In today’s mainstream music scene, the concept of the “guitar hero” has largely faded away. While there are still many talented guitarists—such as Emily Roberts of The Last Dinner Party, who impressed with her shredding at the Brit Awards—or the modern emo bands creating intricate soundscapes with unconventional tunings and techniques, the iconic figure of the guitar hero with a distinctive style and personality is almost a thing of the past. However, Josh Homme stands as a rare exception.
Though Homme’s playing may seem out of place in the current musical landscape, he remains a unique force in rock music. While there are plenty of musicians who can imitate classic rock solos or express disdain for modern pop music, none quite capture the essence of a guitar hero like Homme. His distinct playing style, coupled with his unconventional approach to rock, sets him apart from the crowd.
Homme’s guitar style is not your typical hard rock approach. In fact, his influences stretch as far as polka music. In an interview on Q With Tom Power, he shared his early experience with music: “I took guitar lessons from nine years old till about 11, and I never learned any barre chords… all I’ve ever learned was oompah oompah,” referring to the rhythm of polka music.
However, despite his interest in polka, Homme was frustrated by traditional lessons. As a young boy, he began to develop a different relationship with the guitar, one driven by his inner soundscape. “At nine or ten, I was always hearing sounds in my head… walking down the street, hearing a rhythm, singing along to my own soundtrack,” he explained. This drove him to either quit guitar or start creating music on his own, ultimately pushing him to discover his own style.
By his teenage years, it became clear to Homme that if he was going to carve out his own identity as a guitar hero, it wouldn’t be by replicating the greats, but by doing something completely different. “When left to my own devices, I was like ‘fine’. I’ll have none of that. There are no rules,” he said, acknowledging his unorthodox approach. Despite his lack of formal knowledge in certain areas of guitar, he embraced his “blind spots” and focused on crafting something uniquely his own.
This willingness to break the rules is what defines Homme’s guitar playing. A perfect example can be heard in the riff from “Sick, Sick, Sick” off Era Vulgaris. The riff itself is stark and unconventional, yet it drives a song that is catchy enough to fill arenas worldwide. This blend of the unusual and the accessible is a hallmark of his style.
In a separate interview with Matt Sweeney’s Guitar Moves YouTube channel, Homme discussed his approach to learning the blues scale, only to intentionally distort it. By manipulating the notes and making them darker and more discordant, he creates a sound that defies traditional expectations. While this may seem like the kind of approach that would be rejected by conventional guitar stores, it has led Homme to work alongside music legends like John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl.
Ultimately, Josh Homme’s guitar playing stands out because of his willingness to embrace imperfection, his commitment to creating something new, and his defiance of musical norms. His approach to the guitar is anything but conventional, and that’s exactly what makes him one of a kind.
Related Topics
- Rio Carnival’s Drum Maestros Keep the Beat Alive with Expert Precision
- NJZ Teases Drum N Bass Beat and New Content for Upcoming Release
- Bastl Kastle 2 FX Wizard: A Compact and Versatile Effects Box
