"Come As You Are" by Nirvana

Experience the haunting, grunge-filled tones of Nirvana’s iconic "Come As You Are" with our comprehensive, note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com. This lesson will not only guide you through playing this alternative rock classic but will also delve deep into the distinctive techniques used by Kurt Cobain, the guitar legend behind Nirvana’s unforgettable sound. With each segment of the song’s structure broken down and analysed, this lesson allows guitarists of all skill levels to understand and recreate Cobain’s unique style while exploring the benefits of each technique presented in the song. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Kurt Cobain's Influence on "Come As You Are"

Kurt Cobain, Nirvana’s frontman and primary songwriter, left an indelible mark on the music world with his raw, emotional playing style that blended simplicity with expressive, gritty tones. Known for his ability to craft powerful riffs with a minimalist approach, Cobain showcased his talent for creating depth with only a few notes and a clever use of dynamics. His approach to "Come As You Are" exemplifies this style, combining open-string riffs with altered tunings, showcasing his preference for unconventional sounds. Cobain's influence continues to shape alternative rock guitar, making this song an essential piece for any guitarist aiming to master the nuances of grunge music.

Song Breakdown and Guitar Techniques

Our lesson for "Come As You Are" focuses on the essential techniques Cobain used, broken down into manageable sections. By learning these techniques, guitarists can add new dimensions to their playing, improve versatility, and understand how minimalistic methods can create profound emotional impact.

1. Open-String Riffs

The main riff in "Come As You Are" relies heavily on open-string riffs, creating a fluid, flowing sound that serves as the backbone of the song. Cobain’s use of open strings gives the song its hypnotic, almost aquatic quality, adding depth without overwhelming complexity. Learning to incorporate open-string riffs enhances finger strength and coordination while giving the player a foundation for crafting memorable, simple riffs.

2. Altered Tuning

"Come As You Are" is played in an altered tuning, specifically tuned down a whole step to D Standard. This lower tuning contributes to the song’s dark and murky vibe, bringing a heaviness that resonates deeply with listeners. Practicing altered tuning helps guitarists explore different tonal possibilities, broadening the variety of sounds they can produce and adding richness to their repertoire.

3. Power Chords

Power chords are a staple in Cobain’s style, creating a fuller, punchier sound without requiring complicated chord structures. In "Come As You Are," power chords add weight to the chorus, reinforcing the song’s mood while maintaining its raw simplicity. Learning to use power chords efficiently provides players with an essential skill for rock and grunge genres, enhancing both rhythmic precision and dynamic control.

4. String Bending

Cobain uses subtle string bending to add expressive nuance to the song’s melody. These bends, though minimal, are effective in adding emotion and texture. String bending is a critical skill that helps guitarists add feeling to individual notes, making it easier to convey a sense of tension and release, a hallmark of expressive playing.

5. Vibrato

Although subtle, vibrato plays an essential role in "Come As You Are," particularly in sustaining notes and enhancing the song’s ethereal quality. Cobain’s vibrato technique emphasises a slow, controlled oscillation that complements the song’s brooding tone. Practicing vibrato helps guitarists improve finger control, sustain, and dynamic sensitivity, elevating the overall impact of each note.

6. Slides

Cobain often incorporates slides between notes in "Come As You Are," adding a smooth, connected feel to his phrasing. This technique enhances the song's fluidity and reinforces its melancholic tone. Mastering slides allows guitarists to transition seamlessly between notes, building smoother phrasing and enhancing melodic expression in their playing.

7. Syncopated Rhythms

One of the most interesting rhythmic elements in "Come As You Are" is the syncopated timing that Cobain uses to create a slightly off-kilter feeling. This syncopation adds complexity to an otherwise simple riff, giving the song a unique character. Learning to incorporate syncopated rhythms is invaluable for developing timing and rhythm versatility, helping guitarists add character to their playing.

8. Palm Muting

Palm muting adds a percussive element to Cobain’s playing in "Come As You Are," especially in the song’s heavier sections. This technique provides dynamics and rhythmic sharpness, adding intensity and helping to differentiate different sections of the song. Practicing palm muting improves a guitarist’s ability to control sound articulation and volume, creating a more professional and polished sound.

Benefits of Learning "Come As You Are" Techniques

Each technique featured in "Come As You Are" brings unique benefits to any guitarist’s skill set. From open-string riffs that improve fluidity and coordination, to power chords that build a strong rhythmic foundation, mastering these elements enables guitarists to play with greater confidence and versatility. Techniques like altered tuning and syncopated rhythms add depth to a player’s repertoire, while techniques such as vibrato and string bending refine expressiveness and dynamic control. By studying "Come As You Are," guitarists learn that even the simplest riffs and chord structures can evoke powerful emotion, offering valuable insight into the art of minimalism in music.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Open-String Riffs
• Altered Tuning
• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Palm Muting

With our in-depth "Come As You Are" guitar lesson, you’ll gain a solid understanding of these techniques, building both technical skills and expressive ability in the context of one of grunge music’s most iconic songs. Dive into the haunting simplicity of Nirvana and master the techniques that shaped a generation with our guided, note-for-note instruction.