Axe of Creation: Adam Jones Guitar Lesson

Adam Jones, guitarist of the hardrock band Tool, has had a profound influence on the music world and guitarist alike. This in-depth analysis of Adam Jones' riffs will help you understand the foundation of his song writing and teach you major characteristics and tendencies of his playing style thus allowing you to incorporate them into your own writing and playing.
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[@MorrisJoshua26]

I love Jones's work. It's easy and technical at the same time.

[@feelzz8807]

Hes so good at creating atmosphere. He says a lot without having to use a lot of notes. Very elegant.

[@oxrjbizzle1984y]

its really weird the dichotomy of his playing, it isnt advanced in a technical sense, but he has to be one of the hardest guitar players to sound like and his rhythm playing is more difficult than 1st realized. he has a sublime touch thats for sure, and he is THE master of drop d playing imho!

[@axeofcreation]

@dtaco9 Thanks for your feedback. Though I'd have to admit I don't quite understand. I'm glad your enjoying my videos!!

[@axeofcreation]

@Eliteman117 For this video I used a Peavey Vypyr Head. Specifically using the Diezel amp model.

[@axeofcreation]

@cam01235 Thank you! I'm you enjoyed the video and my playing. Your words are much appreciated. That Vicarious intro can be very tricky to hear. It looks as though I'll have to do a Vicarious lesson, I've had a lot of requests for that one. Thanks again!

[@axeofcreation]

@frznthn Thanks for checking out the video. Your comments are very much appreciated. Hopefully it helps you and others out!

[@axeofcreation]

@jtw496 Thanks a lot and great question!! I'm sure you like other music or players. So I would try to incorporate what you like and take in from others and adapte it into your own (and Jones') style. For instance a chord, rhythm or technique that Jones' normally wouldn't play but resonates with you. As with anyone your playing with evolve in time. Feel free to send me an email and we can discuss this further.

[@axeofcreation]

@ppriess Yeah, that was the first video I made. That issue, not completely resolved, has gotten better. Soon enough it will be a non issue. Thanks a lot, best of luck!

[@axeofcreation]

@tresorboy Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the lesson and got something out of it. I'm actually running a Peavy Vypyr Head which has a Diezel amp model on it. Comes real close to his tone.

[@tat2dlukydevl]

I watched this video when it first showed up. I still watch it from time to time.. thanks for all the help over the years.. peAce

[@axeofcreation]

@atomiicx Thanks a lot! I think thats why I started with Jones (as opposed to a more technical or recognized player). He's so underrated for his contributions. I wanted to focus more on his riffs than his leads. Plays a bigger part. Though I might end up doing a Pt 2 examining his lead styles.

[@axeofcreation]

what amp are you running?

[@axeofcreation]

@tezropunkel Ah, the intro riff. Yeah, I play the intro there (in the position) as well. But in the video I was actually discussing the chorus riff, which a slight variation on the intro riff. I prefer to play the chorus in 12th position, again for the tone and heavier version of it.

[@axeofcreation]

Right now I'm playing through a bunch of Line6 gear. DT50 and HD Pro. I always use a Vol pedal in front of my signal path (especially for Tool). The HD Pro is set with a high gain amp, in front of it is a noise gate, tube screamer. Maybe an EQ to remove some unfriendly freq. For any leads add delay and wah

[@axeofcreation]

@NickTheGC It's tough to truly replicate his tone, like the above comment mentioned, Jones' uses top notch gear and a lot of it. Though for your spider amp, try putting the gain around 75%, Bass 60%, Mids 40%, Treble 80%. Your tone will be affect by all your other gear as well. This is just a starting point. Hope it helps. Thanks!

[@mkjamison1]

Thanks for sharing this lesson. I've been a huge fan of Adam Jones and Tool since I saw them at LaLa Palooza tour in 93. I've always played Les Paul's and about 5 yrs ago got my hands on a Silverburst Custom! Put som Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz pickups in it and couldn't be more pleased. Now if I could just talk the wife into allowing me a Diezel VH4, I'd be set! You have a very natural way of teaching guitar. Keep it up, enjoyed talking to you.

