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Riff Tone
Breed (Rough Mix)
Nirvana
Guitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Mustang (early 1970s, likely Competition Blue, as used by Kurt Cobain on Nevermind sessions)
AmpMesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet (as per Nevermind studio sessions)
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, Nevermind sessions (1991), not live; gear confirmed for studio use on 'Breed' by multiple sources. 'Rough Mix' version is from the same session. DS-1 pedal confirmed for main riff. No chorus, flanger, or delay audible or cited for riff section.
Tone Character(10)
gritty and raspy distortioncompressed aggressionbright and cuttingpunchy low-endtight and percussive attackraw, saturated soundemphasized upper mids and trebleminimal low-mid muddinessaggressive, driving rhythmslightly scooped mids
Difficulty
The riff is fast and requires aggressive picking and tight palm muting, but uses simple power chords and straightforward rhythm, making it accessible to intermediate players.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Mustang (early 1970s, likely Competition Blue, as used by Kurt Cobain on Nevermind sessions)
AmpMesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet (as per Nevermind studio sessions)
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, Nevermind sessions (1991), not live; gear confirmed for studio use on 'Breed' by multiple sources. 'Rough Mix' version is from the same session. DS-1 pedal confirmed for main riff. No chorus, flanger, or delay audible or cited for riff section.
Tone Character(10)
gritty and raspy distortioncompressed aggressionbright and cuttingpunchy low-endtight and percussive attackraw, saturated soundemphasized upper mids and trebleminimal low-mid muddinessaggressive, driving rhythmslightly scooped mids
Difficulty
The riff is fast and requires aggressive picking and tight palm muting, but uses simple power chords and straightforward rhythm, making it accessible to intermediate players.