"Breed" by Nirvana: Guitar Lesson

"Breed" by Nirvana, hailing from their groundbreaking album "Nevermind," is a powerful sonic statement that manages to capture the essence of the grunge era. As guitarists, dissecting Kurt Cobain's work here is an invaluable lesson in simplicity, raw emotion, and sonic impact. Lick Library's Sam Bell breaks down the song for you.

Chords and Scales

First, let's talk about the chordal backbone of "Breed." At its core, the song uses simple power chords. Power chords are neither major nor minor, they are simply root-fifth intervals that give a lot of "power" to the sound. The verse mainly uses a descending chromatic power chord sequence rooted on the sixth string—F5, E5, Eb5, and C5. Chromaticism here creates a sense of urgency and volatility.

In terms of scales, "Breed" mostly revolves around the bluesy minor pentatonic scale. The minor pentatonic is the go-to scale for rock, and here, it provides the bedrock for the vocal melodies and the guitar solo.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The guitar solo in "Breed" is a masterclass in minimalist virtuosity. Cobain's style isn't about shredding or intricate licks; it's about evoking emotion. The solo is rooted in the F# minor pentatonic scale and is exceptionally melodic. What's striking is the use of bends to express tension and release. It seems as if Cobain bends into every other note, creating a conversational tone to the solo.

Lead Guitarist: Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain was not your conventional lead guitarist. He was the antithesis of the 80s hair metal virtuosos. No sweep picking, no two-handed tapping; instead, Cobain focused on the emotional weight of every note. His playing in "Breed" encapsulates this approach—every chord strikes like a hammer, and the solo, albeit short, serves the song instead of showcasing technical prowess.

Guitar Techniques

To sum it all up, let's list down the guitar techniques that are prominently featured in "Breed."

• Power Chords
• Chromaticism
• String Bending
• Palm Muting

In many ways, "Breed" serves as a stylistic template for the grunge era—a genre that prioritised emotion over technicality. Power chords are used to generate a heavy, intense backdrop, punctuated by chromatic descents for added dissonance. Cobain's liberal use of string bending in the solo creates vocal-like expressiveness, and his palm-muted articulation adds further depth to the rhythm guitar work.

For budding guitarists, "Breed" is a reminder that emotion and feel are as important, if not more so, than virtuosic capabilities. It also showcases how simple techniques, used effectively, can create a sound that resonates deeply with the listener. Cobain may not have been a virtuoso in the traditional sense, but his ability to make every note count has left an indelible impact on guitarists and music fans alike.