[@TheDobligator]

I love how I know how to play all of those pieces but just somewhat different than you. Good analysis of Adam's playing style. Really made me realize just how much I play like him.

[@VJelectro]

@axeofcreation I play drums, but since I'm a huge fan of Tool, I've always been fascinated by Adam Jones' style. He focuses most of his skill on rhythm rather than being flashy and shredding all over the place. You did a great job explaining what makes his style. My band and I are looking to apply such guitar techniques, but instead of pentatonic scales and power chords, we want to apply them to Eastern and more Arabic scales to create a different texture. Thanks for showing the techniques! :)

[@geilerrobles4172]

Is it me or the sound of your voice is TOO low compared to the guitar?

[@axeofcreation]

@Staindfan73 However differently you or anyone plays it, even Jones himself, I hope you rock it. It was more to show the connection between the chords, scales and riffs than precisely show you how to play the riff/song note for note. The riff is played 3 times in the song and it's different every time round so...rock on! Thanks.

[@axeofcreation]

@VJelectro That's somewhat of an open ended question. I don't know what your setup is. I'm assuming you mean for a distorted guitar and not clean or lead sound. You can try going for a typical "scooped" sound that metal players go for BUT boost your midrange then fine tune your bass/treble around that.

[@axeofcreation]

@ToolFan68 Gracias! I'm glad it helped. I'm actually using a Peavy Vypyr head. It's an amp modeling head. Gives you a good variety of sounds, especially at it's price point. Plus the usb out (for recording) gets the job done.

[@axeofcreation]

That's actually a really popular request. I feel I must now...

[@ricerocket27]

That last riff from Vicarious is absolute genius. Thank you for breaking it down for us.

[@tony9156]

thanks for posting this video along with your tool lesson videos. it's hard to find quality videos that can teach me as a beginner guitar player. i love learning about guitar, especially tool, and you do such a great job teaching/explaining.

[@axeofcreation]

Very cool that you got to sit in on that. I've said this before, Jones plays his own way and I'm not trying to teach that. I don't watch him play, I figure things out by ear and play it how it sounds good to me, as long as the pitches are correct. Thanks for sharing. I'll definitely try to find a video of him playing that way.

[@axeofcreation]

@VJelectro Thanks. I'm glad you found them helpful. What do you play?

[@axeofcreation]

@Corrosion0wns Well said. There is an infinite amount of variation in all of Jones' riffs. Much more than people think. This is much more of "Applying Concepts" video than a "How To" video. Variation is one of the greatest spices in music.

[@axeofcreation]

@PythagoreanTheorum I'm glad the video really helped out! More lessons are always a good thing. I'm playing an Agile.

[@axeofcreation]

@SuperGuitarBitch Bass and Mids are around 12 (o'clock). Treble 1, Pregain 100%, post gain 1.

[@brentr6463]

I'm a very intermediate and this 100% my one and only learning channel... Very well done! Subbed!

[@NotSober100]

Awesome video, Tools been my favorite band for 2 or 3 years now, this video reminded me why, plz keep em coming!:)

[@AcidSh33tz]

this is one of the most badass lessons ever, thank you so much for sharing this knowledge.

[@axeofcreation]

@NinjaSpartan17 Glad it helped out. I do, though no immediate lesson videos in the que for them. Could be a possibility.

[@VJelectro]

I'm not even a guitarist and I love this video! The way you have broken down these riffs is very insightful. :)

[@axeofcreation]

The guitar I was using was an Agile (which I no longer have) and for the amp I believe I was the Peavey Vypyr 120 head but I don't remember.

[@axeofcreation]

Yes, you're correct. I was going to make a 2nd Jones' lesson where I discussed all of those aspects but decided against it. Secondary parameters aside, there's plenty of rhythmic and harmonic insight in how to compose like Jones. Thanks!

[@mike8633]

When you do song lessons it would be great if you could talk about the key is in etc the foundation he is using in solos. Even it it is just mentioned in passing. That would be great!

