Are you ready to rock out and unleash the grunge anthem that defined a generation? Grab your guitar, prepare your fingers for some iconic power chords, and let’s dive into the legendary “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. This anthem, released in 1991, catapulted the Seattle grunge scene into the global spotlight and became an instant classic, inspiring countless musicians and shaping the sound of alternative rock forever.
To begin, let’s tackle the unforgettable opening riff. The distortion pedal kicks in, and the haunting power chords ring out in a sequence of E5, D5, C5, G5, and C5. As you strum, make sure to emphasize the root notes of each chord and let the distortion add that raw, edgy texture. Transitioning to the verse, the tempo picks up slightly, and the chords progress between Am, F, C, and G. The strumming pattern here is more upbeat, providing a driving force to the song.
Now, it’s time for the iconic chorus! Here, the power chords return with a vengeance, this time in the sequence of E5, F5, C5, and G5. The energy builds up as you repeat these chords, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. Don’t forget to let loose with the strumming and embrace the raw, unbridled energy of the song. As you move into the bridge, the tempo slows down slightly, and the chords shift to Am, F, and C. The lyrics take a more introspective turn, and the strumming becomes more deliberate and emotive.
Understanding the Basic Notes and Rhythm
Notes:
Smells Like Teen Spirit is played in the key of F minor. The main notes used in the song are:
- F (root note)
- Gm (minor second)
- Am (minor third)
- Dm (minor sixth)
- C (major seventh)
The song features a distinctive bassline that outlines the F, Gm, and Am chords. The guitar riffs and lead melodies primarily utilize the F minor scale (F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb), although other notes outside the scale are occasionally employed.
Rhythm:
The song has a steady 4/4 time signature and a tempo of approximately 120 beats per minute. The drums provide a driving backbeat with a simple bass drum and snare drum pattern. The guitar riffs and bassline follow a syncopated rhythm, creating a sense of urgency and propulsion.
| Beat | Bass Drum | Snare Drum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | X | – |
| 2 | – | X |
| 3 | X | – |
| 4 | – | X |
The chorus section features a more distorted guitar sound and a faster tempo, giving it a more intense and aggressive feel.
Choosing the Right Guitar and Tuning
To play “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” you’ll need an electric guitar with a humbucking pickup in the bridge position for the signature distorted sound. The original recording used a Fender Mustang with a DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup, but any similar setup will work.
Tuning
The song is played in standard tuning, which is E A D G B E from lowest to highest string. This is the most common tuning, and it’s easy to learn and play.
| String | Tuning |
|---|---|
| Low E | E |
| A | A |
| D | D |
| G | G |
| B | B |
| High E | E |
When tuning your guitar, it’s important to use a tuner to ensure the accuracy of each string. You can use an electronic tuner or a tuning app on your smartphone. Once you have tuned your guitar, double-check the tuning by playing a few chords to make sure they sound correct.
Mastering the Distorted Sound
The signature distorted sound of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is crucial to its iconic status. To achieve this effect, you’ll need a distortion pedal and a high-gain amplifier. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Setting up the Distortion Pedal
- Connect the distortion pedal between your guitar and amplifier.
- Adjust the “Gain” knob to achieve a moderate amount of distortion.
- Set the “Tone” knob to a low setting to emphasize the low-end frequencies.
- Experiment with the “Level” knob to find the optimal balance between the clean and distorted signals.
2. Configuring the Amplifier
- Turn up the amplifier’s gain to a higher setting than usual.
- Adjust the EQ settings to boost the bass and treble frequencies.
- Set the master volume to a level that provides a full and saturated sound.
3. Refining the Distorted Tone
- Sustain: Adjust the decay knob on the distortion pedal to achieve a longer sustain.
- Feedback: Place your guitar body near the amplifier’s speaker to create feedback, which can add thickness and ambiance to the distorted sound.
- Dynamics: Control the intensity of the distortion by varying your picking attack. Hard picking will produce a more saturated sound, while softer picking will result in a cleaner tone.
| Distortion Pedal Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Gain | Amount of distortion |
| Tone | Emphasis of low or high frequencies |
| Level | Balance between clean and distorted signals |
Perfecting the Iconic Solo
The solo in “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is an iconic piece of music that has been covered and celebrated by guitarists worldwide. Here’s a detailed guide to mastering this unforgettable solo:
1. Learning the Notes and Rhythm
Start by familiarising yourself with the notes and rhythm of the solo. You can use tablature or listen to the original recording to get the hang of the melody.
2. Practice the Harmonic Minor Scale
The solo heavily utilises the harmonic minor scale. Practise ascending and descending this scale in different positions to improve your fluency.
3. Focus on String Skipping
String skipping is a technique that involves jumping over strings while playing. The solo features numerous string skips, so practise these specifically to enhance your accuracy and speed.
