Top 11 Queens Of The Stone Age Riffs That Will Warp Drive You!

[@ben-ty9jo]

Something about the way Josh Homme writes guitar riffs is just so satisfying to me. They're so clean and precise

[@insederec]

It's about precision, not complexity. Out in the desert, any unnecessary movement can mean death...

[@Forestgravy90]

And unusual enough to stand out, he notably never uses popular guitars or setups, his first guitar teacher was also polka-focused so that accounts for the robotic stop start nature of a lot of the riffs particularly no one knows.

[@iamnotevenanumber7110]

Sure! He was actually going to name his band Gamma Ray, but name was taken by some other band at the time.

[@cadubem10]

@iamnotevenanumber7110 Indeed. a very shitty german power metal band who attempted to sue him over the name

[@iamnotevenanumber7110]

@@cadubem10 ok? Didn't knew they attempted a lawsuit even. 😄

[@alejandroserrano7755]

I don’t know how to explain it but Queens of The Stone Age perfectly embody what a modern hard rock band should sound like.

[@mad-dog67]

Great said!

[@nicholaschavira1743]

@@alejandroserrano7755 I saw them live this year and it was the best show ever

[@collins2509]

You know a band is legendary when you could replace all 11 tracks with a different set of 11 and nobody would bat an eye.

[@Rainer2424]

Give the mule what he wants is just so iconic of a riff

[@Warstub]

@@Rainer2424 and probably my all-time fav Qotsa song too. Alfredo's drumming is so incredibly precise and in the pocket, and across the whole Q.O.T.S.A. album he lifts already incredible riffs to the next level.

[@kavkaz8000]

They're all so flirty.

[@RiffLair]

Yes!! 🤗😎🤟🤟

[@comotuabogada]

Ikr? Love it!

[@RiffLair]

Awesome man, thank you! 😎🤟🙏

[@DarkhorseOldWorlders]

you mean filthy 🤙😎

[@nickconnor6078]

@@DarkhorseOldWorlders i think flirty and dirty is more accurate ;)

[@steverainingagain7956]

Tone on mexicola is just sublime

[@RiffLair]

Thank you dude 😎🤟

[@STERNWAERTS]

it's so good it grabbed me by the balls. i didn't know the song before and must say that i kept repeating those 20 secs here cause it sounded so good

[@dpants5150]

I'd nominate The Way You Used To Do as one of their best. Homme said when he first came up with that riff he recorded it but then forced himself not to play it for quite a while, like until they were back in the studio. He said he liked the riff so much he was afraid he'd just play it all the time and eventually get sick of it and he'd scrap it.

[@gibfear]

Royal bloods tone on Boilermaker sounds like a slowed down version, great track though!!!

[@legang8983]

if you rate riffs by sound and creativity, qotsa will always be high up there! so iconic

[@Darce115]

I gotta say my personal favourite riff from them is probably Better Living Through Chemistry. The guitar goes so hard on that song

[@EthanKlassen00]

Auto Pilot into Better Living is a trip 🤤

[@Teh-Penguin]

Right. Back to binging QOTSA albums on repeat.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Regular John is such a great throwback to the Kyuss riffs of old. 🤘

[@RiffLair]

Especially the first QOTSA album 🤟

[@joedoe3235]

@@MetalJesusRocks Never thought I'd see you here.

[@Gias1]

that stereo effect on everybody knows that your insane.. well done!

[@reverb.deluxe]

Your recordings sound fantastic! "Go With The Flow" brings back memories of late night Rock Band fun on Xbox.

[@RiffLair]

That is awesome! Thank you so much! I am still working on my mixes, always learning something new. My workflow has definitely improved :) Oh the XbOx. Halo 1 splitscreen

[@RiffLair]

Here are in my opinion, the Top 11 coolest *QOTSA guitar Riffs*. I thought I'd share my pedal settings with you guys too. Hopefully this helps you get closer to that tone! What riffs did I miss? 😎

[@Nick-xh6of]

Thanks for sharing your pedals. 👍🏻🤘🏻

[@Theeletricminers]

Avon

[@sladejones6692]

I’m designer!!!!

[@Warstub]

All of the riffs you didn't do.

[@detthoff]

Great playing as usual and fantastic tone! 😃❤️ “Turning on the screw” is a killer riff (and fun to play) in my opinion!