[@MetalBassist73]

this pretty kool man. you pretty much have him in a nutshell. i love how they use the chords from the pentatonic minor scale rather than how everyone else uses it, in blues solos. tool is an amazing band and great video

[@axeofcreation]

@VJelectro Again its just tough to tell. Is it to bassy? Is that whats making it muddy? Whats your tuning? Try to talk to your guitarist and find out for me. Usually the drive around 75% is good. Anything more than that tends to just add noise. Keep in mind it's tough to replicate the tone of a band where production cost is meaningless. They use multiple tracks with multiple amps.

[@bernoulli884]

I saw your Hetfield lesson first, but the Tool posters in the back gave it all away :D

[@sludgejudge19]

absolutely no clue wtf ur saying but it sounds good and I subscribed.

[@robbieshaw5198]

Awesome man!!!!!! The way you've explained all the scales and chords and etc. is killer. Especially for some of us that cannot comprehend or have trouble learning the "quantum mathematics" looking madness to me that is music theory to others. So Thanks and keep it up!!!! Can't wait to see more lessons. Really tough to find someone who explains in a way that's easy and down to earth!!!

[@strickendvs]

ur awsome man iv just been getting into tool lately and u have been the biggest help, u play laterlaus beter than anyone trying to teach it on here so iv had to sit here and learn it the way u play haha cheers keep it up

[@axeofcreation]

@tezropunkel The notes in 5th and 12th position (in dropped D) are identical. Personally I like the tone and timber in 5th for this particular part. If we're talking about the same riff I don't understand how you play the F chord with the low D open.

[@axeofcreation]

@Lordgout Thank you so much. Glad it helped!!

[@Yggmsa]

Your setup sounds excellent, quality color and tone. Nice work man!

[@axeofcreation]

@coumminesence Thanks!! I didn't play the aenima part on the 9th fret??...which is the same note as the 14th fret you mention...

[@Smoochy44]

This is fantastic man! Thanks so much for doing this!

[@axeofcreation]

@browneye870 I'm using the Peavey. I use the Diezel model for covering Tool. Although I find I have to dial back the gain a little for any undertow songs.

[@robkay3172]

Wow!!! I just subscribed recently and I'm catching all these old videos. You have aged very well!!! I have learned so much over the last few months. Thanks brother!! Happy Thanksgiving.🤘🍗💯

[@ccgooser]

Wow. Man you are so talented. Thanks for the inspiration. Its videos like this that make me want to clear out my favorites list and start all over again!. lol

[@pwhitemusic]

Awesome video considering that Jones is one of the hardest guitarist to capture while playing much less explain how he plays/writes. Jones is one of my biggest influences. Nicely done!!!

[@Skapunkfan1]

It would be very cool if you made another video on his specific technique, i learned so much when i first watched this video and helped my own playing a lot. But, thank you so much for all your lessons! And the awesome pieces you made with S.T.E.M. :)

[@axeofcreation]

@tony9156 Thank you. I'm glad I can help!

[@TimElfring]

I just picked up a guitar and this helps me a lot. Thanks.

[@IdenCri]

Perfect. A pleasure for both ears and brains. thanks.

[@PsnIDShMuK]

Do a lesson on his tone!. AMPS, guitars, pick ups, eq settings, why he uses bass cab for live shows etc. Your the man!

[@ChrisB8711]

Adam Jones has crept his way up to being my favourite guitarist. Such a killer style. Also any chance of a full Sober lesson one day?

[@axeofcreation]

@timstokes81 At the time I made this I was running the peavey Vypyr 120.

[@CIAmrx]

Subbed. Love the Tool lessons. Adam Jones is a huge influence on my playing.

[@Thelonelyscavenger]

Thanks for some of the theory behind the music!

[@axeofcreation]

@matt49211 Drop D is a great way to learn the "sound" of different modes. In this lesson I mention the phrygian mode. Try and compare that to the natural minor.

