If you’re a musician looking to expand your repertoire or a Nirvana fan eager to master one of their iconic songs, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive walkthrough of “Come As You Are.” Released in 1991 as part of the groundbreaking album “Nevermind,” this grunge anthem has captivated audiences worldwide with its raw emotion and unforgettable melody. By following the detailed instructions outlined in this article, you’ll be able to confidently play this classic rock anthem and add it to your musical arsenal.
To begin your journey into playing “Come As You Are,” you’ll need a guitar, an amplifier, and a basic understanding of guitar chords and strumming patterns. Once you have your gear ready, start by tuning your guitar to the standard EADGBE tuning. The song is played in the key of Am, so you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the Am, C, G, and F chords. The opening riff consists of a simple strumming pattern that alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes. As you progress through the song, you’ll encounter variations in the strumming pattern, including double stops and palm muting, which add depth and texture to the music.
The lyrics of “Come As You Are” are as poignant and meaningful as the music itself. Written by Kurt Cobain, the lyrics explore themes of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the desire to connect with others despite one’s flaws. As you learn to play the song, take the time to delve into the lyrics and let their message resonate with you. By understanding the emotions behind the music, you’ll be able to convey them through your playing and create a truly moving and authentic performance.
How to Play Come As You Are
Come As You Are is one of Nirvana’s most popular songs, and it’s a great song to learn on guitar. The song is played in the key of Eb major, and it uses a simple chord progression. The main riff is easy to play, and the solo is relatively simple as well. Here’s how to play Come As You Are on guitar:
- Tune your guitar to Eb. You can do this by tuning your guitar down a half step from standard tuning. To do this, turn the tuning peg for the low E string counterclockwise until the string is slack. Then, tighten the string until it’s in tune with the 6th fret of the A string.
- Play the main riff. The main riff of Come As You Are is played on the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings. The riff begins with a downstroke on the 6th string, followed by an upstroke on the 5th string, and then a downstroke on the 4th string. The riff is repeated twice.
- Play the verse chords. The verse chords of Come As You Are are Eb, Bb, Cm, and Ab. The chords are played in a simple strumming pattern. Downstrokes are played on the downbeats of the measures, and upstrokes are played on the upbeats.
- Play the chorus chords. The chorus chords of Come As You Are are Eb, Bb, Ab, and Gb. The chords are played in a similar strumming pattern to the verse chords.
- Play the solo. The solo of Come As You Are is relatively simple. It begins with a bend on the 12th fret of the 6th string. The solo then continues with a series of bends and slides on the 5th and 4th strings.
People Also Ask About How to Play Come As You Are
How do you play the intro to Come As You Are?
The intro to Come As You Are is played on the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings. The riff begins with a downstroke on the 6th string, followed by an upstroke on the 5th string, and then a downstroke on the 4th string. The riff is repeated twice.
What are the chords to Come As You Are?
The chords to Come As You Are are Eb, Bb, Cm, Ab, and Gb. The chords are played in a simple strumming pattern.
How do you play the solo in Come As You Are?
The solo in Come As You Are is played on the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings. The solo begins with a bend on the 12th fret of the 6th string. The solo then continues with a series of bends and slides on the 5th and 4th strings.
