Come As You Are Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Nirvana
Nirvana · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
A reconstruction of the solo tone. Gear attributions and estimated settings are explained in the research notes below.
Studio recording, 1991, Nevermind sessions. Guitar: Fender Mustang with stock single-coil pickups, neck position. Amp: Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, into Marshall 4x12 cabinet. Effects: Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal always on for clean sections. No amp reverb or delay. Settings are for clean, chorus-laden solo section.
Amp Settings
Suggested starting points on a 0–10 scale, not documented studio knob positions. Match to your gear for controls specific to your setup.
Effects Chain
- Electro-Harmonix Small Clone · chorus
Fender Mustang (neck pickup) → Electro-Harmonix Small Clone → Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Amp → Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the settings for your specific rig.
Plans from $2.92/mo · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- watery and lush modulation
- warm and slightly dark
- rounded, mellow highs
- distinct chorus swirl
- clean and moody
- not harsh or piercing
- full-bodied low end
- subtle attack
- smooth sustain
- slightly compressed feel
Sources
- Tone Settings for Come As You Are by Nirvana (guitar and amp)
- Replicating Kurt Cobain's Amp Settings for an Iconic Grunge Sound
- Kurt Cobain Guitar Rig 1991 | MusicTeacher.com Resources
- Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard
- How do I play “Come As You Are” like the album version? : r/Nirvana
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
studio