Sliver — Nirvana1 / 2
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GuitarDistortedRiff

Sliver Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Nirvana

Nirvana · 1990s · punk

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Mustang (early 1970s, Competition Blue, stock bridge pickup)
Pickups
Stock Fender single-coil (bridge position)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1990 (Blew/Sliver single session). Gear confirmed by engineer Jack Endino and session photos. No evidence of pedals for distortion on this track; distortion from amp/preamp. No chorus or modulation effects audible or cited for the riff section.

Amp Settings

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

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Tone Character

  • raspy and saturated
  • tight and percussive
  • raw and aggressive
  • slightly scooped mids
  • bright and biting
  • focused low end
  • minimal sustain
  • fast decay
  • no modulation or time-based effects
  • immediate, punchy response

Sources