1. How To Play Come As You Are Guitar

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Mastering the legendary Nirvana classic “Come As You Are” on the guitar is an aspiration for many aspiring musicians. This iconic grunge anthem, featuring its haunting melody and unforgettable guitar riff, has captivated generations of music enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting your guitar journey, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and techniques to conquer this timeless masterpiece.

The opening notes of “Come As You Are” instantly set the tone for the song’s melancholic mood. The haunting arpeggiated chords, played on the higher strings of the guitar, create a somber and evocative atmosphere. The intro can be deceptively simple to play, but nailing the timing and fingerpicking pattern is crucial to capturing the track’s signature sound. As you transition into the main verse, the chords become more complex and the tempo increases slightly, adding a sense of urgency to the song’s message. The chord progression is relatively straightforward, consisting of basic open chords combined with a few minor variations. The key to maintaining the song’s emotional intensity lies in playing these chords with feeling and connecting with the lyrical content.

Tuning Your Guitar for “Come As You Are”

To accurately replicate the iconic sound of Nirvana’s “Come As You Are,” it is essential to tune your guitar appropriately. This song utilizes a unique tuning known as “Drop D,” which lowers the low E string by one whole step to create a darker and heavier sound.

Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving Drop D tuning for your guitar:

1. **Tune All Strings to Standard Tuning:** Start by tuning all six strings to standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, e), ensuring that your guitar is perfectly in tune.

2. **Lower Low E String:** Using your tuning pegs, loosen the low E string (the thickest string) until it matches the pitch of the A string one octave below. You can use a guitar tuner or rely on your ear to match the pitch accurately.

3. **Tighten Other Strings:** Once the low E string is lowered, tighten the other five strings (A, D, G, B, e) to ensure they remain in standard tuning. Verify their pitch using a tuner or by ear.

4. **Verify Drop D Tuning:** Play the A string on the fifth fret (now sounding like a D) and compare it to the D string. If both strings sound the same pitch, your guitar is now in Drop D tuning.

Here is a table summarizing the Drop D tuning for your reference:

String	Note
1st (High E)	e
2nd (B)	B
3rd (G)	G
4th (D)	D
5th (A)	D
6th (Low E)	D

Learning the Main Riff

The main riff of "Come As You Are" is iconic and instantly recognizable. It’s played on the low E, A, and D strings, and involves a combination of power chords and palm muting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing the Main Riff

Step 1: Position Your Hand

Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the E low string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D string.

Step 2: Palm Mute and Strum

Use the heel of your picking hand to lightly rest on the strings near the bridge. This will create a muted, percussive sound. Strum the strings downward with a strong downstroke and quickly release the pressure on the strings to create a staccato effect.

Step 3: Alternate Picking Pattern

The picking pattern for the main riff is down-down-down-down-up-down-down-down. Use a downstroke for the first four notes and an upstroke for the fifth note. This will help maintain the rhythm and momentum of the riff.

Step 4: Timing and Dynamics

The riff is played in a steady 4/4 time signature at a moderate tempo. Pay attention to the accents on the first and third downstrokes to give the riff its distinctive rhythmic pulse.

Step 5: Practice and Refinement

Practice the riff slowly and gradually increase your speed as you gain proficiency. Focus on maintaining a consistent palm muting technique and a clean picking pattern. With repeated practice, you’ll be able to play the main riff of "Come As You Are" accurately and confidently.

Picking Pattern	String
Down	E low
Down	A
Down	D
Down	E low
Up	A
Down	D
Down	E low
Down	A

Playing the Verse Chords

The verse chords in “Come As You Are” are a simple but effective progression that creates a haunting and atmospheric mood. Here’s how to play them:

1. Start with a G major chord: Place your first finger on the first fret of the sixth string, your second finger on the second fret of the fifth string, and your third finger on the third fret of the first string.

2. Move to an Em7 chord: Remove your first finger from the sixth string and shift your second finger to the first fret of the fifth string. Keep your third finger on the third fret of the first string.

3. Transition to a Cadd9 chord: Remove your first finger from the sixth string and move your second finger to the second fret of the fifth string. Shift your third finger to the second fret of the first string, keeping it barred across the first and second strings.

Chord	Fingering
G major	1st finger: 6th string, 1st fret 2nd finger: 5th string, 2nd fret 3rd finger: 1st string, 3rd fret
Em7	2nd finger: 5th string, 1st fret 3rd finger: 1st string, 3rd fret
Cadd9	2nd finger: 5th string, 2nd fret 3rd finger: 1st & 2nd strings, 2nd fret

Transitioning to the Chorus

After playing the second verse, it’s time to smoothly transition into the chorus. Here’s how to do it:

1. End on the A Minor Chord

Finish the second verse by strumming the A minor chord once. This will create a sense of resolution and prepare for the transition.

