Amp Settings for No One Knows by Queens of the Stone Age (guitar and amp)

1. Volume

• Keep volume close to maximum on the guitar to maintain strong signal and drive the amp effectively.
• Fine-tune amp or pedal volume for tight control without too much output clipping.

2. Tone

• Guitar tone knob should be set around 7–10 for full-bodied sound with clarity.
• Amp settings: Bass around 6–7, Mid at 5–6, Treble at 4–6 to keep the tone thick but not overly bright.
• Consider a fuzz or distortion pedal with slightly scooped mids to replicate their saturated but punchy tone.

3. Pickup Selector

• Use the bridge pickup for a powerful, cutting tone with tight low end.
• Neck pickup can be used for smoother lead tones, but rhythm tone is predominantly bridge-focused.

4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?

• Humbuckers are preferred for thicker tone, reduced noise, and higher output.
• They replicate the saturated, mid-heavy tone heard on “No One Knows.”

5. Ideal guitar type which is a Electric (Baritone)

• Baritone electric guitars are ideal due to their lower tuning stability and enhanced low-end response.
• Look for models with longer scale length and stock humbuckers.
• Josh Homme has used baritone guitars like the Fender Sub-Sonic and custom Bilt guitars in the studio.

• Gibson Les Paul Standard: Delivers the thick, punchy tone ideal for the song’s riffs
• Orange Rockerverb 100 Amp: Known for its rich distortion and clarity at high gain
• MXR M104 Distortion +: Adds gritty, saturated crunch reminiscent of the original recording
• Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner: Ensures accurate tuning for drop-C tuning used live
• Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Strings (10–46): Balanced tension and tone for both rhythm and lead parts
• Jim Dunlop Tortex Picks (0.88 mm): Offers precision and attack suitable for palm-muted riffs
• Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Reverb: Adds subtle ambiance without muddying tone
• Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor: Reduces hum during high-gain sections

• Use heavy palm muting for riff clarity and punch.
• Dial amp gain to medium-high for gritty distortion without masking note definition.
• Scoop mids slightly (around 500–800 Hz) for a more modern rock tone.
• Boost treble (4–6 kHz) for string attack and clarity in leads.
• Keep bass tight (80–120 Hz) to avoid muddy tone during fast chugs.
• Use a bridge humbucker pickup for tight and aggressive tone.
• Add light reverb or room ambience for natural space during solos.
• Use a compressor subtly on clean tones for sustain and balance.
• Maintain moderate string action to prevent buzz during fast alternate picking.
• Tune to C Standard (C F Bb Eb G C) for accurate pitch and tone foundation.