Are Nirvana Songs Easy to Play? (Recommendations And Chords Explained)

From their early days, the Seattle-based trio Nirvana had a cult following. In the early 1990s, their unique combination of punk energy, unadulterated emotion, and authenticity completely changed the music industry. Because Nirvana is such a significant cultural icon, aspiring musicians who are drawn to the band’s gritty sound frequently wonder whether their songs are easy to play.

With hits like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come As You Are,” Nirvana’s discography is a great way to discover the murky area between emotion and songwriting. So today we’ll explore how easy are Nirvana’s songs to play on a guitar. In the process give you a little history lesson on each of the songs we’ve picked for you.

Summary: Are Nirvana Songs Easy To Play?

A lot of youngsters love the barre chords as they are comparatively easier to play. Surprisingly, a lot of Nirvana compositions come with barre chords. We can consider them as a easy to start with songs.

Here are 10 easy-to-play Nirvana songs for beginners:

• Come as You Are
• Smells Like Teen Spirit
• Lithium
• About a Girl
• Polly
• Breed
• Territorial Pissings
• Something in the Way
• Sappy
• Drain You

10 Nirvana Songs Easy To Play For Beginners

Nirvana’s music may seem complex. However, many of their songs use fairly simple chord progressions. Their song list are perfect for beginner guitarists. Here are 10 Nirvana songs you can try out for their simple yet powerful chord progressions:

1. Come as You Are

Come as You Are is a classic grunge anthem that’s pretty simple to play. It was released in 1991 as the second single from their album “Nevermind.” It was written by the man himself, Kurt Cobain.

How To Play

Start by tuning your guitar to standard tuning. The original recording is tuned down to a whole step to D standard tuning (DGCFAD).

The main riff is played on the low E string. Here’s how it goes:

• Play the open low E string twice.
• Then play the first fret and the second fret.
• Use your first finger for the first fret and your second finger for the second fret.
• Next, pick the open A string followed by the second fret of the low E string, repeating this pattern.
• Then play the second fret of the A string, followed by the open D string and the second fret of the D string.
• Place your finger on the second fret of the A string again, then pick the open low E string twice, and finish by playing the second fret of the A string again.

There are two main chord shapes used in the song:

• F#5: First finger on the second fret of the low E string and ring finger on the fourth fret of the A string. Mute the D string and strum from the low E string.
• A5: Simply place your first finger on the second fret of the D string and strum from the A string.

The ending riff is played on the B string.

• Start on the sixth fret, then move to the ninth fret, and finally to the eleventh fret.
• Slide back down to the sixth fret and repeat.
• There is a variation in the third time the riff is repeated. Bend of the eleventh fret until it matches the pitch of the thirteenth fret. You can add a fourth finger on the twelfth fret of the B string to add a twist.

1. Smells Like Teen Spirit

Smells Like Teen Spirit is another masterpiece known for its iconic opening riff. Simply, the majority of the song sticks to a simple three-chord structure that you can master with some practice.

How To Play

In standard tuning, the main chords used in the song are power chords. You need to mute the other strings with your index finger. Repeat this process for the other chords:

• Move the F power chord shape down a string for the C power chord.
• Place your index finger on the first fret of the A string and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string for the B♭ power chord.
• Shift the same shape up to the fourth fret of the low E string for the A♭ power chord.

The song follows a down-up-down pattern followed by muted strums. After each chord change, perform a down-up-down strum and then mute the strings with your fretting hand.t

Once you master the chords you can add effects like distortion, or vibrato to match the song’s tone. Create a moody guitar effect by covering the first fret of the B and high E strings and hitting those strings alternately.

1. Lithium

Lithium was released in 1991 on the album Nevermind. While Nirvana is known for signature heavy riffs, Lithium takes a more melodic approach, featuring an arrangement of open chords.

How To Play

Start by tuning your guitar down one whole step

Chords

• Start with an E power chord: Open E string and second fret on the A string.
• Transition to a G♯ power chord: Fourth fret on the low E string.
• Move to a C♯ power chord: Fourth fret on the A string.
• Play an A power chord: Fifth fret on the low E string.
• Follow with a C power chord: Third fret on the A string.
• Lastly, play a D power chord: Fifth fret on the A string, then second fret, and back to the fifth fret.
• Use a distortion pedal, such as the Big Muff, to add grunge to your sound.
• Play the same power chords as in the main chord structure but with a distorted tone for a heavier sound.

For the Bridge

• Play an A power chord followed by an open strum resembling a G chord.
• Repeat the chord progression for the bridge section, maintaining the song’s momentum.
• End the bridge with a D power chord followed by a descending riff on the A string.

1. About a Girl

Released in 1989 on Nirvana’s debut album Bleach, About a Girl is a raw and honest exploration of teenage yearning.

For this song, you need the guitar in standard tuning. The unplugged version of the song is in flat tuning whereas the original recording is in regular tuning.

Chords:

• Start with an E minor chord.
• Transition to a G chord preferably played as a G power chord.
• These simple chords make it an excellent song for beginners to learn.

The strumming pattern follows a down-down-down-down-up pattern. Additionally, on the upstroke, open your hand slightly, especially when transitioning to the G chord.

For the verse, play the E minor chord followed by the G chord. The bridge changes it up in the following pattern:

• Switch to a C♯ major chord shape.
• Follow the bassline, incorporating the fourth fret of the low E string while holding the chord shape.
• For the F♯ major chord, use the same shape as the C♯ major, but move it up two frets.
• Kurt Cobain often used power chords with the same shape.

