Riff Tone

Aneurysm (Demo)

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarEpiphone ET-270

AmpRandall solid-state amp head into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet

PickupsStock single coil pickups (Epiphone ET-270)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5.5

mid7

treble6.5

reverb1.5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio demo recording, January 1991. Gear confirmed by Guitar World and Earnie Bailey (Nirvana tech) as used by Kurt Cobain for this era and specifically for 'Aneurysm (Demo)'.

Tone Character(10)

raspy, aggressive distortiontight, punchy rhythm attackraw, mid-forward grunge soundslightly scooped low endbright, cutting top endpercussive palm mutinglo-fi, garage rock edgesaturated power chord drivenoisy, compressed sustainarticulate pick attack

Difficulty

The riff is built on fast power chord changes and requires tight, aggressive palm muting and precise rhythm for the grunge feel, but does not involve advanced techniques or complex solos.

Sources

Kurt Cobain's guitars, amps & pedals: the definitive guide | Guitar World Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard

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