GuitarDistortedRiff
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live at The Paramount, 1991) Guitar Tone Settings
Nirvana · 1990s · rock
live
Original Recording
Guitar
Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster
Pickups
Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960A/B 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12T-75 speakers
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Live at The Paramount, 1991. Settings and gear confirmed for this live performance. Riff section uses bridge pickup and distortion pedal. Studio and live rigs are similar, but this is the live setup.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass4.5
Gain5.5
Reverb0
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Boss DS-1 Distortion · distortion
Fender Stratocaster (bridge humbucker) → Boss DS-1 Distortion → Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (clean, rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960A/B 4x12 cabinet
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Tone Character
- raspy and biting
- aggressive and percussive
- tight, focused rhythm
- slightly scooped low end
- bright, cutting treble
- compressed and saturated
- articulate power chord definition
- raw, punk-inspired edge
- minimal ambience
- dynamic, loud stage presence