Song Rig

The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret

Josh Homme · Rated R · 2000

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Rated R was the album where Homme fully crystallised the desert rock aesthetic — less frantic than the Kyuss-influenced earlier work, more focused on groove and dynamics. The Lost Art uses a cleaner, more restrained guitar tone that allows the bass and drums to breathe. The guitar riff has a Velvet Underground-influenced motorik quality, and the tone has a warmer, slightly compressed character from the cranked Fender amplifier.

Signal Chain

1Fender Telecaster Custom
2Vox AC30 (primary on Rated R)
3Orange amplifiers

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume5

Bass6

Mid7

Treble6

Presence5

The Rated R tones are generally warmer and less distorted than Songs for the Deaf — the Vox AC30 was used more prominently, adding a characteristic chiming quality to the natural overdrive.

Technique

How to Play It

Motorik rhythm guitar — a consistent, metronomic strumming pattern that maintains groove without dynamic variation. The hypnotic quality comes from rhythmic consistency rather than expressive dynamics.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

A Telecaster or similar into a Vox AC30 or equivalent at moderate gain. The Vox's natural mid-presence creates the characteristic chime. Maintain consistent picking dynamics throughout the riff.

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