"Come As You Are" by Nirvana: Guitar Lesson

"Come As You Are" is an iconic tune from the grunge band Nirvana, featured on their seminal 1991 album "Nevermind." Its dark, introspective vibe and unforgettable riff make it a must-learn for any aspiring guitarist. Let's dive deep into this song's compositional and performance aspects, specifically looking at the work of the lead guitarist, Kurt Cobain. Sam Bell walks you through the song.

Guitar Chords

The chord progression in the song remains simple and serves the mood effectively. Cobain mainly used basic minor chords like F#m, A, E, and D in the chorus and verses. However, it’s the arpeggiated approach and the effects used that bring depth to these otherwise straightforward chords. Cobain’s knack for using simple ingredients to produce compelling musical landscapes is evident here. The progression has a cyclic, almost hypnotic feel, providing a foundation over which the vocals can express their angsty, self-reflective tone.

Guitar Scales

Kurt Cobain was not a flashy guitarist who was interested in technical wizardry. His approach leans towards minimalism, and his scales of choice mirror that. Most of the song revolves around the F# Minor Pentatonic and E Major scales. These scales are used in their most straightforward form to craft melodic hooks that serve the song.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo is where the raw emotion of the song really spills over. Instead of blazing scales and rapid arpeggios, Cobain utilises the F# Minor Pentatonic scale and bends it to his emotive will. He was a master of finding the right “voice” with his guitar. A couple of bent notes here, a subtle vibrato there, and just like that, Cobain delivers a solo that hits right in the gut. Notice the simplicity; it’s all about serving the song. You won’t find any sweep picking or two-handed tapping. It's emotive, it’s grunge, and it’s unmistakably Cobain.

Kurt Cobain: The Lead Guitarist

When we talk about Cobain, we talk about a musician who was more concerned with feeling than technical prowess. He is not your typical shred guitarist but a poet with a guitar. His focus was always on how the guitar could serve the song. Whether it’s the “anti-solo” approach he took in many of his songs or his ability to extract massive tones out of a simple setup, Cobain’s style is one of the most imitated, yet least understood, in rock history. The chorus effect he used in “Come As You Are” became a defining tone of the ‘90s, and it perfectly fit the mood of the song. His playing on this song is the epitome of grunge guitar—minimalistic yet full of raw emotion.

List of Guitar Techniques Used

In “Come As You Are,” several techniques highlight Cobain’s distinctive style. Here they are, hyperlinked for your learning convenience:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Chord Progressions
• Vibrato

Cobain's work in “Come As You Are” serves as a timeless lesson in how simplicity can be more impactful than complexity. It shows how much can be done with a few minor chords and a memorable riff, and how emotion can be channeled through the guitar to serve the greater good of a song. With its moody chord progressions, understated yet powerful solo, and the emotional intensity of Cobain's playing, "Come As You Are" stands as a testament to what can be achieved with just a few strings and a whole lot of soul.