Song Rig
Stinkfist
Adam Jones · Ænima · 1996
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
The Aenima opener and one of Tool's most recognizable songs — Adam's distortion is slightly rawer than the Lateralus recordings, reflecting the 1996 Rectifier's earlier circuit voicing. The wah appears in the verse for a filtered, mid-heavy variation that bookends the full-distortion chorus sections.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul Custom
- 2Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier (1996 version)
- 3Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (fixed-cocked in verse)
- 4Marshall 4×12
Amp Settings
The 1996 Rectifier has a slightly different voicing than later models — less compressed, more raw. The wah in the verse is heel-down (bass frequency) rather than toe-down, creating a darker filter.
Technique
How to Play It
Wah as frequency filter for sections — Adam uses the wah at a fixed position in the verse (not rocked) to change the frequency balance of the distortion, effectively creating a different-sounding tone from the same amplifier without any EQ change.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Les Paul EMG 81 → Dunlop Cry Baby (heel-down for verse) → Mesa Dual Rectifier or Peavey 5150. The fixed wah position is the key distinguishing feature of the verse tone.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
More from Adam Jones
Other Song Rigs
Schism
Lateralus · 2001
Mathematical, patient, and thick — Schism opens in 5/4 time with a clean-to-mild…
View rig →Sober
Undertow · 1993
Tool's first major statement — a heavy, midrange-forward riff with a clean choru…
View rig →Forty Six & 2
Ænima · 1996
One of the most satisfying heavy riffs ever written — a mid-tempo groove in an o…
View rig →Lateralus
Lateralus · 2001
The title track of Tool's masterpiece — Adam's tone reaches its most layered and…
View rig →Parabola
Lateralus · 2001
The heavy second half of the Parabol/Parabola suite — full Mesa Rectifier distor…
View rig →