[@RiffLair]

Hey Lars. Thank you so much 🤗 I agree, great riff but I can always fit 11 hehe. Maybe I could have swaped this with The lost art of keeping a secret 🤔

[@detthoff]

Cheers mate! You can’t fit them all right. 😄 Other more Kyuss-inspired favorite songs are “living through chemistry” and “18 A.D” 👌

[@dariohenriquez7773]

its honestly one of the best riffs ever written

[@RiffLair]

🤟😎🤟🤟

[@devonpenner7177]

I think one of my favorite qotsa riffs is THAT riff from sick sick sick. It's so goddamn groovy

[@TheAdamisgay]

Era Vulgaris has some sick riffs. Sick Sick Sick, Turning on the Screw, Misfit Love some of favs

[@devonpenner7177]

@@TheAdamisgay fuck yeah! Absolutely! It's a shame that The Fun Machine Took A Shit and Died isn't on album lol

[@EthanKlassen00]

I see your Sick Sick Sick and I raise you a Feet Don't Fail Me Now

[@jsik69x]

I love how you played songs like Go With The Flow, in the correct C standard tuning they were actually played in. It really does make a difference to the sound

[@niko123455ify]

What's the correct c standard tuning?

[@RiffLair]

You basically tune 2 whole steps down each string. C, F, A#, D#, G, C

[@niko123455ify]

@@RiffLair ohhh i tought correct c standard tuning meant it was in something different that 440hz or some shit like that hahaha

[@richardpalmers2436]

So many bangers just from one album, they truly are amazing

[@RiffLair]

Really nice seeing them playing live again.

[@KJB484]

Great choice in QOTSA Riffs! Happy that 'The Evil has Landed' and 'Head like a Haunted House' was in this list! Great job!

[@cadmarins]

An alternative, standard and popular rock band with strong Stoner influence... Underestimated. deserved more recognition... they're the best

[@Owen_plays_music1049]

Best Rock band of the past 25 years, can't wait for the new album next month !

[@l1zvrd]

Totally agree.

[@Robfaulk1]

It didn't disappoint 🤘

[@iXmetalXi]

Surprised the chorus riff for into the fade wasn’t on here

[@TisTheDamnStickSeason]

Good to see The Evil Has Landed in there

[@RiffLair]

Couldn't have skipped that. Probably the most fun riff I recorded out of all. About 6 guitar tracks if I recall.

[@Nchubbz]

Sick Sick Sick and You Would Know are two of my favourites!

[@gr1zz922]

The one thing I enjoy is the call & response from Josh and Troy in a number of tracks.

[@crazy-_-Beard]

Head like a Haunted House is super challenging, you nailed it 🔥

[@patrickjenkins2788]

Awesome I’d like 3’s n 7’s in there too

[@84SuperBeast]

That was the song I was looking for

[@ejomo11]

I was hoping for that one, as well.

[@RiffLair]

Absolutely man. . . . . . Part 2 🤫

[@ZigbertD]

I love the song Infinity, the version from the Heavy Metal 2000 soundtrack.

[@scottallen9556]

Yes. This one!⬆️

[@michaelchlebek9226]

((Lost Art is off of Rated R but that's beside the fact that this is a great video for current and incoming QotSA fans alike!! Riffs on point, keep em comin' 😤))

[@RiffLair]

Yeah dude, oops! More coming for sure. 😎🤟

[@legobobafett5045]

The lost art of keeping a secret isn't on songs for the deaf!

[@RiffLair]

Hey boba. You got me there. A mistake in the montage I'm afraid. Thanks for noticing/commenting 🤜🤛😎🤗

[@happytoaster7019]

It still was in Songs For The Deaf.

[@legobobafett5045]

@@happytoaster7019 no it wasn't why are you commenting something wrong, 6 MONTHS LATER!?

[@A-uj3bl]

There's a live version of it on sftd

[@whipshaw]

that's why, between other things, that qotsa will be my favorite band forever

[@mitchsmix269]

Would love to see a part 2 on this! The new album has some that could definitely go on

[@creddcrumbs7789]

Pains my soul to see someone play Song for the Dead like that

[@RiffLair]

😎

[@joelopez4130]

Definitely see where Homme’s love of ZZ Top influenced how clean he likes his riffs even though he wants them a lil sleazy

[@ct3332]

Was happy to see Regular John on here; so mesmerizing yet so simple

[@Tudturn]

Bro you are talented

[@TheHalo14aus]

Man, I love The Evil has Landed riff but I've had trouble playing it. I'll slow this video down and perfect it, thanks!

[@mxdnxghtthxxghts]

great list with a perfect execution!

