Riff Tone

Sappy

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarUnivox Hi-Flier Phase 3

AmpFender Bassman (likely silverface, studio recording)

PickupsStock Univox humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb1.5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Small Clone

Notes

Studio recording, likely 1993; Univox Hi-Flier with stock humbuckers was used until 'Sappy' was recorded. Bassman amp confirmed for Nevermind and Bleach sessions, and is the most likely amp for 'Sappy' studio version. No evidence of live-specific gear for this song's riff section.

Tone Character(10)

fuzzy and saturatedraw and aggressivethick midrangeloose, dynamic attackcrunchy power chordsgrainy, lo-fi edgecompressed and punchyslightly scooped but present midsminimal ambiencepercussive, driving strumming

Difficulty

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

Sources

Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Does anyone know what amps Kurt used for what albums? : r/Nirvana

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