James Donald "Jim" Root is the rhythm/lead guitarist of American rock band Stone Sour and lead guitarist for the metal band Slipknot.

In 2010 Jim, also known by his number #4, collaborated with Fender on what would be his second signature model released, a huge-sounding Stratocaster that compliments his heavily down-tuned playing style.

The Jim Root Strat has very similar features to that of his Signature Telecaster, which was released in 2007. Features include a modern "C" shape compound radius neck (12"-14") that has a Satin Urethane finish without fretboard dot markers, active EMG® pickups, all black hardware, 22 jumbo frets and satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Though this guitar was released in 2010, he was seen using it on live shows during 2009.

Jim Root's musical career with Stone Sour kicked off when he joined the band in 1995, three years after they formed and recorded their first two demo tapes. However, it was only a couple of years later in 1997, Stone Sour dispanded when singer Corey Taylor joined Slipknot to replace their original singer. Two years later, the bands original guitarist Josh Brainard left and Taylor invited Root to join Slipknot as lead guitarist, based on Taylor's past experiences working with him in Stone Sour. The band continued to tour and record but in 2002, the future of Slipknot was unclear and there was speculation over whether the band had split after a Stone Sour revival and other members went off to focus on musical side projects. Despite this hiatus, and several more along the way, both bands have continued to tour and record records to this day.