Riff Tone

On A Plain

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarMosrite Gospel Mk IV

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp (with Marshall 4x12 cab, studio recording)

PickupsMosrite single coils (stock, high output)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Nevermind' (1991). Guitar confirmed via rehearsal video and photo evidence for 'On A Plain' session. Amp chain confirmed by producer Butch Vig and Equipboard. No evidence of pedals in the riff section; distortion from amp/preamp.

Tone Character(10)

tight, crunchy rhythmmid-heavy grunge soundraw and punchyslightly compressedfocused midsclear note separationamp-driven distortionslight room/amp reverbaggressive pick attackdynamic response to playing

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight, aggressive strumming and control of dynamics to achieve the punchy, crunchy grunge sound.

Sources

Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Replicating Kurt Cobain's Amp Settings for an Iconic Grunge Sound

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account