Learn To Play Nirvana

Guitars Lessons by Danny Gill

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Guitar Lesson Course Overview

For guitarists of all skill levels, Nirvana stands as an iconic band to delve into, both for its memorable riffs and its rich historical context within rock music. LickLibrary's "Learn to Play Nirvana" collection is the definitive guide for those seeking to master the guitar techniques that elevated the band to legendary status. Get ready to learn five Nirvana classics with tutor Danny Gill.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Lithium

Come As You Are

Heart Shaped Box

Man Who Sold The World

Lesson Performance Notes

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Often cited as the anthem for a generation, this song's raw power emerges from its grunge tones and impactful dynamics. The guitar part employs power chords, percussive muted strumming, and a distorted tone. A major scale forms the foundation, but it's the song's rhythmic integrity and powerful dynamics that stand out.

Lithium

Characterized by its oscillation between quiet verses and explosive choruses, "Lithium" leverages chord progressions that are both hauntingly melodic and impactful. The guitar rhythm uses a mix of open chords and power chords, giving a unique contrast between sections. Dive into the bridge and discover its delightful arpeggios.

Come As You Are

Arguably one of the most memorable riffs in rock history, "Come As You Are" is underpinned by a descending chromatic scale. The eerie, chorus-laden guitar tone and its hypnotic riff make this song a must-learn. The guitar solo is melodic, leaning into the song's main themes, with a subtle use of string bending and vibrato.

Heart Shaped Box

This song is a testament to the genius of Kurt Cobain's ability to craft melodic guitar parts with depth. The verses are played with clean arpeggiated chord progressions, giving way to heavy, distorted choruses using power chords. The solo is melodically rich, with slow bends and deliberate phrasing, making it a lesson in restrained musicality.

Man Who Sold The World

A David Bowie cover that Nirvana made their own in their MTV Unplugged session. The cyclic, haunting riff employs a mix of scales, adding a mysterious aura to the song. The lead parts, especially in the chorus, make use of double stops and subtle vibrato to enhance the song's emotional depth.

Kurt Cobain: The Enigmatic Guitarist

Nirvana's lead guitarist, Kurt Cobain, is often praised more for his songwriting than his technical guitar proficiency. However, his contribution to rock guitar cannot be understated. Cobain had an innate ability to merge simplicity with emotion, often using minimalistic riffs and melodies that stayed with the listener. His approach to solos was less about showing off technical prowess and more about adding another voice to the song, often echoing the song's main melody or theme. This philosophy made Nirvana's songs accessible to guitarists of all levels, while also offering layers of depth for those seeking to delve deeper.

Key Guitar Techniques in Nirvana's Songs:

Diving into LickLibrary's "Learn to Play Nirvana" not only gives guitarists the tools to play these iconic songs but offers a deep dive into the nuances that made Nirvana's guitar parts so timeless. Whether you're a beginner just starting on your guitar journey or a seasoned player seeking to add these classics to your repertoire, this collection is the ultimate resource. Embark on a journey through rock history, and emerge with newfound skills, appreciation, and understanding of what made Nirvana's guitar work so influential and enduring.

Features multi-angle high quality video lessons

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Technical Details

  • Code

    RDR0038

  • Artist

    Nirvana

  • Media

    Online Stream, Download, DVD

  • Media format

    PAL Only

  • Genre

    Rock, Alternative

  • Skill level

    Suitable For All

  • EIN No

    5060088820421

  • TAB NOT Included

  • NB: If purchasing as 'DVD', please ensure that your DVD player fully supports the 'Media format' (PAL Only) that this product is available in, as indicated above.

Frequently added to order

Nirvana - Backing Tracks

Five backing tracks to some classic Nirvana tunes including Smells Like Teen Spirit, Lithium, Come As You Are, Heart Shaped Box, Man Who Sold The World.

SAVE MONEY - add this backing track to your basket and get it for JUST US$9.24

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Danny Gill

Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...

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