Riff Tone

Lithium

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Japanese Stratocaster (likely 1989-1991, black, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)

AmpFender Bassman (studio recording, Nevermind sessions)

PickupsSeymour Duncan Hot Rails (bridge), stock single coils (neck/middle)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb1

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Notes

Studio recording for Nevermind (1991). Guitar was a Japanese Stratocaster, most likely using the bridge Hot Rails pickup for the riff. Amp was a Fender Bassman, as confirmed by producer Butch Vig. Pedals included Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi for fuzz. No chorus or modulation on riff section.

Tone Character(10)

thumping and darkheavy, saturated fuzzfull-bodied and punchynot overly brightwall of sound fuzz texturebeefy low endmidrange emphasisslightly compressed attackraw and aggressivesustained, saturated chords

Difficulty

The riff is based on simple power chords and open strings, but requires dynamic control and consistent strumming to maintain clarity under heavy fuzz.

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 10 times by the community

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