Learn to play Smell Like Teen Spirit on guitar with these easy-to-follow tutorials. Perfect for grunge rock enthusiasts and Nirvana fans alike!
If you're a fan of grunge music, then you've probably heard one of the most iconic songs of the 90s - Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. This song's guitar riff has been etched into the minds of many music enthusiasts and is often considered one of the most recognizable intros in rock history. From the moment the distorted guitar chords start to ring out, you know exactly what song it is. But have you ever wondered how to play this classic tune on guitar? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we'll break down the Smells Like Teen Spirit guitar riff and show you how to play it step-by-step.
Introduction
Tuning
Before we dive into the chords and riffs of Smell Like Teen Spirit, you need to make sure your guitar is tuned properly. The tuning for this song is standard E tuning, which means the strings are tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and E.Chords
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for Smell Like Teen Spirit is one of the most recognizable aspects of the song. It consists of downstrokes on the power chords, with a slight variation in the chorus. Here is the strumming pattern:Verse: Down, down, down, downChorus: Down, down, up, down, up, downRiffs
Techniques
To play Smell Like Teen Spirit like a pro, you need to master a few guitar techniques. One of the most important techniques is palm muting, which involves resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to create a muted sound. This technique is used extensively in the main riff and adds to the song's gritty, dirty sound.Another technique you need to master is power chords. Power chords are played by pressing down on the root note and the fifth with your index and ring fingers, respectively. They are used in both the verse and chorus of Smell Like Teen Spirit and give the song its hard-hitting feel.Conclusion
Smell Like Teen Spirit is a classic song that every guitarist should know how to play. With its simple chords, catchy riffs, and rebellious spirit, it's no wonder this song has become an anthem for a generation. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you'll be able to play Smell Like Teen Spirit on guitar like a pro in no time. So grab your guitar, tune up, and get ready to rock out!How to Play Smells Like Teen Spirit on Guitar
When it comes to iconic guitar riffs, few are as recognizable as the opening notes of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. Released in 1991, this song is often credited with launching the grunge movement and cementing Kurt Cobain's place in rock history. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, learning how to play Smells Like Teen Spirit is a must. In this article, we'll break down the different sections of the song and offer tips for nailing each one.
The Opening Riff: How to Play It Right
The opening riff of Smells Like Teen Spirit is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the rest of the song. To play it correctly, you'll need to use a specific picking pattern and pay close attention to the timing. Here's how to do it:
- Start with your index finger on the 5th fret of the low E string.
- Use your ring finger to play the 7th fret of the A string.
- Then, use your pinky to play the 8th fret of the same string.
- Move your ring finger to the 7th fret of the D string.
- Finally, use your index finger to play the 5th fret of the same string.
The picking pattern for this riff is down-up-down-up-down-up. Make sure to keep your wrist loose and relaxed, and focus on hitting each note cleanly. Practice slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you get more comfortable with the pattern.
Kurt Cobain's Chord Progressions
One of the things that sets Smells Like Teen Spirit apart from other rock songs is Kurt Cobain's use of unconventional chord progressions. Instead of relying on the standard I-IV-V progression, he used a combination of power chords and dissonant notes to create a unique sound. Here are the chords you'll need to know:
- E5 - 0-2-2-x-x-x
- F5 - 1-3-3-x-x-x
- G5 - 3-5-5-x-x-x
- A#5 - 6-8-8-x-x-x
- C5 - 8-10-10-x-x-x
- D#5 - 11-13-13-x-x-x
Practice these chords individually before trying to play them together in the song. Pay attention to the finger placement and make sure each note rings out clearly.
The Iconic Chorus: Strumming Patterns and Variations
The chorus of Smells Like Teen Spirit is one of the most memorable parts of the song. To play it correctly, you'll need to focus on the strumming pattern and variations. Here's how to do it:
- Start with an E5 power chord.
- Strum down four times.
- Switch to an A#5 power chord and strum down two times.
- Switch to a G5 power chord and strum down two times.
- Switch to a F5 power chord and strum down four times.
