Riff Tone

Been a Son (BBC Mark Goodier Session)

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Mustang (likely 1970s, as used by Kurt Cobain in 1991 BBC sessions)

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (as per BBC session era, but not 100% confirmed for this track; Marshall JCM800 also possible, but no direct evidence for this session)

PickupsSingle-coil (stock Mustang pickups, possibly swapped bridge pickup from Univox Hi-Flier, but not confirmed for this session)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording, BBC Mark Goodier Session, 1991. Gear is inferred from era and session context; no direct photo or interview confirmation for this exact session. Distortion pedal used for heavy tone. No evidence of modulation or time-based effects.

Tone Character(9)

raspy, biting distortionraw, aggressive attacktight, punchy power chordsmid-heavy, cutting soundslightly fizzy top endminimal reverb, dry room feelpercussive, fast palm mutinggritty, lo-fi edgecompressed, focused sustain

Difficulty

The riff is built on fast, aggressive power chords with simple left-hand shapes but requires tight right-hand picking and palm muting for the punk attack.

Sources

Nirvana – Incesticide - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Nirvana - Been A Son : r/grunge

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