Back to CommunityCreate Free Account
Riff Tone
Heart-Shaped Box (2023 Remaster)
Nirvana
Guitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Competition Mustang
AmpFender '65 Twin Reverb (Quad Reverb also cited as possible studio amp)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, In Utero sessions (1993); 2023 Remaster uses original tracks. Kurt Cobain used a Fender Competition Mustang for the main riff/distorted sections. Amp is widely reported as a Fender Twin Reverb or Quad Reverb. Tech 21 SansAmp also cited as part of the studio chain.
Tone Character(10)
raspy, saturated distortiongritty, raw attackpronounced upper-mid bitetight, focused low endslightly scooped basscutting, bright treblepercussive power chord attackcompressed, punchy dynamicsminimal ambient effectsaggressive pick attack
Difficulty
The riff is based on power chords and straightforward rhythm, but requires tight muting, aggressive picking, and dynamic control to capture the grunge feel.
Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear
Create Free AccountGuitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Competition Mustang
AmpFender '65 Twin Reverb (Quad Reverb also cited as possible studio amp)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, In Utero sessions (1993); 2023 Remaster uses original tracks. Kurt Cobain used a Fender Competition Mustang for the main riff/distorted sections. Amp is widely reported as a Fender Twin Reverb or Quad Reverb. Tech 21 SansAmp also cited as part of the studio chain.
Tone Character(10)
raspy, saturated distortiongritty, raw attackpronounced upper-mid bitetight, focused low endslightly scooped basscutting, bright treblepercussive power chord attackcompressed, punchy dynamicsminimal ambient effectsaggressive pick attack
Difficulty
The riff is based on power chords and straightforward rhythm, but requires tight muting, aggressive picking, and dynamic control to capture the grunge feel.