Riff Tone

If Only

Queens of the Stone Age

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarMaton BB1200

AmpAmpeg V-4

PickupsMaton humbuckers (stock, semi-hollow, likely bridge position for riff)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7.5

treble6

reverb0

presence2.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1998 debut album. Guitar and amp confirmed for early QOTSA era and specifically referenced for thick, punchy riff tones. Settings from studio context, not live.

Tone Character(10)

thick and punchywarm and slightly muffledpronounced, chunky midsgritty desert rock textureraw and aggressivearticulate and clearcontrolled overdrivemid-focusednot overly brightfull-bodied

Difficulty

The riff requires precise timing, palm muting, and dynamic control to capture the punchy, articulate desert rock feel, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk

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