Smells Like Teen Spirit - Riff by Nirvana - Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson

Our Smells Like Teen Spirit - Riff by Nirvana guitar lesson on LickLibrary.com delivers a comprehensive, note-for-note breakdown of one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history. This lesson dives into the foundational techniques that define this legendary riff, including power chords and string muting. Each technique is carefully explained and demonstrated, enabling guitarists to recreate Kurt Cobain’s powerful style while building key skills that are essential for rhythm playing in rock and grunge. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

Power chords are central to Smells Like Teen Spirit, giving the riff its distinctive, driving sound. Power chords are typically made up of only the root and fifth notes, which create a full-bodied, resonant tone without major or minor tonalities. Cobain’s use of power chords in this track provides the riff with both weight and simplicity, making it instantly recognizable and impactful.

For guitarists, mastering power chords is essential for creating a powerful rhythm foundation. Power chords are widely used in rock, punk, and metal music to add depth and strength to the sound. Practicing this technique helps guitarists develop finger strength, coordination, and speed, enabling them to navigate between chord shapes with ease. Power chords are foundational for rhythm guitar, and mastering them can expand a player’s ability to create solid, driving riffs that are both simple and effective.

String Muting

String muting is another defining element in Smells Like Teen Spirit, adding a sharp, percussive quality to the riff. Cobain uses string muting to create a rhythmic, staccato effect between power chords, which adds intensity and groove to the riff. This technique involves using the picking hand to lightly mute the strings, resulting in a “chugging” sound that keeps the rhythm tight and powerful.

For guitarists, learning string muting enhances control, timing, and rhythmic precision. String muting is commonly used in rock, grunge, and metal music to add a percussive element to riffs and solos, creating a more controlled, dynamic sound. Practicing string muting allows players to build stronger rhythm skills, enabling them to add emphasis, timing, and variety to their rhythm playing. Mastering string muting also helps guitarists control feedback and unwanted noise, which is especially useful when playing at high volume levels.

About Kurt Cobain and His Influence

Kurt Cobain, Nirvana’s frontman and guitarist, revolutionized rock music in the early 1990s with his raw, straightforward playing style and unmistakable sound. The riff of Smells Like Teen Spirit is one of his most iconic creations, blending power chords with string muting to produce a gritty, intense sound that became synonymous with the grunge movement. Cobain’s influence on music and guitar playing is monumental, and his approach to riffs and rhythm playing has inspired countless guitarists to explore simplicity, emotion, and raw power in their own playing. Learning Smells Like Teen Spirit provides guitarists with a deep understanding of Cobain’s style, which emphasizes expressive, energetic rhythm playing over complex solos.

Guitar Techniques in Smells Like Teen Spirit - Riff by Nirvana

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting