Riff Tone

Breed

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Competition Mustang

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp into Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet

PickupsStock single-coil (bridge), stock single-coil (neck)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb0

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording, 1991. Guitar confirmed via Equipboard and photographic evidence. Amp setup based on Nevermind studio documentation and interviews. No evidence of additional pedals for the riff section beyond distortion. No modulation or time-based effects audible or cited for the riff.

Tone Character(10)

aggressive and bitingtight and punchyraw, saturated fuzzcompressed and thickmid-forward grunge wallpercussive palm-muted chugsbright and cuttingminimal clarity, intentionally abrasiveno modulation or time-based effectsdry, direct studio sound

Difficulty

The riff is fast and requires aggressive, consistent downstroke strumming with tight palm muting, but uses simple power chords and straightforward rhythm, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard - Equipboard question about what the pedal kurt used on breed was : r/Nirvana Guitar tones in breed? : r/Nirvana

This tone has been researched 8 times by the community

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account