[@ivarthurvi]

What I love about Tool is the way Adam and Danny both play. Adam's guitar playing almost feels percussive (i play guitar bass and drums) and it's interesting the styles. I didn't mean to but I picked it up naturally while going on a year long listen fest when I found out about Tool (can you believe a few years ago?). Can't listen to the radio anymore so now I just listen to tool and whatever album i'm working on lol

[@troydavidson6955]

Your sound level is just fine for those of us who appreciate good lessons.

[@axeofcreation]

@Frippster22 Peavey Vypyr Head. It's an amp modeling head.

[@GhostDoG8550]

Gotta say man, this video was much appreciated!

[@axeofcreation]

Thanks so much!

[@axeofcreation]

@TOOLBANDNYC Hey man, Thank you very much!! I've know of Schism. I lived in NY for while. I've been playing with some guys here on the west coast. I'm always down to talk pedals haha!

[@axeofcreation]

@panniize Much appreciated and love back!

[@axeofcreation]

I keep my wrist loose and a relatively light grip on the pick. Tension will keep you tight and stiff which is no good. The only time a grip the pick harder is during a solo or shred down.

[@TenaciousNacho]

Awesome tone. I've noticed that I've been playing all of my Tool riffs wrong. It's semi upsetting, but I suppose ignorance is bliss. So now I have something to work for.

[@mkjamison1]

@axeofcreation, you are exactly right. I've seen Adam up very close back in 96 when they were touring Aenima and he played the chorus on 46&2 in the 12th position drop D in order to emphasize that timber effect for chorus. Like you mentioned earlier, he varies the 5th and 12th position minor D, like palm muting, alternating an open low D note within the chord shape all the time! Flood, Rosetta Stoned, Right in Two(at about the 6:45 mark 8x!)... Tom Morello loves the 5th position dropped D also.

[@axeofcreation]

@ezt123dp It is completely stock. I'm pretty happy with. It's really comfortable to play. Low action. Might eventually upgrade the pickups. Like any Les Paul model, you need to practice with it sitting on your left leg (because of it's body style). But it sounds and plays great for the price.

[@axeofcreation]

@dtaco9 I understood what said. I'm more curious about what you mean by my style. Appreciate the feedback. Thanks again.

[@toolbandnyc]

@axeofcreation VERY APPRECIATED, i formed the world's first tribute to tool 10 years ago called SCHISM out of NYC, i play guitar in the band, wish i would of had this back in 2001! Great job buddy! lets talk pedals shall we LOL?

[@tylerengle7170]

This is what I like to learn. Thank you sir.

[@xxelaxela333]

Tool is my favorite band of all time

[@kayvan671]

10 years ago... And did you like the new Album?

[@axeofcreation]

@garysabin I honestly have no idea. It's a friends guitar that I've had for awhile and there are no markings whatsoever or model number.

[@marunner1975]

thanks man!! good generalization......not being facetious, very insightful!!

[@axeofcreation]

@mkjamison1 Im not sure. I'd have to research what Power Amp I'd combo it up with. Same with the speaker cabinet. I've alway been a big fan of Mesa Boogie cabinets. It's an Agile guitar, though I'm not sure which exact model.

[@axeofcreation]

Great guitars. Especially for the money. Though I'm no longer using the Agile, I still might invest in one of their extended range guitars.

[@axeofcreation]

@Toolminion1 I've never heard of it either before my friend lent it to me. It plays great, very comfortable. Very heavy, so the wood gives it character. The pickups leave a little to be desired if your looking for high gain output.

[@axeofcreation]

@jgrull Very kind words good sir, thank you!

[@axeofcreation]

Thank you!

[@axeofcreation]

Very different for how I did this one. Film it with an hd camera, while recording the guitar into Ableton (any DAW would work). Then mix the two together.

[@axeofcreation]

@TOOLBANDNYC honestly I dont remember the venue. My band was s.t.e.m. There was a Rage cover band as well. Some place on Hempstead turnpike, 2112 or something.