1. Polly

Polly is a complex song that explores themes of violence and abuse. Despite its disturbing subject matter, the song remains powerful to this day. This song is another great choice for beginner guitarists to practice open chords.

How To Play

This song is played in standard tuning whereas the unplugged version is played in E flat tuning. The chords are:

• E power chord: Played by covering the second fret of the A and D strings with your index finger.
• G power chord: Place your index finger on the third fret of the low E string, your ring finger on the fifth fret of the A string, and your pinky on the fifth fret of the D string.
• D power chord: Place your index finger on the fifth fret of the A string, your ring finger on the seventh fret of the D string, and your pinky on the seventh fret of the G string.
• B Flat: Play the top three strings on the first fret (A, D, and G strings)

The song has a down-down-down-down-up strumming pattern. Alternatively, you can also use barre chords in the chorus.

1. Breed

Breed is an aggressive track released in 1991 on the album Nevermind. Apart from the song itself, it is famous for its iconic solo.

How to Play

Tune your guitar to half-step down for this. The chords used in the song are:

• F sharp: Place your index finger on the second fret of the low E string, your ring finger on the fourth fret of the A string, and your pinky on the fourth fret of the D string. Lift your index finger occasionally to let the open E string ring out.
• E Sharp: Slide this power chord up to the fifth fret, maintaining the same finger positioning.
• A Sharp: Barre the ninth fret and use your ring finger to press down the eleventh fret on the D, G, and B strings. This creates a fuller chord sound, including the B string if possible.
• Incorporate aggressive vibrato on the tenth fret of the D string.
• D power chord: Play the open D string, the second fret of the G string, and the third fret of the B string.
• A power chord: Play the open A string and the second fret of the D and G strings.
• C power chord: Place your index finger on the third fret of the A string and your ring finger on the fifth fret of the D string.

The song has a down-strumming motion for most of the song. You can use a vibrato technique on the tenth fret of the D string to add intensity to the sound.

1. Territorial Pissings

Territorial Pissings is a high-octane anthem with a thumping rhythm. It was released in 1991 on “Nevermind,” and quickly became a mosh pit favorite.

How to Play

The intro consists of a series of notes played on the B, G, and D strings. The intro is played on the 12th fret on the B string, the 11th fret on the G string, and the 10th fret on the D string.

The main chord progression is :

• E power chord: Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the A string, your ring finger on the 9th fret of the D string, and your pinky on the 9th fret of the G string. Occasionally add the 7th fret of the G string (sus4) for variation.
• F barre chord: Barre the 8th fret and use your other fingers to fret the 10th fret on the D, G, and B strings.
• D barre chord: Move the same shape down to the 5th fret.
• Use alternate strumming to play the chords with intensity.

As the song builds up, use your palm to muting the string slightly. The song has a down-up strumming pattern with palm muting, followed by a big staccato hit. Additionally you can use an OCD pedal for distortions.

1. Something in the Way

Something in the Way stands out from their typical grunge sound. Released in 1991 on “Nevermind,” the song features introspective lyrics with a softer sound for a change

How to play

Tune your guitar to drop D tuning, but then down a whole step.

The main chords used are F# and D. Form this chord by placing your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string and your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Do not play the high E string or the tuned-down D string. Strum the top three strings (tuned to C#, G, and C) on the 4th fret. The strumming pattern is down, down, down, down, up, down.

For the chorus, add the G chord by placing your fingers on the 2nd fret of the G string and the 3rd fret of the B string. Then move to the 4th fret on the D string.

1. Sappy

Sappy is a ballad that showcases a softer side to the band. While it was not as commercially successful as some of their other tracks, Sappy remains a favorite among fans who appreciate its raw emotion and vulnerability.

How To Play

Tune your guitar down a half step. There are two main chord progressions in the song.

• D Sus2
• Bb major
• G major
• A major.

The solo starts with a pentatonic scale  pattern, beginning on the 3rd fret of the A string with hammer-ons, slides, and bends. The solo includes a descending scale pattern on the D string, starting at the 12th fret and moving down to the 4th fret. Use slides between each fret and careful attention to half-step bends.

1. 10.Drain You

Drain You is another high-energy anthem that perfectly embodies the band’s signature grunge sound. However, beneath the grungy exterior lies a surprising twist.

How To Play

Tune your guitar down a whole step (two frets lower than standard tuning).

The main riff is:

• Start with a power chord shape on the second fret of the A string, using your index finger on the second fret of the A string and your ring finger barring the fourth fret on the D and G strings.
• Strum the power chord rhythmically: down, down, up, down, up, etc.
• Then transition to the sixth fret on the A string, maintaining the same power chord shape.
• Next, play the fourth fret on the low E string, followed by the fourth fret on the A string, transitioning smoothly between them.

Alternate Section

• E power chord
• C# power chord
• You can choose to play a full A major chord shape or mute the G string and play just the power chord.

Bridge

• During the bridge, play a G# power chord on the fourth fret of the low E string, using palm muting for a chugging effect.
• Experiment with feedback and noise to create a psychedelic and noisy atmosphere.
• Eventually, return to the main riff and repeat the song structure.

Get Started With Nirvana Songs Today!

So there you have it, these are the top 10 Nirvana songs that you try your hand at picking up. Almost all of them are straightforward to play once you change up the guitar’s tuning. Although they were not in the industry for long, they have had a huge impact with their music on the world!