4. Developing a Distinctive Wah-Wah Effect
The wah-wah pedal plays a crucial role in the solo’s sound. Experiment with the pedal settings to find the sweet spot that produces a rich and resonant tone. Use the pedal sparingly and tastefully to add expression and character to your playing.
5. Practice Bending and Vibrato
Bending and vibrato techniques are essential for adding emotion and depth to the solo. Practise bending strings up and down to create expressive notes, and use vibrato to add a shimmering effect to sustained notes.
6. Visualise the Solo
Imagine yourself playing the solo on a stage, and visualise the movements you’ll make. This mental rehearsal will improve your confidence and make the performance feel more natural.
7. Record Yourself
Once you’ve practised the solo thoroughly, record yourself playing it. Listen back and identify areas for improvement, such as timing, accuracy, and dynamics.
Creating the Lush Chorus
The chorus of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a majestic soundscape built on swirling guitars, melodic bass, and thunderous drums. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recreating this iconic chorus:
1. Tune the Guitars
Tune both guitars to the Drop D tuning (DADGBE), with the low E string lowered to D.
2. Create the Power Chords
Play power chords in the key of D major: D5 (xx0232), A5 (x02220), and G5 (320003).
3. Add the Chorus Melody
Over the power chords, add the following melodic line on the top string of the neck (e string): 0-3-4-5-7-8-7-5-4-3-0. This melody is played in the rhythm of the vocals.
4. Introduce the Bassline
The bassline follows the root notes of the chords: D, A, and G. Use a pick to get a punchy sound, or pluck with your fingers for a warmer tone.
5. Master the Drum Patterns
The chorus features a dynamic drum pattern:
| Beat 1 | Beat 2 | Beat 3 | Beat 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kick | Snare | Tom-tom | Cymbal |
| Kick | Snare | Tom-tom | Kick |
| Kick | Snare, ghost note | Tom-tom | Crash |
Add thunderous fills at the end of the second and fourth measures to create a dramatic climax.
Accurately Playing the Bridge
The bridge of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” features a more complex chord progression and a faster tempo. To accurately play this section:
1. Start with the E power chord and quickly move to the A minor power chord.
2. Play the D major power chord for two beats, then the G major power chord for one beat.
3. Repeat the E power chord-A minor power chord progression.
4. Play the D major power chord for one beat, followed by the G major power chord for one beat.
5. Return to the E power chord and repeat the progression until the end of the bridge.
6. The bridge’s distinctive rhythm involves a combination of eighth and sixteenth notes. Pay close attention to the following sequence:
| Beat | Chord | Rhythm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | Eighth note |
| 2 | Am | Eighth note |
| 3 | D | Quarter note |
| 4 | G | Eighth note |
| 5 | E | Eighth note |
| 6 | Am | Eighth note |
| 7 | D | Eighth note |
| 8 | G | Sixteenth note |
Transitions and Endings
The transitions in “Smells Like Teen Spirit” are relatively straightforward and serve to create a sense of momentum and energy. The song begins with a simple 4-chord progression that repeats throughout the verse and chorus. This progression is then followed by a bridge section that uses a different chord progression and a more subdued melody. The bridge provides a brief contrast to the intensity of the verse and chorus, but it quickly resolves back to the main progression for the final chorus.
The ending of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is abrupt and powerful. The song simply stops after the final chorus, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved energy. This ending is effective in creating a lasting impression and has become one of the most iconic moments in rock music.
Bridge
The bridge of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the most recognizable and iconic parts of the song. It begins with a simple guitar riff that is then joined by the bass and drums. The riff is repeated throughout the bridge, while the lyrics build to a crescendo. The bridge provides a brief respite from the intensity of the verse and chorus, but it quickly resolves back to the main progression for the final chorus.
Ending
The ending of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is abrupt and powerful. The song simply stops after the final chorus, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved energy. This ending is effective in creating a lasting impression and has become one of the most iconic moments in rock music.
Table of Chords
| Verse | Chorus | Bridge | Ending |
|---|---|---|---|
| G, D, C, Am | G, C, D, Bb | Am, C, G, D | G (sustained) |
Enhancing the Performance with Effects
To elevate the authenticity and impact of your rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” consider incorporating the following effects:
Distortion
The original recording features a distinctively gritty and distorted guitar tone, achieved primarily through the use of distortion pedals. Utilizing a distortion pedal, or the distortion capabilities of your amplifier, can replicate this signature sound and add depth to your performance.
Chorus
The chorus effect adds a lush, swirling dimension to the guitar’s sound in the intro and verse sections. Employing a chorus pedal, with settings adjusted to taste, can enhance the ethereal and atmospheric nature of these passages.
Reverb
Reverb simulates the natural resonance of a room or space, and can be applied to the guitar and vocals to create a sense of depth and ambiance. Experiment with different reverb types and settings to create a sound that complements your playing style.
