Riff Tone

Breed (Live at The Paramount, 1991)

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Mustang (likely 1991 Japanese reissue, as used by Kurt Cobain at Live at the Paramount)

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (as used live by Cobain in 1991)

PickupsSeymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge humbucker, as per era-correct Mustang mod)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5

mid5.5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Live performance, October 31, 1991. Guitar is a Fender Mustang with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge. Amp is Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 preamp into Crown Power Base 2, into Marshall 4x12 cabinet. No studio effects or post-processing; all effects are from pedals and amp. Settings and gear are specific to 'Breed' riff section at Live at the Paramount.

Tone Character(10)

raw and grindingcrunchy/raspy distortionaggressive and bitingtight, percussive rhythmfuzzy, saturated power chordsmidrange punchslightly scooped lowscutting treble edgeloud and in-your-faceminimal clarity, maximum impact

Difficulty

The riff is fast and aggressive, requiring tight downstrokes and palm muting, but uses basic power chords and straightforward rhythm, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

How to Get Nirvana's 1991 'Paramount' Guitar Tone | Ultimate Guitar Nirvana – Live At The Paramount - Gear & Equipment ...Kurt Cobain's guitars, amps & pedals: the definitive guide | Guitar World

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