Riff Tone

Aneurysm

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Mustang (early 70s, likely sunburst or blue, as used by Cobain in 1991 studio sessions)

AmpFender Twin Reverb (1960s/1970s silverface, as used in studio for clean tones)

PickupsStock single-coil pickups (Fender Mustang, 1970s era)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb0.5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Small Clone

Notes

Studio recording, 1991. Guitar choice inferred from November 1991 session gear (Mustang, Jaguar, Vandalism Strat, white Strat; Mustang most likely for clean sections per era and Cobain's preference). Amp inferred from studio reports and engineer recollections of clean tones on Nevermind/Incesticide era. Settings and effects focus on clean riff section, not distorted chorus.

Tone Character(10)

clear and glassybright and articulateslightly scooped midschiming single-coil soundsubtle modulation shimmerdynamic and touch-sensitivepercussive attackstudio claritylight amp reverbno audible breakup

Difficulty

The riff requires clean, syncopated power chord changes and precise picking to maintain clarity and avoid unwanted breakup, with subtle modulation timing adding a moderate challenge.

Sources

How to Get Nirvana's 1991 'Paramount' Guitar Tone Need help finding the best settings to sound like nirvana (on guitar)Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard - Equipboard Guitar used on Aneurysm? : r/Nirvana

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