Jim Root

James Donald Root is an American musician, guitarist, and songwriter, most recognized as a member of the Grammy Award-winning nu metal band Slipknot, where he holds the designation #4. He also served as the lead guitarist for the rock band Stone Sour. Root is widely considered one of the most significant guitarists in the nu metal genre, known for his intricate riffs and powerful solos. As of 2026, he continues to tour and record with Slipknot, maintaining a strong presence in the heavy music scene.[edit]

Root was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 2, 1971, to James and Carol Root. He attended Des Moines Area Community College but left to pursue music. Before his mainstream success, he worked various jobs, including as a bartender. Root began playing guitar as a teenager, and his early musical interests led him to join Stone Sour in 1995. He departed the band in 1997 but returned in 2002. A pivotal moment came in 1999 when he joined Slipknot shortly before the release of their self-titled debut album, a decision that would define his career.[edit]

Root joined Slipknot in 1999, contributing to their self-titled debut album. With Slipknot, he recorded landmark albums including Iowa (2001), Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) (2004), All Hope Is Gone (2008), The Gray Chapter (2014), We Are Not Your Kind (2019), and The End, So Far (2022). In 2006, Slipknot won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the song "Before I Forget". Root also played guitar for Stone Sour during their successful runs, contributing to albums like Come What(ever) May (2006) and Audio Secrecy (2010). Stone Sour went on hiatus in 2017, allowing Root to focus on Slipknot.[edit]

Root is often portrayed in the media as a stoic, intense, and highly skilled guitarist. His signature style includes his imposing height, his distinctive Slipknot masks, and a powerful stage presence. His music with Slipknot is characterized by aggression, complex arrangements, and emotional depth, resonating with a dedicated global fanbase. On social media, he focuses on music and band activities, occasionally sharing personal insights.[edit]

Jim Root stands as a stoic pillar within the heavy music world, his identity inextricably linked to the mask bearing the number 4. Fans know him not by a singular, official collective name but as part of the devoted 'Iowa' community that guards the band's lineage with fierce loyalty. This audience operates as a rapid-response verification network, a trait highlighted when they mobilized to debunk rumors of lineup changes, echoing Root's own cryptic calls for fans to simply stop and think. His legacy is built on the twin guitar towers he shares with Mick Thomson, a dynamic that has defined Slipknot's crushing sound since he replaced original guitarist Josh Brainard in January 1999. While the fanbase lacks a formal moniker specific to Root alone, their reverence for his 'Grim Reaper' persona and his role in steering the band through decades of evolution remains absolute. He rarely grants interviews, yet his direct messages during times of crisis reinforce a culture of unity that prioritizes the family over external noise. The iFANN Global Fame Rankings have quantified this enduring influence, placing him among the elite figures of his genre. Jim Root is currently the 39th most famous person in Metal, a standing he holds steady from the previous cycle.[edit]

Jim Root stands at 6 feet 5 inches, a towering figure who once worked as a bartender before stepping into the spotlight. He is a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and designs his guitar tone to create a wall of sound that balances heavy aggression with melodic precision. His Slipknot masks have evolved over the years, often settling on a simple white design featuring black eyes or mouths. While he lacks a unique fandom name beyond the broader Slipknot Nation, a specific legend has emerged from August 2026. When rumors swept through the media claiming founding member Sid Wilson had been fired after 28 years, Root became the voice of reason. He posted urgent messages urging fans to stop and think, effectively calming a wave of panic across social media platforms. This incident cemented his reputation as the steady anchor within the group's chaotic history. The iFANN Global Fame Rankings place him as the 39th most famous person in Metal.[edit]

Root was born to James and Carol Root. He has two children, though their mother is not publicly identified. He was married to Jacqueline Root from 2004 until their divorce in 2016. Root began dating Ash Costello, singer of New Years Day, in 2020, and they remain together as of 2026.[edit]

Long-time bandmate and vocalist Corey Taylor in both Slipknot and Stone Sour. Fellow Slipknot members Shawn "Clown" Crahan, Mick Thomson, and Sid Wilson. Girlfriend Ash Costello, singer of New Years Day.[edit]

Root was engaged to musician Krisy Miller from 2004 to 2007, though the relationship ended without public explanation. He married Jacqueline Root in 2004, and they divorced in 2016. The couple had two children together. In 2020, Root began dating Ash Costello, the lead singer of New Years Day. As of 2026, they remain together.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Jim Root's net worth is estimated at $25 Million as of 2026. This financial standing stems primarily from album sales, touring revenue, royalties, and merchandise generated during his tenure with both Slipknot and Stone Sour. The extensive global tours undertaken by Slipknot alongside consistent album releases have served as major contributors to his wealth. Additional income flows from his songwriting credits and various endorsement deals. His net worth has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the sustained commercial success of both bands.[edit]

Root won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2006 with Slipknot for the song "Before I Forget". This remains his most notable individual accolade, recognizing his contribution to the track.[edit]