Riff Tone

Sifting

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarEpiphone ET-270 (red, late 1970s Japanese-made)

AmpSunn Beta Lead 200-Watt Head into 2x12 cabinet

PickupsSingle coil pickups (stock Epiphone ET-270)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording, 1988-1989. Gear confirmed for Bleach sessions by multiple sources. Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal used for main riff tones. No evidence of modulation or time-based effects on the riff section. No evidence of effects loop or amp reverb used in studio.

Tone Character(10)

fuzzy and aggressiveraw and bitingmid-heavy grindtight and percussiveslightly scooped but present midsminimal sustainfast note decaydry, unprocesseddistinct single-coil clarityin-your-face punk energy

Difficulty

The riff requires aggressive, fast strumming and tight palm muting, but uses straightforward power chords and rhythm, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Nirvana – Bleach - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Song specific gear : r/Nirvana - Reddit

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