Come As You Are - Solo by Nirvana

Discover the raw, grunge-soaked emotion of Nirvana’s legendary sound with our detailed Come As You Are - Solo guitar lesson, now available at LickLibrary.com. This lesson dissects the guitar solo from one of Nirvana’s most iconic tracks, helping you not only replicate the sound but understand the technique and feel behind it. Whether you’re a fan of Kurt Cobain or a guitarist looking to explore grunge-era phrasing and expressive technique, this breakdown delivers musical insight and technical growth. Danny Gill breaks down this classic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Solo

Released in 1991 as the second single from Nevermind, “Come As You Are” features a haunting guitar riff and a minimalist yet evocative solo that defines Nirvana’s approach to songwriting and guitar work. The solo is not overly complex in terms of speed or notes, but it’s packed with expressive techniques that reflect Cobain’s raw emotional intent. Our lesson focuses on capturing the phrasing, vibrato, and articulation that make the solo so impactful.

The Guitarist: Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain, Nirvana's frontman and guitarist, was not a virtuoso in the traditional sense, but his influence on rock and alternative music is immeasurable. Known for his raw tone, unorthodox technique, and emotional intensity, Cobain inspired generations to pick up the guitar. He proved that musical impact doesn’t require technical wizardry—it requires authenticity, attitude, and connection. Learning his playing style offers insight into minimalist yet emotionally powerful soloing.

Key Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Our Come As You Are - Solo guitar lesson walks you through several core guitar techniques that Cobain used to give this solo its unique feel. Each technique is not just demonstrated but placed into a musical context, so you can understand both how and why it’s used.

Slides

Slides are used prominently in the solo to create smooth transitions between notes, adding fluidity and vocal-like phrasing. Mastering slides helps guitarists connect positions across the fretboard seamlessly and develop a more expressive style.

Vibrato

Cobain’s use of vibrato brings life to sustained notes in the solo. This technique involves slightly varying the pitch of a note, adding emotion and character. Developing strong vibrato is crucial for creating personal expression in solos.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The lesson breaks down how hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to add smoothness and speed to note transitions without relying on picking every note. These legato techniques allow for greater phrasing variety and are essential for building fluid lead lines.

String Bending

String bending adds emotional weight to the solo, emulating the nuances of the human voice. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to bend notes accurately to pitch, control release, and integrate bends into your phrasing for added expression.

Double Stops

Cobain’s use of double stops in the solo adds harmonic depth with a gritty edge. This technique allows you to play two notes simultaneously, which can make your solos sound fuller and more aggressive—perfect for grunge and alternative rock.

Why Learn This Solo?

This solo is perfect for intermediate guitarists who want to focus on expressive techniques rather than speed or technical showmanship. Each phrase teaches subtlety—how to make a few notes count through articulation, rhythm, and tone. By learning this solo, you’ll develop:

• Greater control over expressive techniques like vibrato and bends
• A more nuanced understanding of minimalist soloing
• The ability to inject emotion into your playing with fewer notes
• Enhanced phrasing and timing awareness

This isn’t just about playing the right notes—it’s about capturing a feeling, which is at the heart of what made Nirvana's music resonate with millions.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Legato
• Slides
• String Bending
• Double Stops

Whether you’re exploring grunge for the first time or diving deeper into Nirvana’s catalog, our Come As You Are - Solo guitar lesson will sharpen your phrasing, strengthen your technique, and deepen your emotional connection to the music you play. Ready to channel your inner Cobain? Let’s get started.