"Polly" by Nirvana: Guitar Lesson

The Lead Guitarist: Kurt Cobain

Let's start with the person behind the ax—Kurt Cobain. His guitar playing in "Polly" and generally across Nirvana's discography is a paradigm shift away from virtuosity and complexity towards raw emotion. In "Polly," Cobain's approach is minimalist but effective, making the song an excellent case study for guitarists who want to grasp the essence of '90s grunge.

Chord Progressions

The main chords used in "Polly" are Em, G5, D5, and C5. These are basically all power chords and open chords, aligning with Cobain's liking for simple, yet evocative, progressions. What stands out is how these basic chords carry such weight in this acoustic composition. The simplicity echoes the raw theme of the song.

Scales and Modal Approaches

The song predominantly stays within the E minor scale. There's no show-off scale wizardry here; instead, Cobain uses the minor tonality to create a somber soundscape. He opts for a straightforward approach to let the chords and the lyrics do the heavy lifting. In this, there's a lesson in restraint—sometimes less truly is more.

Solo Analysis

Interestingly, "Polly" doesn't feature a traditional 'guitar solo,' but let's not overlook the expressive power in the absence of a solo. This is a form of 'anti-soloing,' a conscious decision to bypass a solo to serve the song's story and mood. The absence of a solo ensures the listener stays focused on the gravity of the lyrics and the overall mood of the piece.

Techniques List

Although "Polly" doesn't serve as a compendium of advanced techniques, the song still offers a lesson in how to make simple components sound deeply affecting. Below are some of the key guitar techniques found in the song:

• Power Chords: The song uses G5, D5, and C5 as the main power chords to build its framework.
• Open-String Riffs: Cobain's Em chord integrates open strings to add depth and resonance to the soundscape.
• Chord Progressions: The simplicity of the chord progression is worth noting for its effectiveness in setting the emotional tone.
• Palm Muting: Used subtly to accentuate certain sections, contributing to the dynamics.
• Arpeggios: Cobain employs a stripped-down arpeggiated approach in certain sections to lend variation.

Final Thoughts

"Polly" serves as a masterclass in musical minimalism. Kurt Cobain's approach shows how simplicity—when done with thoughtfulness and emotional intelligence—can make a powerful statement. "Polly" is a quintessential grunge song, yet it defies many rock conventions, including the absence of a blazing guitar solo. The song proves that sometimes, restraint can make the strongest impact. This is a valuable lesson for guitarists—sometimes the notes you don't play are just as important as the ones you do. Sam Bell will break down all the notes for you in this exclusive Lick Library lesson.