Riff Tone

Radio Friendly Unit Shifter

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, stock pickups, as used by Kurt Cobain on In Utero sessions)

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet (as used in In Utero sessions)

PickupsStock Fender single-coil pickups (Mustang type)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5.5

mid5.5

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

modulationElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix PolyChorus

Notes

Studio recording, 1993. Guitar and amp confirmed for In Utero sessions. PolyChorus pedal confirmed for this song's riff. No evidence of other pedals or effects in the riff section. No amp reverb or delay used on this track.

Tone Character(10)

abrasive and rawswirling, metallic modulationalien, spaceship-like texturesjagged and industrialhigh-gain saturationpronounced feedbackdry, no reverbcutting upper midschaotic, unpredictable modulationtight, percussive attack

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires control of feedback and noise due to high gain and heavy modulation, as well as precise muting and attack to maintain clarity.

Sources

Nirvana – In Utero - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album How to Get Nirvana Tone? - forum topic | Ultimate Guitar How do I make that sound from Radio Friendly Unit Shifter ... - Reddit

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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