Grunge band Nirvana first formed in 1985 by vocalist/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washingon. During the first five years, they had a succession of different drummers, until drummer Dave Grohl joined 1990. With Grohl, Smells Like Teen Spirit, the band’s first blockbuster hit, Nirvana was thrust into the spotlight and remained popular through the early 1990s. Unfortunately, the band’s career was cut short by the untimely death of Kurt Cobain in 1994. However, the band has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, many posthumously.

Vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain was a huge Fender Guitar fan. He regularly played the Fender Stratocaster, Fender Jaguar, Fender Mustang, and Fender Jag-Stang. He also occasionally played a Martin D-18E, and a Univox Hi-Flier. The main effect Cobain used on his guitar sound was a Roland BOSS DS-1 distortion pedal, which gave Nirvana their grunge sound. Other effects used by Cobain were a Roland BOSS DS-2 Turbo distortion pedal, DOD FX75B stereo flanger, and a DOD phase shifter pedal. To imitate Kurt’s guitar sound, a distortion pedal will definitely be a requirement. For amplification, Cobain used a MESA/Boogie preamp with the midrange completely up, as well as a Carver power amp, and several large Marshall cabinets. Cobain was a tenor who would occasionally sing baritone. For the album In Utero, he sang half a tone lower. Kurt also occasionally used a fuzz box on his microphones to give his singing a more fuzzy sound. Either a male or female vocalist could easily sing within Cobain’s range.

Bassist Krist Novoselic played mainly Gibson basses, including the Gibson Ripper, Gibson Thunderbird, and Gibson RD Artist. He also played an Ibanez Roadster. Novoselic would often use the Gibson Ripper through a 200 watt Hiwatt head through a Marshall cab. For amplification, Krist used Mesa/Boogie Road Ready speaker cabs and Marshall cabinets. Novoselic did not use many effects at all, and rarely used them in live performances. The only pedal he used was a Rat distortion pedal.

Drummer Dave Grohl, now lead singer and guitarist of the Foo Fighters, had a drum kit consisting of DW Jazz Series in Lazer Blue Lacquer with Chrome hardware. For cymbals, Grohl used Zildjian cymbals, including a custom crash and hi-hats. Grohl’s drumsticks of choice were Zildjian Dave Grohl Artist Series.

To replicate Nirvana’s sound, not many special effects are required, but a raspy vocalist and a distortion pedal will definitely be necessities.

Keep Rockin’!
Nirvana 2002 at Maryland Deathfest VIII by Metal Chris taken on May 30, 2010
Kurt Cobain “Unplugged” by Pop Loser taken on April 27, 2008
Kris Novoselic by davidjlee taken on September 21, 2011
Dave Grohl by Giarc80HC taken on October 3, 2009