Riff Tone
School (Live at The Paramount, 1991)
Nirvana
Guitarpunk1990s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Japanese Mustang (left-handed, 1991, black finish, stock or Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 in bridge)
AmpMesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (set clean/bright) → Crown Power Amp → Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet
PickupsSeymour Duncan JB SH-4 (bridge humbucker, likely position used for riff)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass5
mid5.5
treble6.5
reverb0
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionBoss Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion
Notes
Live performance, October 31, 1991, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. Gear confirmed for this show by video/photo evidence and multiple sources. Amp settings and pedal settings sourced from user guides and forum posts specific to this concert.
Tone Character(10)
raspy, crunchy distortionaggressive, biting attackraw, saturated grunge soundtight, percussive power chordsslightly scooped midsbright top end with cutting treblemedium-low bass for clarityminimal reverb, dry live soundbridge humbucker punchloud, dynamic stage volume
Difficulty
The riff is based on fast, aggressive power chords with dynamic strumming and palm muting, but does not require advanced lead technique or complex chord voicings.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarpunk1990s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Japanese Mustang (left-handed, 1991, black finish, stock or Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 in bridge)
AmpMesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (set clean/bright) → Crown Power Amp → Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet
PickupsSeymour Duncan JB SH-4 (bridge humbucker, likely position used for riff)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass5
mid5.5
treble6.5
reverb0
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionBoss Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion
Notes
Live performance, October 31, 1991, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. Gear confirmed for this show by video/photo evidence and multiple sources. Amp settings and pedal settings sourced from user guides and forum posts specific to this concert.
Tone Character(10)
raspy, crunchy distortionaggressive, biting attackraw, saturated grunge soundtight, percussive power chordsslightly scooped midsbright top end with cutting treblemedium-low bass for clarityminimal reverb, dry live soundbridge humbucker punchloud, dynamic stage volume
Difficulty
The riff is based on fast, aggressive power chords with dynamic strumming and palm muting, but does not require advanced lead technique or complex chord voicings.
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