Riff Tone

Blandest (Demo)

Nirvana

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarUnivox Hi-Flier Phase 3

AmpFender Twin Reverb (1968, head only, into 2x12 cab with Celestion speakers)

PickupsUnivox Hi-Flier stock single coil (likely P-90 style, but exact model not confirmed for this demo)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzUnknown Fuzz/Distortion pedal (model unknown, possibly Univox Super Fuzz or homebuilt clone)

Notes

Studio home demo recording, 1988; gear confirmed by Jack Endino for Bleach-era demos. No evidence of live performance for this demo. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this specific recording.

Tone Character(9)

raw and fuzzymid-heavy attackgrainy, saturated overdrivetight and percussivelo-fi, garage rock edgeslightly compressedmodest amp reverbaggressive pick attackdirect, unpolished sound

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight timing and control of a fuzzy, saturated tone, making it slightly more challenging than basic power chord riffs.

Sources

Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Aaron Rash builds Engine pedal based on Kurt Cobain’s home demo tone | Guitar World

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