TonesMatch
Aneurysm — Nirvana1 / 2
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Aneurysm Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Nirvana

Nirvana · 1990s · punk

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Jaguar (early 1960s, likely modified, as used by Kurt Cobain in 1990-1991 studio sessions)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker), DiMarzio PAF (neck humbucker)
Amp
Fender Bassman (blackface, early 1960s, used in Nevermind/Incesticide era studio sessions)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (DiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker)

Studio recording, 1991 (January 1 session for 'Aneurysm' B-side). Guitar World and Equipboard confirm Jaguar with humbuckers and Fender Bassman for this era. No evidence of live/tour rig for this specific recording.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
6
Gain
7
Reverb
1
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Boss DS-1 Distortion · distortion
  • Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus · chorus

Fender Jaguar (bridge humbucker) → Boss DS-1 Distortion → Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus → Fender Bassman (with light spring reverb)

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Tone Character

  • raspy, saturated distortion
  • raw, aggressive attack
  • thick, mid-heavy rhythm
  • slightly scooped but not thin
  • gritty, compressed power chords
  • punchy, percussive chug
  • fuzzy top-end sizzle
  • tight, focused low end
  • dynamic, responds to pick attack

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp settings for 'Aneurysm' found; settings estimated based on typical Fender Bassman usage for Cobain's studio tones in this era.
  • ⚠️Pedal order inferred from known Cobain signal chains for Nevermind/Incesticide sessions; no direct studio photo for 'Aneurysm' session.
  • ⚠️No evidence of delay, flanger, phaser, or wah on the riff section; chorus is confirmed by Guitar World for this song.
  • ⚠️Exact pedal knob settings not found; only pedal models and typical usage inferred.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Kurt Cobain used a high-gain, crunchy tone with his DS-1/DS-2 pedals into a clean-ish amp (often a Mesa/Marshall), favoring strong mids and moderate bass/treble for punch and clarity. The 'Aneurysm' riff is dry and aggressive, with little to no reverb, matching early 90s grunge production.

Sources