[@RiffLair]

Thank you so much areiner! Was tough picking only 11 riffs! 😎

[@sicooper7770]

Bro, QOTSA and Josh are riff Gods , Homme is a f#$%in genius 🤘⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ Great playing bro 👏 👌

[@Karl_Marksman]

Never heard anyone play Mexicola before, it sounded great! That tune is burned into my brain.

[@speedyteesee5214]

Dude, awesome compilation ! When playing Song for the Deaf, try using the harmonic on the 5th fret instead of hitting the 12th. It will sound just like te recording!

[@BrooklynJackBlue]

Huh! That's a different way to play Song for the Dead than I know. I dig that. Got a different vibe.

[@RiffLair]

Yeah! I needed to do my homework a bit more. Thanks dude! 😎🤘

[@patrickwade757]

well done man!

[@RiffLair]

Thank you brother 😎🤟

[@xx05jurtos]

This is an incredible video! Great job! 🔥

[@peachmelba1000]

In Song For The Dead's main verse riff, the first chord also contains a flatted fifth. Too much distortion on your tones overall but what a fun video.

[@LilacSnowBun]

Love it, we need a part 2! ❤

[@RiffLair]

Yes!! Needs to be done 😎🤟

[@AteThisYesterday]

Awesomeness, but I think your gonna need to do a part 2, hopefully with at least a few of these: You Would Know Walkin' on the Sidewalks Born To Hula How to Handle A Rope Tension Head Into The Fade I Think I Lost My Headache A Song For The Deaf Hanging Tree First It Giveth The Sky Is Falling Tangled Up In Plaid

[@RiffLair]

Haha. Might have to do a part 2 indeed! Not very unlikely to happen 🤓

[@jacobsheets9409]

3s and 7s, You think I ain't worth a dollar but I feel like a millionaire, burn the witch, turnin' on the screw, If only, If I had a tail.

[@iommiclife794]

@@RiffLair yeah, give Rated R more love please

[@KSacki]

You know whats up

[@Warstub]

@@iommiclife794 And Q.O.T.S.A. The entire first album is killer.

[@sixstringsamurai55]

This video was the whole reason I bought this pedal. Excellent tones!

[@RiffLair]

Great to hear! A very good pedal, enjoy!! 😎🤟

[@douchecraft3113]

Outstanding.

[@GoofyWelshGit]

Hit 'em all just right, went to your channel, saw Rick Beato has given you an award, instant fan. That dude's a god, you MUST be awesome 🤘🤘

[@tomdaloon]

Thank goodness for Josh Homme!!

[@ggaccentc]

Nailed the top 2

[@RiffLair]

Thank you dude! 😎🤘

[@ultranadax6852]

While I’m waiting for the Funny Little Boxes Skeleton Key pre-order, you just sold me on the OG Warp Drive! Rippin’ vid, man

[@MrFernoid]

So crisp, so clean, and a nice selection too.

[@glonniecanoy3441]

The one thing that i heard about "Little Sister" from the video game called Midnight Club 3, and i gotta admit, i had a blast listening to that song whenever i'm racing from San Diego to Tokyo.

[@Rozz25]

Love that tone

[@MixdotTv]

Ultimate guitar rifss by qotsa Regular john Glad you put it there LONG LIVE THE QUEENS!!!

[@RiffLair]

Hey dude. Can't miss that one 🤟😎

[@bill21lumberg]

Mexicola is my fav Queens song. Amazing riffs!! 🤘💪

[@danbrown141]

Regular John, my all time fave 👌

[@IlliniDog01]

I wish I had any musical talent so I could play even a fraction of that well. I just have to settle for appreciating others musical ability. Will listen to QotSA any time forever.

[@voiceofalkimos6853]

Go with the flow always number one for me

[@RiffLair]

Yeah dude. Great pick 😎🤟

[@ZombieWarningStation]

Heavy on Song for the deaf Love it!

[@RiffLair]

Thank you for watching dude 😎🤟🎸

[@ciderandthorazine]

hendrick's gin and monkey 47! that's some serious ginnery about the studio.

[@zacharyCanadian]

God I love this band

[@RiffLair]

I know right?!

[@diegodelatorre208]

Great combo of power chords and some crazy shit.

[@king6595]

The tone too 👍👍👍

[@RiffLair]

It's all about the tone, well mostly!

[@PrettyBasicBand]

Great job!!!

[@PLT123]

Love the tone

[@RiffLair]

Hey hey. Thank you so much dude 🤟😎🙏

[@greAX7]

You left out like 73 riffs… but agreed these 11 are fn awesome.

