TONEDB

rhythm guitar from “no one knows” by queens of the stone age | ToneDB

no one knows

queens of the stone age

rhythm guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A thick, heavily fuzzed rhythm guitar tone defined by its C standard tuning, creating a massive low-end growl. A distinctive, cutting midrange 'honk', achieved with a filter or fixed wah, slices through the dense mix.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ovation Ultra GP electric guitar

Amp: Ampeg VT-22 combo amplifier (or Ampeg V4 head with Ampeg 8x10 SVT cabinet)

Microphone: Shure SM57 and/or Sennheiser MD421

Processing: Fulltone Ultimate Octave (fuzz with upper octave), Parametric EQ/Filter (e.g., Maestro MPF-1, Stone Deaf PDF-1) or Wah pedal (used as a fixed filter)

Other: Guitar tuned to C Standard (C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C). The filter/fixed wah is key for the signature midrange peak, typically boosting frequencies around 800Hz-1.2kHz.

Recording Notes

  • The primary guitar used was an Ovation Ultra GP, known for its unique construction and tone.
  • Crucially, the guitar is tuned down to C Standard (C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C), contributing significantly to the track's heaviness.
  • A combination of a high-gain fuzz pedal (often with an octave-up component) and a filter/EQ (like a parametric EQ or a wah pedal set to a fixed position) creates the signature saturated and 'honky' midrange.
  • Ampeg VT-22 or V4 amplifiers were driven hard to achieve the desired saturation and low-mid punch.
  • Multiple guitar tracks were likely layered to create the wide and powerful sound.
  • Recorded at Sound City Studios, likely utilizing their Neve 8028 console for mic preamplification.

Recreation Tips

  • Tune your guitar to C Standard (C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C). Use heavy gauge strings (e.g., .012-.056 or .013-.060) to maintain tension and tone.
  • Use a humbucker-equipped guitar. A semi-hollow body can add some of the original's unique resonance, but solid bodies will also work.
  • Employ an aggressive fuzz pedal, ideally one that can blend in an upper octave (like the Fulltone Ultimate Octave or an EHX POG before a separate fuzz).
  • To achieve the midrange 'honk', use a parametric EQ pedal to boost a band around 800Hz-1.2kHz, or experiment with setting a wah pedal to a fixed position until you find a similar resonant peak.
  • Use a loud tube amp with good clean headroom that takes pedals well, such as an Ampeg V-series, or a Fender Bassman-style amp. Don't be afraid to push the amp's volume.
  • For microphones, place an SM57 close to the speaker cone, slightly off-axis. Blend with an MD421 for more body if available.

Sources