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Solo Tone
smells Like teen spirit
Nirvana
Guitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarEarly-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster
AmpMesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass4.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1991. Used for the solo and heavy sections of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'. Guitar World and Equipboard confirm this exact setup for the Nevermind studio sessions. Chorus and distortion pedals were engaged for the solo.
Tone Character(10)
aggressive and saturatedmid-forward and cuttingswirling chorus texturecompressed sustainpronounced pick attackdry, no reverb ambiencegritty and raw distortionslightly scooped lowstight and focusedloud and in-your-face
Difficulty
The solo is straightforward, relying on melodic bends and slides with a strong, aggressive pick attack. No advanced techniques or fast passages are present, making it accessible to most players.
This tone has been researched 27 times by the community
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarEarly-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster
AmpMesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass4.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
This tone has been researched 27 times by the community
Notes
Studio recording, 1991. Used for the solo and heavy sections of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'. Guitar World and Equipboard confirm this exact setup for the Nevermind studio sessions. Chorus and distortion pedals were engaged for the solo.
Tone Character(10)
aggressive and saturatedmid-forward and cuttingswirling chorus texturecompressed sustainpronounced pick attackdry, no reverb ambiencegritty and raw distortionslightly scooped lowstight and focusedloud and in-your-face
Difficulty
The solo is straightforward, relying on melodic bends and slides with a strong, aggressive pick attack. No advanced techniques or fast passages are present, making it accessible to most players.