GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
About a Girl Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Nirvana
Nirvana · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3
Pickups
Stock Univox Hi-Flier humbuckers
Amp
Fender Twin Reverb (with 2x12 cab, Celestion speakers, studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Bleach' (1988-1989). Guitar: Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 with stock humbuckers. Amp: Fender Twin Reverb head through a 2x12 cab with Celestion speakers. Distortion from Boss DS-1 pedal. No evidence of chorus or other effects in the solo section. Settings inferred from era and genre, corroborated by multiple forum discussions and gear rundowns. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp/pedal for this specific solo.
Amp Settings
Mids7.5
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb2
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Boss DS-1 Distortion · distortion
Univox Hi-Flier → Boss DS-1 Distortion → Fender Twin Reverb (spring reverb, 2x12 cab with Celestion speakers)
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Tone Character
- punchy and mid-forward
- crunchy distortion with clarity
- slightly compressed attack
- full-bodied with minimal fizz
- tight low end
- open, raw, and unpolished
- no modulation or time-based effects
- slight amp breakup under heavy picking
- articulate single-note lines
- not scooped or overly bright
Notes & Caveats
- No direct studio amp knob settings for 'About a Girl' solo found; settings estimated based on multiple forum discussions, typical Bleach-era rig, and genre/era conventions.
- No evidence of chorus, delay, or other modulation/time-based effects in the solo section; only distortion pedal (Boss DS-1) is confirmed.
- Pickup position inferred from typical Cobain usage for distorted sections; not explicitly stated in sources.
- Presence and reverb settings are estimated based on typical Twin Reverb use and forum advice.
- If alternate gear (e.g., live rig, DS-2 pedal, or different amp) is found in future sources, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Kurt Cobain's 'About a Girl' solo tone is classic edge-of-breakup/crunch, likely from a solid-state amp (Randall or Fender) with mids pushed for clarity, moderate bass, and not overly bright treble. The production is dry with minimal reverb, matching late-80s/early-90s grunge conventions and Cobain's typical amp settings for clean-to-crunch rhythm and lead.