Adam Jones - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Tool
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Drop D
- String Gauge
- .010-.052
- String Brand
- Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom
- Genre
- Metal
About Adam Jones's Sound
Adam Thomas Jones (born 1965) creates Tool's dense, hypnotic guitar layers. Originally a special effects artist in Hollywood (working on Jurassic Park and other films), Jones brings a visual artist's sensibility to his compositions. Tool's music features complex polyrhythms, odd time signatures, and progressive structures. Jones' playing is restrained compared to typical metal virtuosos - his parts are compositional, serving the song rather than showcasing technique. Tool has sold over 13 million albums in the US alone. Their releases are rare and meticulously crafted, with Fear Inoculum (2019) arriving 13 years after their previous album.
Tunings Used
Drop D - 9 songs
- SchismTry this tuning →
- LateralusTry this tuning →
- SoberTry this tuning →
- Forty Six & 2Try this tuning →
- StinkfistTry this tuning →
- AenimaTry this tuning →
- The PotTry this tuning →
- VicariousTry this tuning →
- Fear InoculumTry this tuning →
Drop B - 1 song
- 7empestTry this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom
.010-.052
Why Adam Jones uses these
Jones plays almost exclusively in Drop D, making it essentially his 'standard' tuning. His .010-.052 strings (Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom) provide flexibility on top and stability on bottom for the dropped sixth string. Recent Tool material ('7empest') uses Drop B, requiring even heavier bottom strings. Jones' Gibson Les Paul Custom and signature models through Diezel and Marshall amplifiers create Tool's thick, sustained tone. His approach emphasizes precision and composition over flash - every note is deliberate. The heavy bottom string maintains clarity in Tool's bass-heavy mix.