When desert rock pioneers Kyuss called it quits in the mid-’90s, guitarist/vocalist Josh Homme wasted no time picking up the pieces. The result was the inimitable Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA). Though the band has had a revolving door of members, Homme’s unique tone and style have always been the lynchpin. And in November of 2002, QOTSA broke the scene wide open (while creating its own) with the band’s third record, Songs for the Deaf, and its smash hit, “No One Knows.”
About the Song
When “No One Knows’” hit the radio, it was like nothing else at the time. This was 2003, the height of nu metal. The song’s driving groove, restrained yet chaotic feel, and earworm falsetto melodies injected a seductive swing back into rock and roll. Still, “No One Knows” exploded in a big way, becoming the band’s first single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, top the US Alternative charts, and earn a Grammy nomination. The track sounds like simple, great rock music at a cursory listen. But that’s precisely what the airwaves were missing when Homme and company arrived.
Breaking It Down
It’s hard to describe how impactful Homme’s guitar work has been on modern rock, especially on “No One Knows.” The playing is inventive and classic at the same time. It’s the kind of song that inspired countless kids to grab a guitar and think, “I can do this.” But it’s also loaded with the slick, devil-may-care attitude that’s difficult to capture. Let’s give it a try anyway.
"The song’s driving groove, restrained yet chaotic feel, and earworm falsetto melodies injected a seductive swing back into
rock and roll."
The two must-haves when approaching this song are an electric guitar dropped to C standard tuning (low to high: C, F, A#, D#, G, C) and a gritty, fat tone with an overdrive that borders on fuzz. From there, the song combines three separate chord progressions, sliding octaves, and gritty, bluesy fills.
The trick to this song is harnessing the parts while maintaining the greasy groove that dictates the whole thing. The chord stabs need a punchy attack, and the song’s signature chord melodies require enough definition to stand out. Finally, the guitarist needs to play it like they couldn’t care less.
Learn the Licks
Looking for a detailed breakdown of the song? Check out this video on the Marty Music channel. He examines every chord, slide, dissonant bend, and more. It’s a fascinating example of how important it is to learn everything about a song, then forget it all, grab a guitar, and rock. Marty also takes us through a BOSS Katana patch, custom designed for the track.
"During an era dominated by cookie-cutter tone, this powerful, gritty sound ushered in a new era of overdriven tone."
The patch nods to the popularity of the “No One Knows” tone. Plenty dirty, it never relies on typical high-gain sounds. The patch instead evoked a stellar tube amp giving everything it’s got. During an era dominated by cookie-cutter tones, this powerful, gritty sound ushered in a new era of overdriven tone. “No One Knows” reminded us of what great rock should sound like.
DOWNLOAD
"Someone Knows" Patch for BOSS Katana
- In the style of “No One Knows” by Queens of the Stone Age