To add some variation to the chorus, try incorporating muted strums or palm mutes. This will give the song a more dynamic feel and help you capture the energy of the original recording.
Bridge Section: Tips for Nailing the Rhythm
The bridge section of Smells Like Teen Spirit features a slower, more melodic riff that provides a nice contrast to the rest of the song. To play it correctly, you'll need to pay close attention to the rhythm. Here's how to do it:
- Start with an F5 power chord.
- Move to a G5 power chord.
- Then, play an A#5 power chord.
- Finally, end with a C5 power chord.
Practice this section slowly at first, focusing on hitting each note cleanly and following the rhythm of the song. Once you've got the basic pattern down, try adding some variations or improvising with your own melody.
Solo Section: What to Focus On
The solo section of Smells Like Teen Spirit is short but memorable, featuring a simple yet effective melody that showcases Kurt Cobain's signature style. To play it correctly, you'll need to focus on the timing and phrasing. Here's how to do it:
- Start with your index finger on the 10th fret of the B string.
- Use your ring finger to play the 13th fret of the same string.
- Then, use your pinky to play the 15th fret of the same string.
- Slide your hand up to the 17th fret and use your index finger to play the note.
When playing the solo, focus on the tone and dynamics of each note. Use vibrato and bends to add expression and make the melody your own.
Achieving the Right Tone: Gear and Settings
To truly capture the essence of Smells Like Teen Spirit, you'll need to pay attention to your gear and settings. Here are some tips for achieving the right tone:
- Use a distortion pedal to get a gritty, overdriven sound.
- Set your amp to a mid-heavy EQ, with a slightly scooped midrange.
- Experiment with different pickup settings to find the sweet spot for each section of the song.
- Consider using a chorus or flanger effect to add depth and dimension to the sound.
Remember, the tone of the song is just as important as the notes themselves. Take the time to experiment with different settings until you find the perfect sound.
Downstroke Technique: Key to Capturing the Song's Energy
The driving force behind Smells Like Teen Spirit is the relentless downstroke rhythm that runs throughout the song. To capture this energy, you'll need to focus on your downstroke technique. Here are some tips:
- Keep your wrist loose and relaxed, allowing the pick to glide smoothly across the strings.
- Practice playing the chords with downstrokes only, gradually increasing your speed as you get more comfortable.
- Add palm mutes or muted strums to create variation and emphasize certain parts of the song.
Remember, the key to capturing the energy of the song is to keep the rhythm tight and consistent throughout.
Intro and Outro Variations: Adding Your Own Spin
While the opening riff and closing chord progression of Smells Like Teen Spirit are iconic, there's always room for variation and improvisation. Here are some ideas for adding your own spin to the intro and outro:
- Try playing the opening riff with a different picking pattern or rhythm.
- Add some harmonics or pinch harmonics to the closing chord progression for extra texture.
- Experiment with different chord voicings or inversions to create a unique sound.
Remember, while it's important to stay true to the original recording, adding your own personal touch can make the song your own.
Playing in Sync with the Drums and Bass
One of the keys to playing Smells Like Teen Spirit well is to stay in sync with the drums and bass. Here are some tips for achieving this:
- Pay close attention to the rhythm section and try to lock in with the bass and drums.
- Practice playing along with a metronome or backing track to improve your timing.
- Listen carefully to recordings of the song and try to replicate the rhythm and feel as accurately as possible.
Remember, the guitar is just one part of the overall sound of the song. To truly capture the essence of Smells Like Teen Spirit, you'll need to work closely with the other instruments in the band.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning the Song
Learning Smells Like Teen Spirit can be challenging, but avoiding these common mistakes can help make the process smoother:
- Rushing through the song without mastering each section first.
- Overlooking the importance of downstroke technique and rhythm consistency.
- Skipping over the bridge section or solo because they seem less important than the main riff.
- Using the wrong gear or settings, which can affect the tone and overall sound of the song.
