Song Rig

3's & 7's

Josh Homme · Era Vulgaris · 2007

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

One of the most purely riff-centric QOTSA tracks — the main figure is an odd-time-inflected shuffle riff with heavy stoner crunch. The tone is thick and saturated but retains Homme's characteristic mid-forward clarity. Cowbell-like rhythmic precision in the attack.

Signal Chain

1Gibson Explorer or Flying V
2Marshall JCM800 or similar
3Maestro Fuzz-Tone or germanium fuzz

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume8

Bass5

Mid8

Treble6

Presence7

Mids very prominent — the tone needs to cut through the dense low-end of the arrangement. Marshall JCM800 or similar high-gain British amp. Gain pushed but not at the limit; definition is important for the riff articulation.

Technique

How to Play It

The riff plays with implied triplets against even subdivisions — the rhythmic tension comes from Homme's ability to make the guitar part feel like it's in an odd meter while the drums stay in 4/4. Downpick emphasis on accented beats.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Any humbucker guitar → Marshall JCM800 or equivalently voiced amp (Orange, Hi-Watt) at high but not maximum gain. Boss DS-1 or MXR Distortion+ as a push pedal optional.

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