What guitar did Kurt Cobain use on Something in the Way?

Kurt Cobain used a Fender Mustang guitar on "Something in the Way." The Mustang's shorter 24-inch scale length and single-coil pickups contributed to the song's distinctive jangly, slightly compressed tone.

How to get Kurt Cobain's clean tone on Something in the Way?

Use a Fender-style guitar through a clean Twin Reverb-type amp setting with an Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal. Keep the amp clean with slight compression, roll off some highs for warmth, and set the chorus to a slow rate with moderate depth.

What chorus pedal did Nirvana use on Something in the Way?

Nirvana used an Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal on "Something in the Way." This pedal provided the subtle vibrato effect and shimmer that thickened the guitar sound and enhanced the song's melancholic atmosphere.

What amp did Kurt Cobain use for Something in the Way?

Kurt Cobain used a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier for "Something in the Way." The Twin Reverb's clean, bright tone and high headroom provided the pristine foundation for the song's intimate, melancholic guitar sound.

Where was Something in the Way by Nirvana recorded?

"Something in the Way" was recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California during the Nevermind sessions. The song was tracked live with producer Butch Vig to capture a raw, intimate feel.

rhythm guitar from "something in the way" by nirvana

something in the way

nirvana

rhythm guitar

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Tone Profile

A dark, clean and slightly chorusy guitar tone. The guitar sound provides a melancholic and intimate atmosphere, fitting the song's somber mood.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Mustang(instrument)
Fender Twin Reverb(amp)
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone(processing)

The Story

"Something in the Way" was recorded at Sound City Studios with producer Butch Vig during the Nevermind sessions. Kurt Cobain used a Fender Mustang guitar through a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier, with an Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal adding the characteristic shimmer. The track was recorded with the band playing live to capture an intimate, raw feel that matched the song's melancholic mood.

Production Credits

Producer: Butch Vig

Engineer: Butch Vig

Recorded at: Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender MustangShop on Reverb

Amp: Fender Twin ReverbShop on Reverb

Processing: Electro-Harmonix Small CloneShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Use a clean amp setting with slight compression.
Add a chorus effect with a slow rate and moderate depth to create a subtle shimmer.
Roll off some of the high-end frequencies to achieve a warmer tone.
Consider double-tracking the guitar part to enhance the thickness and width of the sound.

Original Gear

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Fender MustangShop on Reverb(guitar)
Fender Twin ReverbShop on Reverb(amp)
Electro-Harmonix Small CloneShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '60s MustangShop on Reverb$350-$400

Alternative to: Fender Mustang guitar

Budget-friendly Mustang with the same 24-inch scale length and single-coil pickups that give the characteristic jangly, slightly compressed tone

Boss Katana 100Shop on Reverb$350-$400

Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb amplifier

Clean channel provides similar headroom and clarity as the Twin Reverb, with built-in effects and recording-friendly features

Universal Audio Lion pluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb amplifier

Accurately models the Fender Twin Reverb's clean tones with the same bright, crisp character essential to this tone

TC Electronic Corona ChorusShop on Reverb$80-$100

Alternative to: Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus

Provides authentic analog chorus sounds including Small Clone emulation, perfect for recreating that subtle warble and thickness

Waves Mondo Mod pluginPlugin Boutique$30-$50