Sound Like Josh Homme
During a defining era for electric guitar, Josh Homme redefined what powerful and driving electric guitar could sound like — and their influence on rock has never faded. Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age creates some of modern rock's most hypnotic, locked-in riffs — baritone-ish tuned-down tones, drone-based single-note riffs, and a commitment to groove that makes QOTSA impossible to stand still to. Whether you're starting out or ready to invest, the rig guides below cover every budget from £200 to £2,500.
Budget Comparison
Pick Your Budget Level
£200 · Beginner
~£178
- OverdriveIbanez TS9 Tube Screamer
- AmpFender Frontman 15R
£500 · Sweet Spot
~£507
- GuitarEpiphone Les Paul Standard
- OverdriveJoyo Vintage Overdrive
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
£1,000 · Pro-Level
~£956
- GuitarEpiphone Les Paul Special
- OverdriveAnalogman Modded TS9
- FuzzElectro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff
- AmpFender Blues Junior IV
£2,500 · Premium
~£2496
- GuitarGibson Les Paul Junior
- OverdriveAnalogman Modded TS9
- FuzzThorpy FX Muffroom Cloud
- AmpFender Blues DeVille
Tone Profile
Josh Homme's Sound
Fender Jazzmaster or Telecaster into an Orange or Ampeg amp, often tuned to C or B standard. The tone is thick and warm rather than aggressive — the heaviness comes from the low tuning and the locked-in groove, not from distortion. A fuzz pedal appears on some tracks for additional harmonic saturation.
Tone Match
Closest Real-World Tone Match
If you like Josh Homme's tone, these players use a similar approach — same gear philosophy, comparable sound characteristics.