Come as You Are Amp Settings
by Nirvana
Come as You Are features a haunting, chorus-soaked clean tone that's the polar opposite of Nirvana's usual aggression. Cobain's EHX Small Clone chorus through a clean amp setting creates a swirling, underwater quality that perfectly matches the song's introspective mood.
What Makes This Tone Iconic
This tone shows Cobain's range beyond distortion. The Small Clone chorus adds a lush, liquid quality to the clean guitar, making the simple two-note riff hypnotic and atmospheric. It's proof that great tone serves the song — the chorus effect transforms a basic riff into something haunting and memorable. The contrast with the distorted sections creates emotional tension.
Key Tone Elements
- Clean amp setting with moderate volume
- EHX Small Clone chorus — the signature watery modulation
- Drop D tuning for the lower, heavier register
- Simple two-note riff that relies on the chorus effect for atmosphere
- Dynamic contrast between clean verses and distorted chorus sections
Original Recording Settings
Original Gear
- Guitar
- 1965 Fender Jaguar (sunburst)
- Pickups
- DiMarzio PAF (neck) / Super Distortion (bridge) (neck)
- Amplifier
- Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp / Crown Power Base 2 / Marshall 1960B
- Channel
- Rhythm (clean)
- Tuning
- Drop D
- Pickup Selector
- neck
- Strings
- 0.010-0.052
Same rig as Teen Spirit.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
Playing Technique
Simple two-string pattern with relaxed, hypnotic feel. Drop D tuning. Alternates between clean chorused and heavy distorted sections.
Sources+
- Guitar World: Butch Vig interview confirming Small Clone
- Ground Guitar: Nevermind analysis
- Equipboard.com - Kurt Cobain
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Frequently Asked Questions
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