Riff Tone

Sliver

Nirvana

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Mustang (likely Japanese model, as used by Kurt Cobain in 1990 studio sessions)

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 Cabinet

PickupsStock single-coil (Fender Mustang, 1990 Japanese reissue)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid7.5

treble6.5

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1990. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the clean riff section. No pedals confirmed for clean part. Amp and guitar based on known studio gear for this era and song.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulateslightly scooped midspercussive attackdynamic strumming responseclear single-coil presenceminimal compressionsubtle amp reverbno modulation or time-based effectsstudio-recorded claritydistinct separation from distorted sections

Difficulty

The clean riff in 'Sliver' is beginner-friendly, using simple chords and strumming at a moderate tempo with no complex techniques or effects.

Sources

Nirvana: Super Fuzz Big Muff | Guitar World How Nirvana made Nevermind and reshaped popular culture | Guitar World

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