Riff Tone

Drain You (Live at The Paramount, 1991)

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarUnivox Hi-Flier Phase 3

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet

PickupsHumbucker (Univox Hi-Flier stock humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion

chorusElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Small Clone

Notes

Live performance, 1991, Live at The Paramount. Kurt used a Univox Hi-Flier with humbuckers, Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp set clean/bright, Crown solid state power amp, and Marshall 4x12 cab. All evidence points to this specific live rig for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

raspy, saturated distortionaggressive attackfuzzy, compressed rhythmbright, cutting top endfull-bodied midrangeslightly scooped but not thinraw, punk-inspired drivepercussive, dynamic strummingjangly high endwall-of-sound rhythm texture

Difficulty

The riff is based on power chords and aggressive strumming, requiring tight rhythm and stamina but no advanced techniques.

Sources

How to Get Nirvana's 1991 'Paramount' Guitar Tone Nirvana – Live At The Paramount - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard How To Get The Paramount Tone | Equipboard What guitar did Kurt use on Drain You? : r/Nirvana - Reddit

This tone has been researched 6 times by the community

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