Remember, taking the time to learn each section thoroughly and paying attention to the details can make all the difference when playing Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Conclusion
Smells Like Teen Spirit is more than just a song - it's a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire generations of musicians. By mastering the opening riff, chord progressions, iconic chorus, bridge section, solo, tone, downstroke technique, intro and outro variations, playing in sync with the drums and bass, and avoiding common mistakes, you can truly capture the essence of this timeless classic. So grab your guitar and get to work - the world is waiting for your own unique interpretation of Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Smell Like Teen Spirit on Guitar: A Point of View
As one of the most iconic grunge songs of all time, Smell Like Teen Spirit has been covered by countless musicians in various styles. However, playing it on guitar remains a popular choice for many. Here are some pros and cons of playing Smell Like Teen Spirit on guitar:
Pros:
- The song is instantly recognizable and loved by many, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- The guitar riff is relatively easy to play and can be learned quickly by beginners.
- The song features power chords, which are essential to many rock and roll songs and a great technique to master for guitar players.
- Playing this song can help develop rhythm skills as the timing is crucial to maintaining the energy of the song.
- The chorus features a catchy melody that can be sung along with while playing.
Cons:
- Since the song is so well-known, it can become overplayed and lose its impact.
- The song's simplicity can be seen as a negative aspect for more advanced guitar players looking for a challenge.
- The distorted guitar sound used in the song can be difficult to replicate without the right equipment.
- The song is played in drop-D tuning, which can be tricky for beginners who are not familiar with alternate tunings.
- If playing in a band, other members may be tired of hearing the song or have a different opinion on whether to include it in a setlist.
In conclusion, playing Smell Like Teen Spirit on guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to consider the pros and cons before deciding to include it in your repertoire. Ultimately, it's up to personal preference and the context in which it's being played.
Thank you for joining me in this journey to learn how to play Smell Like Teen Spirit on guitar. I hope that you have found this article helpful and informative. Remember, learning a new skill takes time and dedication, but with practice, you can master anything.
As we have learned, Smell Like Teen Spirit is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a great beginner song to learn on the guitar, as it only requires a few basic chords. However, don't let its simplicity fool you – it still packs a punch and is sure to impress your friends and family.
Whether you are a seasoned guitar player or just starting out, keep practicing and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learning how to play an instrument is all about trial and error, so embrace the process and enjoy the journey. With time and effort, you will be playing Smell Like Teen Spirit flawlessly in no time.
Once again, thank you for joining me on this learning adventure. I hope that this article has inspired you to pick up your guitar and start playing. Never stop learning and never give up on your dreams. Keep on rockin'!
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People also ask about Smell Like Teen Spirit on Guitar:
- What is the guitar tuning for Smell Like Teen Spirit?
- What chords are used in Smell Like Teen Spirit?
- What is the main riff of Smell Like Teen Spirit?
- How do you play Smell Like Teen Spirit on acoustic guitar?
- What is the tempo of Smell Like Teen Spirit?
- What scale is Smell Like Teen Spirit in?
- What is the meaning behind Smell Like Teen Spirit?
The guitar tuning for Smell Like Teen Spirit is E-flat standard tuning, which is one half step down from standard tuning.
The chords used in Smell Like Teen Spirit are E5, F5, A5, and Bb5. These are power chords, which are played with only two or three notes and are often used in rock music.
The main riff of Smell Like Teen Spirit is played on the guitar's lowest strings and goes like this: E|------------------| B|------------------| G|------------------| D|---------2--4-----| A|--2--4--5----------| E|------------------|
You can play Smell Like Teen Spirit on acoustic guitar by using the same chords as the electric guitar version, but strumming them instead of playing power chords. You can also add a capo to change the key and make the song easier to play.
The tempo of Smell Like Teen Spirit is 116 beats per minute (BPM).
Smell Like Teen Spirit is in the key of F minor, which means it uses the F natural minor scale.
The meaning behind Smell Like Teen Spirit is open to interpretation, but some believe it is a commentary on the youth culture of the time and the rebellious spirit of teenagers. Others believe it is simply a catchy song with no deeper meaning.
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