2. Switch to D Major

Immediately after the A minor chord, strum D major three times. This will establish the chorus’s key and create a bright and uplifting sound.

3. Bridge Transition

To connect the end of the verse to the start of the chorus, play a D major chord with a hammer-on to the second fret of the B string. This hammer-on creates a subtle melodic transition.

4. Chorus Strumming Pattern

The chorus features a distinct strumming pattern that gives it a unique rhythmic feel. Here’s how to play it:

Measure	Strumming Pattern
1	DDUDU
2	DUUDUD

Repeat this strumming pattern throughout the chorus.

Adding the Palm Muted Power Chords

The palm-muted power chords in “Come As You Are” give it that distinctive, raw sound. These chords are created by strumming down on the strings while muting them with the palm of your picking hand.

To play the power chords, place your first finger on the root note (the lowest note in the chord) of the string and your third finger on the octave of the root note (the same note one octave higher).

Strum down on the strings, making sure to keep the palm of your hand on the strings to mute them. You can adjust the amount of muting by moving your palm up or down on the strings.

The following table shows the fingering for the power chords used in “Come As You Are”:

Chord	Root Note	Octave
D5	D	D
G5	G	G
C5	C	C
A5	A	A

Practice playing these power chords with a metronome to get the strumming pattern down. Once you’re comfortable with the chords, you can start adding them to the song.

Soloing Over the Chorus

The chorus of “Come As You Are” provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your soloing skills. The following tips will help you craft an effective and memorable solo:

1. Understand the Chord Progression

The chorus uses a simple I-IV-V progression (G5-C5-D5). This provides a clear harmonic framework for your solo.

2. Establish a Melodic Motif

Begin by identifying a short melodic motif that you can use as a building block. This motif should be memorable and easy to develop.

3. Experiment with Scales

The G major scale and its related modes (G Mixolydian, G Dorian, etc.) provide a wealth of melodic options. Experiment with different scales to find those that resonate with you.

4. Use Arpeggios

Incorporating arpeggios into your solo can add depth and variety. Practice arpeggiating the G, C, and D chords in different inversions.

5. Add Licks and Phrases

Once you have established a basic melodic framework, you can begin adding licks and phrases to create interest and momentum.

6. Dynamics and Articulation

Dynamics and articulation are crucial for creating an expressive solo. Experiment with different picking techniques, volume levels, and bends to add character and nuance to your playing.

Detailed Breakdown of Dynamics and Articulation:

Technique	Effect
Alternate Picking	Creates a smooth and even sound.
Economy Picking	Minimizes string crossings for greater efficiency.
Legato	Connects notes smoothly without noticeable gaps.
Bending	Adds expression and depth to notes.
Vibrato	Creates a subtle warbling effect on notes.
Sliding	Moves smoothly between notes on the same string.
Hammer-Ons/Pull-Offs	Plays notes without using the picking hand.

Playing the Bridge

The bridge in “Come As You Are” is a short but memorable section that adds depth to the song. It consists of two distinct parts played in the keys of G and F#.

Part 1 (G Major)

The first part of the bridge is played in G major and features a simple chord progression: G – Cadd9 – G – Dsus4 – G. The bass notes move in a descending chromatic line, providing a sense of tension and movement.

Part 2 (F# Major)

The second part of the bridge modulates to F# major and introduces a new chord progression: F#m – A – Bm – E. This progression creates a more spacious and reflective mood, contrasting with the intensity of the verse and chorus.

Combining the Parts

To play the bridge, combine the two parts as follows:

Part 1 (G Major)	Part 2 (F# Major)
G \| Cadd9 \| G \| Dsus4 \| G	F#m \| A \| Bm \| E

Repeat this sequence 2 times to complete the bridge.

Adding the Outro

The outro of “Come As You Are” is a haunting and atmospheric passage that adds a sense of closure to the song. To play it, follow these steps:

Step 1: Play the E Minor Pentatonic Scale

Begin by playing the E minor pentatonic scale on the 5th string, starting at the 7th fret. The scale consists of the following notes:

Root:	E (7th fret)
Minor 2nd:	F#
Major 3rd:	G#
Perfect 4th:	A
Minor 5th:	B

Step 2: Use Legato Techniques

Play the scale using legato techniques, connecting each note smoothly to the next. This will create a fluid and lyrical sound.

Step 3: Repeat the Sequence

Repeat the scale sequence twice, ascending and descending. End on the root note (E) on the 7th fret.

