Solo Tone

Aneurysm

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Mustang (early 1970s, likely Competition Blue, as used by Cobain in 1991 studio sessions)

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers)

PickupsSeymour Duncan JB (SH-4) humbucker in bridge position

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5

mid6

treble6

reverb0

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

chorusElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Small Clone

Notes

Studio recording, January 1991 at Music Source Studios, Seattle. Gear confirmed for 'Aneurysm' studio session, not live. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the solo section. Effects chain included chorus pedal for modulation.

Tone Character(9)

raspy, saturated distortionaggressive, biting attackmodulated swirling effectthick, compressed sustaincrunchy, fuzzy overdrivepronounced chorus modulationbridge pickup claritypunchy, mid-focused driveraw, punk-inspired edge

Difficulty

The solo is fast and aggressive but relies on straightforward punk techniques and power chords, with some fast picking and modulation control adding moderate challenge.

Sources

How to Get Nirvana's 1991 'Paramount' Guitar Tone | Ultimate Guitar Kurt Cobain's guitars, amps & pedals: the definitive guide | Guitar World Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard

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