Riff Tone

Come As You Are (Live at Pier 48, Seattle, WA, 12/13/93)

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, left-handed, stock pickups)

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Live & Loud 1993 setup)

PickupsStock Fender single-coil pickups

Amp Settings

gain3

bass6

mid6.5

treble6

reverb2

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Small Clone

Notes

Live performance, 1993, MTV Live & Loud at Pier 48, Seattle. Guitar and amp confirmed by multiple sources for this specific show. Clean tone for riff/verse section. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this song/section.

Tone Character(10)

watery chorus modulationwarm and rounded attackslightly scooped midsclear note separationlush, swirling chorusclean, undistorted single-coil soundpercussive and articulate pickingsubtle brightnesssignature grunge cleanno audible drive or breakup

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate picking accuracy and muting, but no advanced techniques or fast tempo. The main challenge is maintaining clarity and timing with the chorus effect.

Sources

Replicating Kurt Cobain's Amp Settings for an Iconic Grunge Sound The Key For Getting Kurt Cobain's Guitar Tone (or Something Similar) on 'Come as You Are' : r/Nirvana Nirvana Live and Loud Guitar Tone | Updated Amp & Pedal Settings What Was Kurt's Rig/Equipment Setup for Live and Loud 1993?

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