The Man Who Sold The World by Nirvana

"The Man Who Sold The World" by Nirvana is a hauntingly beautiful song that has captivated audiences for decades. Originally written and performed by David Bowie, Nirvana’s cover brought a grungy yet melodic reinterpretation to this classic during their iconic MTV Unplugged session. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson captures the essence of this unforgettable performance, delving deep into the techniques and stylistic nuances that make this version so compelling. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Kurt Cobain and His Influence

Nirvana’s version of "The Man Who Sold The World" showcases the artistry of Kurt Cobain. Known for his raw, emotive playing style, Cobain’s approach to guitar often emphasised feel over technical perfection. His ability to balance simplicity with profound expressiveness influenced countless guitarists worldwide. By studying this track, you gain insight into Cobain’s minimalist yet powerful technique, which resonates deeply in this performance.

Techniques Featured in the Lesson

Our comprehensive lesson focuses on the key techniques that define the sound and texture of Nirvana's rendition of "The Man Who Sold The World." Each technique is broken down step-by-step, making it accessible for players of all levels.

Chord Progressions

This song features distinctive chord progressions that alternate between major and minor tonalities, adding an air of melancholy to the track. Mastering these progressions helps improve your understanding of song structure and the emotional impact of chord transitions. Learn more about chord progressions.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro and verses prominently feature arpeggiated chord progressions, where each note of the chord is played individually. This technique creates a rich, layered sound that is both melodic and rhythmic. Practicing arpeggios enhances finger dexterity and coordination. Learn more about arpeggiated chord progressions.

Slides

Cobain's use of slides between notes and chords adds a fluid, expressive quality to the playing. Learning slides can improve your fretboard navigation and help you achieve a smoother, more connected sound. Learn more about slides.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs brings a dynamic, flowing texture to the melody lines. These techniques are essential for creating a natural, legato feel. Learn more about hammer-ons and pull-offs.

String Bending

Cobain subtly employs string bending to add expressive flair to his lead parts. String bending allows you to create vocal-like phrases, adding emotion and personality to your playing. Learn more about string bending.

Vibrato

The tasteful application of vibrato in the song’s lead lines contributes to its emotional depth. Vibrato enhances sustain and expression, making your notes sing with character. Learn more about vibrato.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering the techniques in this lesson, you not only replicate Nirvana’s stunning rendition but also build a versatile skill set that can be applied across various genres. From enhancing your rhythm skills with intricate chord progressions to developing lead-playing nuances through slides and bends, this song offers a comprehensive learning experience.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

Here’s a list of all the techniques featured in our lesson on "The Man Who Sold The World," with links for further learning:

1. Chord Progressions
2. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
3. Slides
4. Hammer-Ons
5. Pull-Offs
6. String Bending
7. Vibrato

Dive into our detailed lesson today and experience the joy of playing one of Nirvana’s most iconic performances note-for-note!