driven solos while maintaining the band’s signature sound. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone musically during those years demonstrates a commitment to artistic collaboration that has defined his entire career. Sometimes the greatest musical achievements come not from playing what you love, but from playing alongside people you respect.