Delay
Delay adds a time-delayed echo to the guitar or vocals, creating a haunting and atmospheric effect. By adjusting the delay time and feedback parameters, you can achieve a variety of delay sounds, from subtle echoes to long, ethereal trails.
Flange
Flanging is a modulation effect that creates a sweeping, whooshing sound when applied to the guitar or vocals. It can add a psychedelic or retro vibe to your performance and enhance the intensity of the track’s louder sections.
Octaver
An octaver pedal can add a lower or higher octave to the guitar’s signal, creating a fuller and more layered sound. This effect can be particularly effective on the intro riff, adding depth and impact to the opening notes.
Wah-Wah
The wah-wah effect creates a distinct vocal-like sound when applied to the guitar. It can be used sparingly to accentuate certain notes or phrases, adding a touch of swagger and attitude to your performance.
Noise Gate
A noise gate is a device that suppresses unwanted noise and hum from the guitar signal. By using a noise gate, you can minimize the amount of pickup noise and feedback, resulting in a cleaner and more controlled sound, especially during the quieter sections of the song.
| Effect | Use |
|---|---|
| Distortion | Gritty guitar tone |
| Chorus | Swirling, ethereal dimension |
| Reverb | Depth and ambiance |
| Delay | Echoes and atmosphere |
| Flange | Psychedelic, whooshing sound |
| Octaver | Lower or higher octaves |
| Wah-Wah | Vocal-like sound |
| Noise Gate | Suppress noise and hum |
Tips for Playing Live
Performing “Smells Like Teen Spirit” live can be an exhilarating experience. Here are some tips to ensure a successful performance:
1. Practice Regularly
Familiarity with the song is crucial. Practice the guitar solo, vocal melodies, and drum grooves until they become second nature.
2. Warm Up Your Voice and Instruments
Before the performance, warm up your vocal cords and instruments. This will improve intonation and prevent any technical glitches.
3. Manage Your Nerves
Stage fright is common. Practice deep breathing exercises and focus on the music to calm your nerves.
4. Engage with the Audience
Make eye contact with the audience and interact with them. A lively and engaging performance will enhance the overall experience.
5. Control Feedback
Feedback can occur if the instruments are too loud or in close proximity. Adjust EQ settings, use feedback suppressors, or experiment with microphone placement to minimize interference.
6. Control Stage Volume
Monitor the stage volume using in-ear monitors or floor wedges. Excessive volume can damage your hearing or impair the audience’s enjoyment.
7. Handle Technical Issues
Have backup equipment and know how to fix common technical problems, such as broken strings or amp malfunctions.
8. Celebrate Successes and Learn from Mistakes
After the performance, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.
9. Respect the Venue and Performers
Be respectful of the venue’s rules, equipment, and other performers. Clean up after yourself and show appreciation for the opportunity to play.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. My guitar sounds muffled or distorted
This could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Your guitar strings may be old or rusty. Try changing them.
- Your guitar’s action may be too high or too low. You can adjust the action by adjusting the truss rod.
- Your guitar’s pickups may be too close to the strings. You can adjust the pickup height by loosening or tightening the screws that hold them in place.
2. My solo sounds too sloppy
This could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- You may not be muting the strings properly. Make sure to use your fretting hand to mute any strings that you’re not playing.
- You may not be using the right picking technique. Try using a pick that is the right size and shape for your hand. You should also experiment with different picking patterns.
- You may not be practicing enough. The more you practice, the better your solos will sound.
3. I can’t get the right sound out of my distortion pedal
This could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- You may not be using the right settings on your pedal. Experiment with different settings to find the sound that you want.
- Your guitar and pedal may not be compatible. Some guitars and pedals sound better together than others. You may need to try a different combination of guitar and pedal.
- Your pedal may be broken. If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and you still can’t get the right sound, your pedal may be broken. You can try contacting the manufacturer for support.
4. My wah pedal sounds too weak or too strong
This could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- You may not be using the right settings on your pedal. Experiment with different settings to find the sound that you want.
- Your guitar and pedal may not be compatible. Some guitars and pedals sound better together than others. You may need to try a different combination of guitar and pedal.
- Your pedal may be broken. If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and you still can’t get the right sound, your pedal may be broken. You can try contacting the manufacturer for support.
5. My tremolo pedal sounds too fast or too slow
This could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- You may not be using the right settings on your pedal. Experiment with different settings to find the sound that you want.
- Your guitar and pedal may not be compatible. Some guitars and pedals sound better together than others. You may need to try a different combination of guitar and pedal.
- Your pedal may be broken. If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and you still can’t get the right sound, your pedal may be broken. You can try contacting the manufacturer for support.
6. My chorus pedal sounds too thin or too thick
This could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- You may not be using the right settings on your pedal. Experiment with different settings to find the sound that you want.
