Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana
- Starts on
- Low E string, open
- This excerpt
- Intro riff
- Strings used
- Low E, A
- Written in
- E (open strings)
The tab
Tab is short for tablature: a picture of the strings. Numbers are frets. 0 means play the string open.
Computer notes — not the original recording.
E then A
A
2nd thickest
Low E
thickest string
G then C
A
2nd thickest
Low E
thickest string
Rhythm in words
Dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun. Four E, four A, four G, four C.
How to play this
- 1Four short opens on Low E, four short opens on A.
- 2Then four 3s on Low E, four 3s on A.
- 3Keep them crunchy and even — like a chant.
Practice slowly
This is a one-note version of the power-chord riff. Original key just moves everything up one fret. Start with Hear the notes at full speed or slower, then copy on the guitar. If a note buzzes, press a little closer to the fret wire — not in the middle of the space.
This arrangement is a simplified educational excerpt for learning. Playback is a computer playing the tab notes, not the original recording. It is not a full transcription and is not affiliated with Nirvana.