Queens Of The Stone Drum Sound Introduction:

Queens Of The Stone Age has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music with their powerful and dynamic sound. At the heart of this sonic landscape lies their distinctive drumming style, with the track "Song For The Dead" serving as a prime example of their prowess in this realm. In this guide, we embark on a journey to dissect the elements that contribute to the iconic drum sound of Queens Of The Stone Age - Song For The Dead, offering invaluable insights and strategies for drummers seeking to emulate it.

The drum sound on this song is actually very different to other songs on the record like "No One Knows", in fact the drum sound on "Song For The Dead actually changes during the song which could have been achieved with overdubs or automation at the mixing stage.

I. Understanding the Equipment

To achieve the Queens Of The Stone Age drum sound, it's crucial to start with the right equipment. From what we can find on the internet we've analysed Dave Grohl's setup on "Song For The Dead," to be:

24" Kick
14" Snare
14" Rack Tom
18" Floor Tom

We didn't have these sizes available at the time so we've opted for the following setup:

22" Kick
14" Snare
14" Floor Tom (utilised as a Rack Tom)
16" Floor Tom

II. Tuning Techniques

The tunings employed on "Song For The Dead" are critical to its distinctive sound. Understanding these tunings is essential for any drummer aiming to replicate it. From what we hear on the record we have gone for these tunings:

Kick: C

Snare: A#

Rack Tom: E

Floor Tom: C

These tunings play a pivotal role in infusing the drumming with the desired punch and aggression characteristic of the track. Drummers aspiring to replicate this sound are encouraged to experiment with various tunings on their own kits, allowing for a deeper understanding of the nuanced interplay between pitch and timbre.

Check out our comprehensive guide on how we tune drums here.

III. Dampening Methods

In the pursuit of authenticity, attention must be paid to the subtle nuances of decay and sustain that define the Queens Of The Stone Age drum sound. Factors such as skin age and tuning methodologies exert a profound influence on the duration of each note. To emulate the distinctively short notes heard on the record, drummers can use any type of dampening they like, here we have opted for moon gel. This versatile damping agent affords greater control over the decay of each drum hit, facilitating a more faithful recreation of the desired sound.

IV. Harnessing Room Acoustics

The significance of room acoustics cannot be overstated in the quest for sonic perfection. In the case of "Song For The Dead," the spatial characteristics of the recording environment impart a sense of depth and dimensionality to the drum track. Drummers seeking to capture this essence are encouraged to explore different room setups, ranging from expansive live rooms to more intimate recording booths. We initially set up the drum kit in the large live room as Panic Button Studios but it wasn't sounded close enough to the record so we moved the entire kit into the booth which sounded a lot closer to our ears.

V. Queens Of The Stone Age Drum Sound Samples

Mastering the drum sound of Queens Of The Stone Age requires careful attention to detail and experimentation. By understanding the equipment, tuning techniques, dampening methods, and room acoustics involved, drummers can come closer to replicating this iconic sound. In the future, we plan to release the drum samples of our efforts to capture this sound.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the drum sound of Queens Of The Stone Age, as exemplified in "Song For The Dead," is a product of meticulous attention to detail. By following the techniques outlined in this guide and experimenting with different approaches, drummers can inch closer to achieving that iconic sound.