Jim Root Net Worth

What is Jim Root's net worth?

Jim Root is an American musician who has a net worth of $2.5 million. Jim Root is best known as one of the two guitarists in Slipknot and as a former longtime member of Stone Sour. Towering at 6'6″ with his signature black-and-white mask and #4 jumpsuit, Root has become a cornerstone of Slipknot's sound, contributing some of the band's heaviest and most melodic guitar work since joining in 1999. Known for his technical precision and songwriting ability, Root has played a major role in helping Slipknot evolve from chaotic nu-metal newcomers into one of the most musically accomplished acts in heavy music.

Early Life

James Donald Root was born on October 2, 1971, in Las Vegas, Nevada, but grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He began playing guitar in his teenage years, inspired by a wide range of rock and metal acts. Before joining Slipknot, Root played in several regional bands and briefly joined Stone Sour, the band founded by Corey Taylor in the early 1990s.

Root was a late addition to Slipknot's classic lineup, but his arrival marked a turning point in the band's musical development.

Joining Slipknot

Root officially joined Slipknot in January 1999, shortly before the band released its debut self-titled album through Roadrunner Records. He replaced original guitarist Josh Brainard and was added just in time to appear in the "Spit It Out" music video and begin touring.

The core lineup at that time included founding members Shawn Crahan (#6), Joey Jordison (#1), and Paul Gray (#2), along with Corey Taylor (#8), Mick Thomson (#7), Craig Jones (#5), Sid Wilson (#0), and Chris Fehn (#3). Though he joined late in the process, Root's guitar work became essential on Slipknot's live tours and subsequent albums.

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Role in Slipknot

Root's contributions to Slipknot became more prominent with each release. On 2001's "Iowa," he helped expand the band's sound with more intricate riffing and a darker, more punishing tone. By 2004's "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)," Root and fellow guitarist Mick Thomson had developed a seamless guitar partnership—Thomson often delivered the heavier rhythm parts, while Root added texture, melody, and solos.

Root co-wrote many of Slipknot's most critically acclaimed tracks, including "Vermilion," "Sulfur," "The Devil in I," and "Unsainted." Albums like ".5: The Gray Chapter" (2014), a tribute to the late Paul Gray, and "We Are Not Your Kind" (2019) showcased Root's dynamic range as both a heavy rhythm player and a melodic arranger. His layered tones and use of ambient textures became increasingly important as the band matured.

Unlike some of the more public-facing members of Slipknot, Root has largely stayed out of the spotlight, rarely giving interviews and maintaining a low-key public persona. Nevertheless, his creative influence within the band has grown steadily, especially after the departures of Jordison, Gray, and later Chris Fehn and Craig Jones.

Stone Sour and Departure

Root was also a member of Stone Sour from 2001 to 2014, joining the band just in time to contribute to their self-titled debut album. He co-wrote several major hits and played on all of the band's records through "House of Gold & Bones – Part 2."

In 2014, Root was abruptly fired from Stone Sour by Corey Taylor and other bandmates. Taylor later explained the split was due to creative differences—Root wanted to focus more on Slipknot, while the rest of Stone Sour wanted to keep touring. Root admitted in interviews that the firing caught him off guard and led to personal tension between him and Taylor, though the two eventually reconciled and continued working together in Slipknot.

Equipment and Style

Root is known for his minimalist but powerful playing style. His tone is typically high-gain and low-mid heavy, with a focus on tight rhythm work and emotionally driven solos. He has signature guitar models with Fender and Charvel, including the popular Fender Jim Root Telecaster and Jazzmaster, both customized for his aggressive tone and stripped-down aesthetic.

Personal Life

Root is intensely private compared to many of his bandmates. He rarely discusses his personal life publicly and has no known children or spouse. He is a vintage guitar collector and has cited influences ranging from Black Sabbath and Metallica to Pink Floyd and The Cure, reflecting his blend of heaviness and melody.

Root has also spoken about his battles with anxiety and perfectionism, which often manifest in his painstaking approach to recording. While not a front-facing figure in the media, he has been described by bandmates as one of Slipknot's most focused and consistent creative contributors.

Real Estate

For a number of years, Jim lived in a home set on two acres in Jacksonville, Florida. He sold this home in 2023 for $630,000. In December 2022, he paid $2 million for an impressive waterfront mansion on Merritt Island, Florida.

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