"Territorial Pissings" by Nirvana: Guitar Lesson

Introduction

"Territorial Pissings" is a hard-hitting, ear-pounding track from Nirvana's second album, "Nevermind," released in 1991. The song reflects the essence of grunge with its raw energy, powerful riffs, and emotionally charged vocals. While the music might sound chaotic, it’s actually calculated chaos. This is especially true when you look at the lead guitarist, Kurt Cobain, and how he crafts the guitar work for this song. Lick Library tutor, Sam Bell, breaks it down.

Chords and Scales

The backbone of the song is supported by simple but effective power chords. These are primarily rooted in the key of A major, but what's more interesting is how these power chords interplay with the overall dissonant, almost punk-like texture of the track. The chords generally used are A5, D5, and F#5, which offers a basic but potent 1-4-6 progression in the key of A. The simplicity of the chord progression makes it incredibly accessible for novice guitarists but also leaves a lot of room for dynamics and expressive playing.

Lead Guitar and Solo Analysis

Kurt Cobain, the lead guitarist, did not follow the norms set by earlier rock gods who prided themselves on flashy solos. Instead, Cobain focuses on creating a cacophony that serves the song's thematic elements. There is no conventional solo in "Territorial Pissings," but Cobain's approach to lead lines, often playing fragments of melodies that are texturally dense, adds an incredible amount of depth to the overall composition.

Cobain often implements dissonance as a part of his lead arsenal. Whether it's the scraping of the pick against the strings to create an abrasive, textured sound or deliberately choosing notes that contrast the supporting chords, Cobain used dissonance as a powerful tool to communicate his angst. Unlike a lot of rock or metal guitarists who rely heavily on modes like Phrygian or Dorian for solos, Cobain stays rooted in the basic pentatonic scale. It’s all about how you use it, and Cobain uses it to its fullest.

Kurt Cobain’s Playing Style

Kurt Cobain was a master of bringing out big sounds from minimal gear and technical setups. Using a left-handed Fender Stratocaster and a simple array of pedals, Cobain could produce a wall of sound that was as emotionally captivating as it was technically fascinating. His playing in "Territorial Pissings" epitomises his approach to guitar — less is more. Every strum, every muted note, and even the feedback that often rings out in the empty spaces, serve a purpose. He was not just playing the guitar; he was emoting through it.

For those looking to emulate Cobain's style in this song, don't search for complexity. Instead, focus on timing, dynamics, and the emotional payload that each note can deliver.

Techniques Used in the Song

Now let's look at some of the techniques used by Cobain in "Territorial Pissings":

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions
• Harmonics
• Slides

Note that while Cobain's style is not noted for excessive use of flashy techniques, the sheer intensity and emotional depth in his playing make each of these techniques incredibly impactful.

In conclusion, "Territorial Pissings" is a great study of how powerful a simple arrangement can be when executed with sheer emotional drive and a deep understanding of dynamics and texture. From the basic power chords to the piercing harmonics and the intuitive use of palm muting, Cobain made each technique serve the song rather than showcasing his own prowess. The result is a timeless piece that continues to influence guitarists around the world.