Riff Tone

Molly's Lips (BBC John Peel Session 1990)

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarUnbranded/K Records Stratocaster-style guitar

AmpMesa Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Amp into Marshall Cabinets

PickupsSingle-coil (likely stock Strat-style, bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7.5

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording for BBC John Peel Session, 1990. Gear confirmed for this session via forum consensus and period-correct interviews. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this specific recording. DS-1 pedal confirmed for this era and session.

Tone Character(10)

raspy and rawbright and cuttingmid-heavyslightly fuzzyopen and loosepercussive attackminimal sustainarticulate single notesno modulation or ambienceaggressive strumming

Difficulty

The riff is straightforward, relying on fast, aggressive strumming of simple power chords with little technical complexity beyond maintaining energy and timing.

Sources

Insesticide/John Peel 1990 Guitar Tone : r/Nirvana - Reddit Nirvana – Incesticide - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Kurt Cobain-signed guitar pick sells for over $14,000 | Guitar World

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