[@RiffLair]

I know right?! So many good ones! Thank you for watching! :)

[@jclark2019]

badass man i love it

[@cooperbrezoff7791]

Nice tone man

[@TheFullbend]

Sick !

[@gamesmaster1060]

How is there no someones in the wolf

[@Rocks4You97]

fantastic, and beautiful sg

[@RiffLair]

Thank you so much. This one plays incredible. Very versatile 😎🤜🤛

[@vanlopes1687]

The tone suited better for Villains songs, they were spot on!

[@pancon5]

Legendary riffs, immaculate execution. 👏👏👏

[@germscb21]

I want more!! This was so cool!

[@RiffLair]

Thank you dude 🙏 More will be coming 😎🤟

[@germscb21]

@@RiffLair awesome

[@coryknight1365]

Great tone

[@TranceSFX]

The absolute best good honest rock n roll band today and probably one of the very last true ones

[@arquitetosdaeramoderna6862]

The Evil Has Landed one of the great riffs of Rock n Roll.

[@standafaces]

Interesting that you put so many villains song into this video while it is considered their worst album (not me tho I have Villains Tattoo, love that album)

[@ShaqPlaque]

Didn't realize Everybody Knows That You're Insane needed to be tossed between two different guitars to hit the needed notes. Neat. Missed some Era Vulgaris tracks (yeah, I'm one of those weirdos that thinks Misfit Love is their best song)

[@Dinosaurs_with_laser_guns]

Klicked to see if The Evil Has Landed would be on the list.

[@joelmonteiro1419]

You should do a top 11 Monter Magnet riffs.

[@Lumpygroovy]

That’d be tight. Fu Manchu would be heavenly

[@samwest2400]

Good shit man

[@yungak6398]

Really good stuff!

[@RiffLair]

Thank you so much Yung. Glad you like it 😎👊

[@BDKelso2000]

Hey man, excellent playing! Josh Homme is a huge influence and your tone does his riffs justice. Also, how do you create those backing tracks with drum & bass only? I’ve been wanting to do a top riffs video on my channel for a minute.

[@RiffLair]

Hey, thanks dude. I create the backing tracks from scratch. Midi drums & bass. I also do the mixing etc. God I hope I could just focus on playing guitar 😎🤟

[@monarcas5502]

​@@RiffLairwow, great dude!

[@matthewmcdaniel875]

Between Kyuss and QOTSA, the man is right there with Tony Iommi as the all time riff god.

[@jeremynelson5311]

There needs to be a serious conversation about putting Josh Homme in the Riff Lord category

[@adammillan8332]

Good stuff. Wrong album cover for Lost Art of Keeping a Secret...but I'm sure someone already caught that.

[@rocknrollboise]

Woah, I think I have those exact same guitars!

[@RiffLair]

SG '61 std & Strat Plus top 😎🤟

[@XtremeKillah101]

Great playing man

[@RiffLair]

Thank you brother. Really appreciate it 🙏😎

[@scottbrowne3174]

Great work mate! Lost Art is originally from Rated R.

[@leighiansonmusic9688]

It’s criminal that you didn’t include ‘I think I lost my headache’ as it’s probably their most badass IMO

[@jimreed2138]

The Bonus should be How To Handle A Rope 🤘

[@fkorekore265]

I want to say to maybe younger admirers that what makes him different is his range of influences. Apart from most hard-rock-metal-heavy-riff makers: 70s classic Page, Iommi or Metallica etc he has a huge influence of punk and hardcore players, quite basic primitive "downstrokers" and un-virtuoso, from: Discharge, GBH, Black Flag, Damned..also pivotal slighty older than his stoner generation are Buzzo from Melvins and Fatso Jetson. And not so obvious Blue Cheer, Hawkwind, MC5, Stooges and Alice Cooper Group. Go check those sources too if you want to trace his sound.

[@izhanshafiq324]

In My Head should be in there too, the riff at the end of the song is 😭🤌

[@RiffLair]

Hey dude.. Well.... . . . . Part 2 🤫

[@Donkeypuncherello88]

Some of those sounds were the boss sd1 super overdrive and also the stone deaf pdf. Super similar to the warp drive. They are both awesome

[@stevencrocker4145]

Dare I say Josh Homme my generations Jimmy Page.

[@mitchritchie2677]

How did sick sick sick not make this list? Maybe a part 2 after the new album drops?

[@RiffLair]

Part 2 it is ai think. 😎🤟

[@jimreed2138]

Hell yeah dude 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