Riff Tone

Negative Creep

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarEpiphone ET-270

AmpFender Twin Reverb (studio, borrowed from Jack Endino)

PickupsSingle-coil (stock Epiphone ET-270 pickups, likely ceramic bar magnet type)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording, 1988-1989 Bleach sessions. Guitar and amp confirmed by multiple sources for Bleach album. Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal used for heavy sections. No evidence of modulation or time-based pedals on the riff section. No effects loop. No chorus or delay audible in the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

raspy and biting distortionraw, aggressive attacktight, percussive palm-mutingfuzzy, saturated power chordslo-fi, mid-heavy grunge soundslightly scooped but not thinminimal reverb, very dryno modulation or time-based effects audiblepunchy, compressed rhythmloud, in-your-face riffing

Difficulty

The riff is fast and requires aggressive, consistent downpicking with tight palm muting, but uses simple power chords and straightforward rhythm, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Song specific gear : r/Nirvana - Reddit Nirvana – Bleach - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard

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