Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Here's how to play the legendary song 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' by Nirvana!
If you need more help with power chords in general, check out this free lesson!
TAB for the riff here. Tab for the SOLO here.
Better, clearer TAB also available in this highly recommended songbook
Smells Like Teen Spirit - all riffs
Smells Like Teen Spirit - SOLO
How do I get THAT sound? - Heavy sound
If you're really stuck, this video shows you how to use basic amplifier controls!
For my electric guitar videos, I use the amp simulations in Garageband for ease of use and so I can tinker afterwards. The following settings for the heavy main riff simulate a Mesa Stack with loads of gain (distortion) plus a treble boost, though any distortion pedal turned up will get you close!


How do I get THAT sound? - Clean sound (intro and verses)
For the verses, Kurt used a clean sound (no overdrive) with a chorus pedal (Likely an Electro Harmonix Poly Chorus) which I've simulated with garageband with the following settings.


Top 3 EASY Nirvana solos!
Learn more Nirvana songs with this video teaching Smells Like Teen Spirit plus two other easy Nirvana guitar solos!