What guitar did Adam Jones use on Stinkfist?

Adam Jones used a Gibson Les Paul for the rhythm guitar parts on "Stinkfist." The Les Paul's mahogany body and humbucker pickups were essential for achieving the thick, heavy tone characteristic of the song.

What amp does Adam Jones use for Tool songs?

Adam Jones primarily uses a Diezel VH4 amplifier for Tool's recordings and live performances. The VH4 provides the tight, high-gain sound that defines Tool's heavy guitar tone throughout their catalog.

What tuning is Stinkfist in?

"Stinkfist" is played in Drop D tuning or potentially tuned even lower. This detuned approach contributes significantly to the song's heavy, aggressive sound and allows for the deep, powerful chord voicings.

What is the DOD FX25 envelope filter used for in Tool songs?

Adam Jones uses the DOD FX25 Envelope Filter to add subtle dynamic texture to his guitar tone. Rather than creating obvious filter sweeps, he uses it more subtly to add a throbbing, dynamic quality that responds to his playing intensity.

How to get Adam Jones guitar tone?

To get Adam Jones' tone, start with a Les Paul-style guitar with humbuckers, run it through a high-gain amp like the Diezel VH4, and add a DOD FX25 envelope filter for subtle dynamics. Tune down to Drop D or lower and focus on tight, aggressive amp settings with good low-end control.

rhythm guitar from "stinkfist" by tool

stinkfist

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rhythm guitar

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Tone Profile

A heavy, detuned, and aggressive rhythm guitar tone with a distinct mid-range character and tight low-end. It's thick, powerful, and slightly dissonant, fitting the song's intense and unsettling atmosphere.

Shop This Rig

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Gibson Les Paul(instrument)
Diezel VH4(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
DOD FX25 Envelope Filter(processing)

The Story

Adam Jones recorded his rhythm guitar parts for "Stinkfist" using a Gibson Les Paul through a Diezel VH4 amplifier, with a DOD FX25 Envelope Filter adding subtle dynamic texture to the signal. The track was produced by David Bottrill and features Jones' signature detuned approach, likely in Drop D tuning or lower. The SM57 microphone was used to capture the cabinet, which was standard practice for the band's guitar recording during this era.

Production Credits

Producer: David Bottrill

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: Unknown

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les PaulShop on Reverb

Amp: Diezel VH4Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: DOD FX25 Envelope FilterShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Les Paul style guitar with humbuckers.
Use the Diezel VH4's gain channel as a base, focusing on a tight and aggressive sound.
Experiment with the DOD FX25 to add dynamic interest without being too overt.
Consider a slight mid-boost in the amp's EQ or post-processing to enhance the guitar's presence.
Tune down to Drop D or lower to match the song's tuning.

Original Gear

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Gibson Les PaulShop on Reverb(guitar)
Diezel VH4Shop on Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
DOD FX25 Envelope FilterShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Neural DSP Fortin Nameless SuitePlugin Boutique$89-$149

Alternative to: Diezel VH4 amplifier

Provides the tight, aggressive high-gain character similar to the VH4's sound with excellent low-end control for detuned playing

Revv Generator 120 MKIIIShop on Reverb$2,200-$2,500

Alternative to: Diezel VH4 amplifier

Modern high-gain amplifier with similar tight, focused distortion character and excellent note definition for heavy rhythm work

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60sShop on Reverb$450-$550

Alternative to: Gibson Les Paul

Budget-friendly option with humbuckers that can deliver the thick, sustained tone needed for Tool's heavy rhythm parts

DOD FX25B Envelope FilterShop on Reverb$80-$120

Alternative to: DOD FX25 Envelope Filter

Current reissue of the exact same pedal Jones used, providing the subtle dynamic filtering effect heard on the recording

Gibson Les Paul StudioShop on Reverb$1,200-$1,500