[@SubVengeance]

Mhmm, that's encouraging :) And GREAT work there!! Love this video :D

[@axeofcreation]

@aroomwithamoose15 Thanks a lot for your input! Your absolutely right about the wood. Makes a huge difference. My main axe is Mahogany and I love it. Very Deep and lush. The subtleties of Jone's is playing is total right hand as you said. Very percussive and rhythm. That would have added another 10 min to the video haha. I tried to gear to the beginner to help them understand the sound (chords and scales) that he incorporates to lay a solid foundation. Much appreciated!

[@axeofcreation]

@ECskateb9901 It's an Agile. Though I do not know the exact model.

[@axeofcreation]

@TOOLBANDNYC actually...now that I think about it, I believe we played a showed together!!!

[@axeofcreation]

@prolab7881 Thank you! I'm glad the video is insightful and helps you gain some aspect of the music theory. Honestly, I'm not sure of the model. It's my friends axe which I've been playing on for awhile now. Thanks again and good luck!

[@reardenmetal41]

Awesome as always. Would you, by chance, have a video of the Stinkfist solo? That has to be my absolute fav of adam's solos

[@axeofcreation]

+David O'Brien Yes, I have a Stinkfist lesson.

[@axeofcreation]

@Yggmsa Thnak you! Finding that balance can be tricky

[@jgrull]

This is a phenomenal video

[@axeofcreation]

@trash266001 Thanks for the request. I actually have all the Tool songs queued up. That one can be tricky because of the Low B you'll need.

[@NormalLifeIsNotReal]

To make Toolesque riffs, I not only use the penta scale, I palm mute the thick dropped string, but not the rest, and I go from opens and low palm mutes on 3rd and 5th frets, then jump to higher pitched notes on the A and D string within the 3rd and 5th fret, then throw in a few pinch harmonics after low pm'ing, its like swamp song

[@rileysmith6746]

Please do parabola

[@WarmothGuitarist]

Two other note worthy things about Adams technique: Adam loves dissonance. He will bend one or two strings in a chord or triad to subtly create dissonance. Uses them a lot with feedback ~ a la Stinkfist intro. He will also pull on his 5th/6th strings while playing powerchords or single notes which rapidly increases the pitch (1/4 step), then he will pull off so they rapidly return to pitch, and that really gives him that buzzsaw tone. Also could be fretting hard, thus increasing pitch.

[@4realskaterdude]

I was wondering how Adam gets that dark sound, like any special effects or pedals or is he just all natural? I'm new to guitar but I can play a good bit of many tool songs, and I love the way jones plays.

[@anodizingstatic]

Chandler Rogers It's not really his effects but rather his guitar and amp. It's his Gibson Les Paul which gives him a very woody, rich sound. Plugged into a 70's Marshall Super Bass amp. A delay pedal sometimes. So to answer your question, yes, it is a very natural sound that comes from sheer volume output. But the aforementioned amps are hard to find and quite expensive today as they are vintage.

[@Psyfonify]

+Chandler Rogers just get a tube amp, crank the master to full, and dial the pre-gain to taste and make sure theres enough bass in the EQ to get it sounding thick, then mids, treble, and presence to taste for cutting through the mix. No it wont hurt an amp to run the master at full and it will give a more appealing gain sound vs a lower master and higher pregain setting.., the only thing to watch out for is having speakers that are powerful enough to handle it. Most should.

[@kevinpopescu9741]

+Psyfonify The real question is will YOU be able to handle the acoustic pression?

[@Psyfonify]

A bowl of Miso soup definitely wear earplugs. but tube amps really do sound best with the master turned up 3/4ths of the way or a little bit higher (some even all the way, some get too fizzy, depends on the amp)

[@Psyfonify]

A bowl of Miso soup the first time you do it it will sound like crap, thats because when you raise the master that high the entire EQ changes, gotta change your amp settings and lower the preamp gain as now you have more power tube saturation which is more dynamic and spongy and awesome...

[@axeofcreation]

I know it's cliche but used a classic "scooped" EQ setting as your starting point. Also, go easy on the gain. Doesn't need to be more than 50-60%

[@tehsansara]

god you're an amazing guitarist, you've helped me so much :)