Learn to Play Nirvana

Welcome to the "Learn to Play Nirvana" course at Licklibrary.com, where you'll experience an intimate, note-for-note immersion into the music of Nirvana, one of the most influential and impactful bands of the 1990s. From the grungy power of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" to the melodic melancholy of "Come as You Are", this course equips you with the knowledge to replicate the distinct styles and techniques employed by the band's iconic guitarist, Kurt Cobain. Get ready to join tutor Danny Gill and learn some of the songs that defined the sound of the 90s.

Smells Like Teen Spirit

In "Smells Like Teen Spirit", the anthemic piece that introduced Nirvana to the world, you'll explore power chords and the minor pentatonic scale. Cobain uses these techniques to craft a raw and simple yet impactful guitar part, juxtaposing the verses' subdued dynamics with the explosive energy of the choruses. His guitar solo is concise and poignant, reflecting the song's main riff, showcasing his minimalist approach to solos, and forgoing extravagant virtuosity.

Come As You Are

"Come As You Are" features a captivating, instantly recognizable riff built around the E minor scale, employing a chorus effect to achieve its watery tone. The song uses a syncopated rhythm, and Cobain showcases his mastery of dynamics, building a sonic bridge between the soft verses and louder choruses. In the solo, Cobain employs double-stops, creating a rich texture that expands on the main riff.

The Man Who Sold the World

The band's rendition of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold The World" is a masterclass in building layers of sound. You'll learn how Cobain leverages arpeggios and open-string riffs to create the song's distinctive feel. Cobain's solo relies on the pentatonic scale, displaying a melodic simplicity that speaks volumes, demonstrating how to create a memorable musical statement without unnecessary complexity.

Heart-Shaped Box

"Heart-Shaped Box", one of Nirvana's most haunting songs, provides an opportunity to dive into chromaticism, where Cobain employs chromatic walk-downs and the Mixolydian mode. Cobain's solo in this track is notably melodic, utilizing the E minor pentatonic scale. This solo exemplifies how to maximize impact through simplicity, tension, and release.

Lithium

Finally, "Lithium" showcases Cobain's use of dynamics, switching between soft, clean verses and distorted, power-chord-driven choruses. The song employs a simple I-IV-V chord progression, demonstrating how the right application of dynamics can turn a simple progression into an anthemic song. Cobain's solo extends the main riff, adding bends and slides to enhance expressivity.

Kurt Cobain's Influence

Kurt Cobain's guitar playing was marked by his punk-inspired, 'anti-guitar hero' ethos. His disregard for the flashy virtuosity prevalent in 80s rock music resulted in a distinctive minimalist approach. He used this style to infuse emotion and raw energy into his guitar parts, showing us that simplicity and authenticity can make a more significant statement than technical wizardry. This course will help you understand and implement Cobain's guitar philosophy, enhancing your guitar playing skills and knowledge.

Techniques Used in Lessons

In the "Learn to Play Nirvana" course, you'll dive deep into a variety of guitar techniques, including:

• Power Chords
• Minor Pentatonic Scale
• Double-stops
• Arpeggios
• Open-string Riffs
• Chromaticism
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Slides

Mastering these techniques will provide a solid foundation for replicating Nirvana's unique sound and integrating elements of their style into your playing. This course presents an opportunity not only to learn the technicalities of Nirvana's music but also to delve into the emotive and expressive aspects of Cobain's guitar playing.