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.
Recommended Gear
- Fender Mustang(guitar)
- Mesa/Boogie Studio .22(amp)
- Pro Co RAT(pedal)
- Shure SM57(mic)
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