- Your guitar and pedal may not be compatible. Some guitars and pedals sound better together than others. You may need to try a different combination of guitar and pedal.
- Your pedal may be broken. If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and you still can’t get the right sound, your pedal may be broken. You can try contacting the manufacturer for support.
7. My flanger pedal sounds too subtle or too intense
This could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- You may not be using the right settings on your pedal. Experiment with different settings to find the sound that you want.
- Your guitar and pedal may not be compatible. Some guitars and pedals sound better together than others. You may need to try a different combination of guitar and pedal.
- Your pedal may be broken. If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and you still can’t get the right sound, your pedal may be broken. You can try contacting the manufacturer for support.
8. My delay pedal sounds too short or too long
This could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- You may not be using the right settings on your pedal. Experiment with different settings to find the sound that you want.
- Your guitar and pedal may not be compatible. Some guitars and pedals sound better together than others. You may need to try a different combination of guitar and pedal.
- Your pedal may be broken. If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and you still can’t get the right sound, your pedal may be broken. You can try contacting the manufacturer for support.
9. My reverb pedal sounds too muddy or too bright
This could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- You may not be using the right settings on your pedal. Experiment with different settings to find the sound that you want.
- Your guitar and pedal may not be compatible. Some guitars and pedals sound better together than others. You may need to try a different combination of guitar and pedal.
- Your pedal may be broken. If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and you still can’t get the right sound, your pedal may be broken. You can try contacting the manufacturer for support.
10. Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Causes | Troubleshooting Tips |
|---|---|---|
| My guitar sounds muffled or distorted | Old or rusty strings, high or low action, pickups too close to strings | Change strings, adjust truss rod, adjust pickup height |
| My solo sounds too sloppy | Improper muting, incorrect picking technique, lack of practice | Mute strings, experiment with picking patterns, practice regularly |
| I can’t get the right sound out of my distortion pedal | Incorrect settings, guitar and pedal incompatibility, broken pedal | Experiment with settings, try different guitar/pedal combinations, contact manufacturer |
| My wah pedal sounds too weak or too strong | Incorrect settings, guitar and pedal incompatibility, broken pedal | Experiment with settings, try different guitar/pedal combinations, contact manufacturer |
| My tremolo pedal sounds too fast or too slow | Incorrect settings, guitar and pedal incompatibility, broken pedal | Experiment with settings, try different guitar/pedal combinations, contact manufacturer |
| My chorus pedal sounds too thin or too thick | Incorrect settings, guitar and pedal incompatibility, broken pedal | Experiment with settings, try different guitar/pedal combinations, contact manufacturer |
| My flanger pedal sounds too subtle or too intense | Incorrect settings, guitar and pedal incompatibility, broken pedal | Experiment with settings, try different guitar/pedal combinations, contact manufacturer |
| My delay pedal sounds too short or too long | Incorrect settings, guitar and pedal incompatibility, broken pedal | Experiment with settings, try different guitar/pedal combinations, contact manufacturer |
| My reverb pedal sounds too muddy or too bright | Incorrect settings, guitar and pedal incompatibility, broken pedal | Experiment with settings, try different guitar/pedal combinations, contact manufacturer |
How to Play Smells Like Teen Spirit
Smells Like Teen Spirit is a song by the American rock band Nirvana, released in 1991. It became a global hit and is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The song is relatively simple to play on guitar, but it requires some practice to get the timing and dynamics right.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to play Smells Like Teen Spirit on guitar:
1. **Tune your guitar to standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E).**
2. **Place your middle finger on the second fret of the low E string (the thickest string).**
3. **Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string.**
4. **Place your ring finger on the third fret of the G string.**
5. **Strum the strings down once.**
6. **Repeat this pattern for the next three measures.**
7. **On the last strum of the fourth measure, lift off your middle finger from the low E string and strum the strings down again.**
8. **Repeat this pattern for the rest of the song.**
People Also Ask About How to Play Smells Like Teen Spirit
How do you play the intro to Smells Like Teen Spirit?
The intro to Smells Like Teen Spirit is played on a distortion pedal. Start by placing your fingers on the notes described in step 2 above, but do not strum the strings yet. Instead, pick the notes individually, starting with the low E string. Once you have picked all four notes, strum the strings down once.
How do you play the solo to Smells Like Teen Spirit?
The solo to Smells Like Teen Spirit is played using a wah pedal. Start by placing your fingers on the notes described in step 2 above. Use the wah pedal to create a “wah-wah” sound as you pick the notes.
How do you play the bassline to Smells Like Teen Spirit?
The bassline to Smells Like Teen Spirit is played on the E string. Start by placing your index finger on the second fret of the E string. Then, place your middle finger on the fourth fret of the E string. Finally, place your ring finger on the seventh fret of the E string. Strum the strings down once and repeat this pattern for the rest of the song.
