Rape Me — Nirvana1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff

Rape Me Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Nirvana

Nirvana · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Left Handed (1991-92 'Lithium Stratocaster', white, rosewood fretboard, Seymour Duncan Hot Rails bridge pickup)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan Hot Rails (bridge position, humbucker-sized single coil)
Amp
Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp + Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp (studio, 1993 In Utero sessions)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (Seymour Duncan Hot Rails)

Studio recording for 'Rape Me' (riff section), 1993, In Utero album. Guitar: white left-handed Stratocaster with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge. Amp: Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2. Effects: Distortion from Tech 21 SansAmp Classic and/or DOD FX69 Grunge. No chorus, flanger, delay, or reverb audible or cited for riff. Settings estimated based on typical Cobain In Utero-era rig and genre. No evidence of modulation or time-based effects on riff section.

Amp Settings

Mids
7.5
Bass
6
Gain
6.5
Reverb
0
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Tech 21 SansAmp Classic · distortion
  • DOD FX69 Grunge · distortion

Fender Stratocaster (bridge Hot Rails) → Tech 21 SansAmp Classic → DOD FX69 Grunge → Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp

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Tone Character

  • raspy, raw distortion
  • tight, percussive attack
  • mid-heavy, punchy rhythm
  • slightly compressed, focused sound
  • no audible modulation or delay
  • aggressive, open chords
  • dynamic pick attack
  • minimal sustain, quick decay
  • unpolished, gritty texture

Sources