Solo Tone

Radio Friendly Unit Shifter

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

Guitar1991-1993 Fender Mustang (likely Sky Blue, as used on In Utero sessions)

AmpTech 21 SansAmp Classic (used as preamp/amp sim direct to board, not a traditional amp head/cab)

PickupsDiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion (bridge humbucker), stock single coil (neck)

Amp Settings

gain9

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionTech 21 Tech 21 SansAmp Classic

flangerElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Polychorus (or Echoflanger)

Notes

Studio recording, 1993, In Utero sessions. For the solo section of 'Radio Friendly Unit Shifter', the SansAmp Classic was used as the main amp/distortion source, with the Electro-Harmonix Polychorus (or Echoflanger) providing the signature modulation. No traditional amp was used for the core tone; the SansAmp was run direct. Guitar was likely set to bridge pickup for maximum attack and clarity.

Tone Character(10)

abrasive and industrialswirling, jet-like modulationpiercing upper midrangegrainy, saturated distortionchaotic, oscillating effectlo-fi, direct soundraw and uncompressed attackmetallic edgenotably noisy and aggressivepronounced flanger/chorus sweep

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate skill due to the chaotic modulation effects, aggressive picking, and control of feedback/noise at high gain. The note choices are not technically complex, but the sound is challenging to replicate authentically.

Sources

Nirvana – In Utero - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Kurt's 1993 Touring Rig - includes guitars, amplification and signal chain. : r/Nirvana

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account