Kurt Cobain - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Nirvana
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Standard
- String Gauge
- .010-.052 (Light top, heavy bottom)
- String Brand
- Dean Markley
- Genre
- Grunge / Alternative Rock
About Kurt Cobain's Sound
Kurt Donald Cobain (1967-1994) was the reluctant voice of Generation X, channeling punk attitude through melodic sensibilities that created grunge. His songwriting combined pop hooks with abrasive distortion, screamed vocals with whispered verses. Cobain's lyrics addressed alienation, social issues, and personal demons with raw honesty. Nirvana's Nevermind (1991) sold over 30 million copies and ended hair metal's commercial dominance. His death by suicide at 27 left an artistic legacy still influential today. Cobain proved that punk values and mainstream success weren't mutually exclusive.
Tunings Used
E Standard - 5 songs
- Smells Like Teen SpiritTry this tuning →
- LithiumTry this tuning →
- In BloomTry this tuning →
- About a GirlTry this tuning →
- Drain YouTry this tuning →
E Standard (with chorus effect) - 1 song
- Come as You AreTry this tuning →
Drop Db - 1 song
- Heart-Shaped BoxTry this tuning →
Drop D - 2 songs
- All ApologiesTry this tuning →
- PollyTry this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
Dean Markley
.010-.052 (Light top, heavy bottom)
Why Kurt Cobain uses these
Cobain preferred light-top, heavy-bottom strings (.010-.052) for the flexibility to play both clean arpeggios and heavy power chords. He used various Fender guitars (Jaguars, Mustangs, Jag-Stangs) with their shorter scale lengths and floating tremolos. His approach was deliberately anti-virtuoso - he valued emotion over technique. Cobain's use of the Boss DS-1 and DS-2 distortion pedals, Small Clone chorus, and cheap Fender amps defined grunge guitar tone. His aggressive strumming often broke strings, and his guitars were notoriously beaten up.