GuitarDistortedSolo
Smells Like Teen Spirit Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Nirvana
Nirvana · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1965 Fender Jaguar (left-handed, DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge, DiMarzio PAF neck)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge), DiMarzio PAF (neck)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp → Marshall 4x12 Cabinets
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (DiMarzio Super Distortion)
Studio recording, 1991, Nevermind album. Guitar and amp confirmed for studio session. Pedals confirmed for solo section. Pickup mods pre-date recording. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this solo.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass4.5
Gain7
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Boss DS-1 Distortion · distortion
- Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus · chorus
Guitar → Boss DS-1 Distortion → Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus → Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Base 2 → Marshall 4x12 Cabinets
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Tone Character
- aggressive and saturated
- bright and cutting attack
- slightly scooped low end
- pronounced midrange focus
- shimmering chorus modulation
- raw and edgy grunge
- tight and compressed
- singing sustain on single notes
- percussive pick attack
- studio-recorded clarity