Riff Tone

Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena - January 7, 1994)

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Japanese Stratocaster (early '90s, left-handed, rosewood neck, Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)

AmpMesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers)

PickupsSeymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass4.5

mid7

treble6.5

reverb0.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

chorusElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus

Notes

Live performance, Seattle Center Arena, January 7, 1994. Gear matches late-era live rig, not studio. Effects and amp settings based on best available live and rig documentation from 1993-94.

Tone Character(10)

aggressive and saturatedtight, percussive rhythmbright upper midsraw, grungy texturecompressed and focusedpunchy attackminimal ambience (dry)bridge pickup clarityslightly scooped low endhigh output, energetic

Difficulty

The riff is built on simple power chords and straightforward rhythm, but requires tight palm muting and aggressive strumming at a medium-fast tempo.

Sources

Kurt Cobain's guitar tone on Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard - Equipboard Kurt Cobain's guitars, amps & pedals: the definitive guide Kurt Cobain's Amplifiers | Equipboard

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