Tone Profile

The lead guitar tone is aggressive and raw, characterized by a thick distortion and a slightly scooped midrange, providing a powerful and intense sound. It's designed to cut through the mix while retaining a gritty, lo-fi edge.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The song was recorded at Word of Mouth Studios in Seattle, WA.
• Kurt Cobain often used a Fender Jaguar guitar, known for its unique switching system and distinctive tone.
• A Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 was used as the main amp, providing a high-gain foundation.
• A Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal was used to add extra distortion and saturation to the signal.
• The guitar cabinet was likely close-mic'd with a Shure SM57, a common practice for capturing a direct and punchy sound.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a Fender Jaguar or a similar guitar with single-coil pickups.
• Use a Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 or a comparable amp known for its high-gain capabilities.
• Engage a Boss DS-1 with the distortion set to medium-high to achieve the desired saturation.
• Place a Shure SM57 close to the guitar cabinet speaker for a direct and aggressive sound.
• Adjust the amp's EQ to scoop the midrange slightly, enhancing the low and high frequencies for a more aggressive tone.

Original Gear

• Fender Jaguar(guitar)
• Mesa/Boogie Studio .22(amp)
• Boss DS-1(pedal)
• Shure SM57(mic)