rhythm guitar from “lithium” by nirvana | ToneDB

lithium

nirvana

rhythm guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The rhythm guitar tone is characterized by its thick, slightly muddy distortion with a prominent midrange and a raw, aggressive edge. It provides a solid foundation for the song's dynamic shifts.

Production Credits

Producer: Butch Vig

Engineer: Andy Wallace

Recorded at: Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Mustang

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Studio .22

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Pro Co RAT

Recording Notes

  • The amp was likely miked with a Shure SM57.
  • Kurt Cobain often layered multiple guitar tracks, which contributed to the overall thickness of the sound.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Mustang or similar guitar with single-coil pickups.
  • Use a Pro Co RAT to achieve a thick, mid-heavy distortion.
  • A Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 will get you in the ballpark, but any small tube amp with a good midrange response can work.
  • Experiment with microphone placement to capture the desired tone.
  • Double-track the guitar part to add depth and thickness.

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