Are you looking to capture the iconic, melancholic magic of Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” on your guitar? The video above offers a visual guide, but delving deeper into the song’s intricacies and Kurt Cobain’s unique approach can truly elevate your playing. This classic grunge anthem, released as a single from the groundbreaking album Nevermind in 1992, remains a cornerstone of alternative rock, renowned for its distinctive opening riff and dynamic shifts.
Mastering “Come As You Are” involves more than just hitting the right notes; it requires an understanding of tone, dynamics, and the raw emotion inherent in Nirvana’s sound. From the shimmering, aquatic main riff to the powerful, distorted chorus, each section presents its own set of challenges and rewards. This detailed guide is intended to complement your visual learning, providing a comprehensive written resource for intermediate guitarists aiming for authenticity.
Deconstructing the Iconic “Come As You Are” Guitar Riff
The instantly recognizable opening riff of “Come As You Are” is often considered one of grunge’s most defining guitar motifs. It is played in standard tuning, contrary to some of Cobain’s other works, making it accessible yet nuanced. This particular riff is primarily constructed from a low E string drone, against which a melodic line is played on the A and D strings, creating a haunting, almost hypnotic effect. The precise fingering and timing are paramount for capturing its true essence.
A common approach involves fretting the 2nd fret on the A string with the index finger, followed by the open D string. The pattern then shifts to the 4th fret on the D string, played with the ring finger, before returning to the 2nd fret of the D string, often utilizing the middle finger. These notes are usually picked cleanly, allowing the underlying open E string to subtly resonate, providing a foundational depth. The distinct chorus effect pedal used during this section is fundamental to its ethereal sound, providing a modulated, swirling texture that became synonymous with the song.
Navigating the Verse and Chorus Chords
Beyond the memorable intro, “Come As You Are” is structured around relatively straightforward chord progressions that are punctuated by Cobain’s signature dynamic shifts. The verse section maintains a similar subdued intensity to the intro, though often with a slightly more pronounced strumming pattern. Simple power chords and open chords are predominantly employed here, laying a foundation for the vocal melody. For instance, an Em or E5 chord often serves as a key anchor in these parts.
The chorus, however, presents a stark contrast, where the energy dramatically escalates. This is typically achieved through the aggressive strumming of power chords, such as F5, A5, and D5, driven by heavy distortion. The transition from the clean, chorus-laden verse to the powerful, overdriven chorus is a hallmark of the song’s arrangement and is integral to its emotional impact. Practicing these transitions smoothly is just as important as mastering the individual chord shapes themselves.
Achieving Authentic Nirvana Guitar Tone
Replicating Kurt Cobain’s guitar tone for “Come As You Are” is crucial for an authentic rendition. His sound was famously characterized by a blend of Fender guitars, modest amplifiers, and specific effects pedals. For this song, the **chorus pedal** is the undisputed centerpiece. The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal, specifically, is often cited as the primary unit responsible for the ethereal shimmer of the main riff.
When selecting your amplifier settings, a clean, slightly bright base tone is generally preferred for the verse and intro. A Fender Twin Reverb or Bassman amplifier was commonly used by Cobain, offering a robust clean platform. For the distorted chorus sections, a **distortion pedal** such as a Boss DS-1 or a similar high-gain stompbox is typically engaged. The combination of a clean, chorus-affected signal for the verses and a distorted, powerful sound for the choruses creates the essential dynamic range that defines the track. Consider using a guitar with single-coil pickups, like a Fender Mustang or Jaguar, to get closer to the bright, articulate sound that was characteristic of his gear.
Understanding Song Structure and Dynamics
The arrangement of “Come As You Are” is deceptively simple, yet brilliantly effective in its use of tension and release. The song typically follows a structure of Intro-Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Guitar Solo-Chorus-Outro. Each section is differentiated not just by its melodic or harmonic content, but critically, by its dynamics and intensity. The quiet, almost whispered verses build anticipation for the explosive choruses, a common technique in grunge and alternative rock.
Particular attention should be paid to the sudden shifts in volume and texture. The quiet-loud dynamic, a staple of Nirvana’s sound, is heavily utilized here. Players are encouraged to practice transitioning quickly between a clean, chorus-soaked signal and a heavily distorted, high-volume output. This not only involves engaging and disengaging pedals but also adapting your strumming attack from a delicate touch to an aggressive, full-bodied assault. The guitar solo, though brief, mirrors the song’s overall dynamic arc, often beginning with a more subdued, melodic phrase before building to a distorted climax.
Embracing Kurt Cobain’s Playing Style
While mastering the notes and chords of “Come As You Are” is important, truly playing like Kurt Cobain involves embracing his idiosyncratic style. His approach to guitar was often raw and unpolished, prioritizing emotional expression over technical precision. This is not to say he was sloppy; rather, his playing was characterized by an authentic, unvarnished energy.
Elements such as a slightly aggressive attack, a willingness to let notes ring out or occasionally fret buzz, and a palpable sense of angst or melancholy infused into his delivery are key. He often used unconventional voicings for chords and had a knack for creating memorable melodic hooks that were both simple and profound. Experiment with how your pick strikes the strings, allowing for a certain degree of imperfection that can add to the genuine grunge aesthetic. The song’s introspective lyrics are also reflected in the guitar work, making the emotional connection to the music a vital part of its performance.
Come As You Are: Strum Your Questions
What song does this guitar lesson teach?
This lesson teaches you how to play “Come As You Are” by Nirvana, a famous grunge song from their album *Nevermind*.
What makes the main guitar riff of “Come As You Are” unique?
The main riff is known for its haunting sound created by playing a melodic line over a low E string drone, and it famously uses a chorus effect pedal.
Are the chords in “Come As You Are” hard to play for a beginner?
The song uses relatively straightforward chord progressions. Verses typically use simple power chords and open chords, while choruses use aggressively strummed power chords with distortion.
What guitar pedals are important for getting the right sound for this song?
To get the authentic sound for “Come As You Are,” you’ll need a chorus pedal for the clean parts and a distortion pedal for the powerful, overdriven chorus sections.