Step 4: Add a Delay Effect

To create the reverb-like effect heard on the recording, use a delay pedal with a long delay time and low feedback settings.

Step 5: Palm Mute

Lightly palm mute the strings with your picking hand as you play the scale to dampen the sound.

Step 6: Sustain the Final Note

Allow the final note (E) to ring out for a few seconds to create a sense of closure and atmosphere.

Incorporating Dynamics and Feel

Dynamics and feel play a crucial role in capturing the essence of “Come As You Are.” Here are some tips to enhance the emotional depth of your performance:

1. Intro: Soft and Ethereal

Begin with a whispery and gentle touch, gradually increasing volume as the chords progress.

2. Verse 1: Melancholic and Introspective

Maintain a steady and unassuming volume, letting the lyrics convey the sadness and longing.

3. Chorus 1: Climax and Release

Build momentum leading into the chorus, unleashing a surge of energy and volume as you belt out the central message.

4. Verse 2: Introspective and Vulnerable

Return to the more intimate dynamics of Verse 1, allowing the fragility and vulnerability of the lyrics to shine through.

5. Chorus 2: Intensified Climax

Repeat the chorus’s dynamic progression, this time with even greater power and intensity, reflecting the growing desperation.

6. Bridge: Reflective and Introspective

Use a more subdued volume and slower tempo to create a space for personal reflection and introspection.

7. Chorus 3: Catharsis and Resolution

Emerge from the bridge with a renewed sense of purpose, gradually building volume and passion as you approach the final chorus.

8. Outro: Resolution and Acceptance

Diminish the volume and slow the tempo, allowing the song to settle into a sense of peace and acceptance.

9. Detailed Verse Breakdown

Verse 1: Subtle use of dynamics to emphasize key words. Example: “They say those things…” (quieter) vs. “I don’t listen…” (louder).
– Verse 2: Gradual increase in volume as the lyrics become more emphatic. Example: “I feel like the outsider…” (soft) to “I’m a creep…” (louder).
– Verse 3: Consistent volume and tone, maintaining the introspective and melancholic atmosphere.

Section	Dynamics
Intro	Soft and ethereal
Verse 1	Melancholic and introspective
Chorus 1	Climax and release
Verse 2	Introspective and vulnerable
Chorus 2	Intensified climax
Bridge	Reflective and introspective
Chorus 3	Catharsis and resolution
Outro	Resolution and acceptance

Tips for Improving Your Performance

1. Start with a Slow Tempo

Begin by practicing at a slow tempo that allows you to focus on proper fingering and strumming technique.

2. Use a Metronome

Incorporate a metronome into your practice to improve your timing and maintain a consistent pace.

3. Break Down the Song

Divide the song into smaller sections and practice them individually before attempting to play the entire piece.

4. Focus on Finger Placement

Pay attention to the precise placement of your fingers on the frets and strive for clean, accurate notes.

5. Practice Palm Muting

Master palm muting to create the distinctive rhythm and tone of the song.

6. Experiment with Strumming Patterns

Try out different strumming patterns to find one that feels comfortable and adds groove to your performance.

7. Use Power Chords

Utilize power chords (5ths) to create the driving rhythmic foundation of the song.

8. Pay Attention to Dynamics

Control the volume and intensity of your playing to add expression and nuance to your performance.

9. Experiment with Improvisation

Once you have mastered the basic structure of the song, feel free to experiment with minor variations and improvisations.

10. Practice Regularly and Consistently

Consistent practice is essential for improving your skills and developing muscle memory. Aim to practice at least 15-30 minutes each day to make significant progress.

How To Play Come As You Are On Guitar

Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” is a grunge anthem that’s easy to play on guitar. The song uses a simple chord progression and a repetitive strumming pattern. With a little practice, you’ll be able to play this song in no time.

Step 1: Learn the Chords

The chords you’ll need to play “Come As You Are” are G, D, C, and Em. These are all basic chords that are easy to learn. You can find tutorials for these chords online or in a guitar book.

Step 2: Learn the Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” is down-up-down-up-down-up-down. This pattern is repeated throughout the song.

Step 3: Put it All Together

Once you’ve learned the chords and the strumming pattern, you can start putting it all together. Start by playing the G chord while strumming the down-up-down-up-down-up-down pattern. Then, switch to the D chord and continue strumming the same pattern. Repeat this process for the C and Em chords.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you play “Come As You Are” on guitar:

Use a metronome to keep your strumming steady.
Practice slowly at first. Once you get the hang of it, you can gradually speed up your strumming.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning a new song.