Riff Tone

On a Plain (Devonshire Mix)

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Japan Stratocaster (likely 'Vandalism' Strat, black, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)

AmpMesa Boogie Studio .22+ (studio recording, Nevermind Devonshire Mix sessions, 1991)

PickupsSeymour Duncan Hot Rails (bridge position, humbucker-sized single coil)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid6

treble6.5

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording, 1991, Nevermind Devonshire Mix. Guitar is the black 'Vandalism' Stratocaster with a Hot Rails in the bridge. Amp is the Mesa Boogie Studio .22+ as confirmed by multiple sources for Nevermind studio sessions. Pedals: Boss DS-1 Distortion (primary gain for heavy sections). No chorus or modulation audible in riff section. No effects loop used.

Tone Character(10)

thick, saturated distortiontight, percussive attackslightly scooped midsaggressive, crunchy rhythmarticulate pick attackraw, gritty grunge soundminimal ambiencebridge pickup bitemedium-low reverbfocused, punchy power chords

Difficulty

The riff is based on straightforward power chords and rhythm, but requires tight, aggressive strumming and dynamic control to capture the grunge feel.

Sources

Kurt Cobain Amp Settings (Nirvana Tone Guide) - Guitar Chalk Nirvana Guitar Tone — Settings for Every Signature Song | ToneMirror Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard

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