Riff Tone

Dive

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarUnivox Hi-Flier Phase 3

AmpRandall RG-120 Commander (solid-state head) into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet

PickupsUnivox P-90 style single coils

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb0.5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording, 1989; confirmed for Bleach-era and early Sub Pop singles including 'Dive'. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this specific recording. No chorus or modulation effects audible or cited for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

aggressive and saturatedraw and bitingtight, focused low endslightly scooped midsfuzzy, compressed sustainpercussive palm mutinglo-fi, gritty texturearticulate pick attackpunchy power chordsminimal ambience

Difficulty

The riff requires consistent palm muting and aggressive picking at a medium-fast tempo, but uses straightforward power chords and rhythm, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Kurt Cobain's guitars, amps & pedals: the definitive guide | Guitar World

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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