If you want to learn the iconic smells like teen spirit chords and capture the raw energy of Nirvana’s riff, this guide will take you from the first power chord to a confident performance. I’ll share practical chord shapes, a blunt but musical approach to tone and dynamics, a play-along practice plan, and troubleshooting tips based on years of teaching beginner-to-intermediate players.
Quick overview: what you’ll learn
- Essential chord shapes and the opening riff (tab included)
- How to dial the right tone with modest gear
- Strumming, dynamics, and Kurt Cobain’s aggressive feel
- Simplified versions for beginners and voicings for experienced players
- A step-by-step practice plan to sound like the original recording
Why these chords work
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is built around a sequence of deceptively simple power chords (fifth chords) and an instantly recognizable rhythmic pattern. Cobain’s power-chord approach prioritizes attitude and dynamics over technical complexity. The four-chord progression moves through a gritty, anthem-like motion that is both singable and punchy. Learning how to play these smells like teen spirit chords lets you understand the songwriting economy that defined much of grunge.
Gear & tone — what you really need
You don’t need high-end equipment to capture the song’s essence. Kurt used a relatively straightforward setup: a Fender-like guitar, bright single-coil-ish tone, and a crunchy amp sound. Here’s how to approximate it:
- Guitar: Solid-body electric (single-coil or humbucker works).
- Amp: Tube or solid-state with a drive channel. Keep the EQ slightly scooped — mid presence is still important to cut through.
- Gain: Moderate to high distortion. Not metal saturated — retain attack and definition.
- Effects: Minimal; maybe a little chorus or reverb on the cleaner parts, but the riff is mostly dry and aggressive.
Core chords (power chords) — shapes and fingerings
The backbone of the song is a sequence of power chords. Here’s how to form them on a standard-tuned guitar (E A D G B E):
- F5 — 1st fret (low E string): index finger on 1st fret (E string), ring finger on 3rd fret (A string), optionally pinky on 3rd fret (D string) for fuller voicing.
- Bb5 — 1st fret (A string): index on 1st fret (A string), ring on 3rd fret (D string), pinky on 3rd fret (G string).
- Ab5 (G#5) — 4th fret (E string) or 1st fret on low E moved up — common voicing: index on 4th fret (E), ring on 6th fret (A), pinky on 6th fret (D).
- Db5 (C#5) — 4th fret (A string): index on 4th fret (A), ring on 6th fret (D), pinky on 6th fret (G).
The opening riff — tab and explanation
The famous opening is strummed power chords with a specific palm-muted to open dynamic. Below is a compact version of the riff you can practice slowly, then speed up to match the original tempo. Use heavy downstrokes and release palm mute on the held chords to get the ringing quality.
Riff (simple power-chord strum)
e|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
G|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
D|-3---3---6---6--|-1---1---1---1--|-3---3---6---6--|-1---1---1---1--|
A|-3---3---6---6--|-1---1---1---1--|-3---3---6---6--|-1---1---1---1--|
E|-1---1---4---4--|----------------|-1---1---4---4--|----------------|
F F G# G# Bb Bb Bb Bb F F G# G# Bb Bb Bb Bb
Timing notes: Each chord here is typically played as a strong downstroke, with two quick palm-muted hits before releasing into a ringing chord during the chorus-like sections. The original record has a push-and-pull feel; count it as 1-&-2-& to lock the rhythm.
Strumming, dynamics and feel
Playing the chords cleanly is only half the battle. The other half is how you attack them:
- Use heavy downstrokes for an aggressive feel. You can intersperse upstrokes to prepare the next chord, but Cobain favored brute force.
- Palm-mute the strings on rhythmic chugs, then release for open ringing chords. This creates the loud/soft contrast that drives the song.
- Accent the downbeat of measures 1 and 3 slightly differently to mimic Cobain’s feel — not perfectly metronomic, but intentionally raw.
Simplified beginner version
If barre or full power chords are hard at first, use single-string root notes combined with open fifths or moveable two-string power-chord shapes on the lower strings:
- Play single-note roots on E and A strings: F (1st fret low E), G# (4th fret low E), Bb (1st fret A string), C# (4th fret A string).
- Focus on rhythm and palm mute to emulate the feel; accuracy matters more than the full chord for early practice.
Advanced voicings and alternate tunings
While the original uses standard tuning, you can spice the arrangement with triads and suspended voicings for live or acoustic covers. Try adding octave doubles on higher strings or open-string drone notes for a jangly contrast during quieter sections. For a faithful electric cover, the power-chord approach remains best.
Practice plan — 4 weeks to a confident riff
- Week 1: Master the chord shapes (10–15 minutes daily). Focus on clean transitions between F5, Bb5, G#5, and C#5.
- Week 2: Add the riff timing and palm-mute technique. Practice with a metronome at 70% of target tempo.
- Week 3: Introduce distortion and amp settings, mimic the recorded tone, and practice full playthroughs with dynamic contrast.
- Week 4: Play along with the recording or a backing track; focus on capturing the attitude and small timing nuances.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Muted strings when you don’t mean to — ensure thumb placement behind the neck and arch your fingers to avoid touching adjacent strings.
- Over-saturation of distortion — too much gain loses note clarity. Roll back gain and add preamp drive or use a boost for solos.
- Lack of dynamic contrast — don’t play everything at the same volume. Emphasize soft verses and loud choruses.
Play-along resources
Use slow-down apps or DAW features to practice the riff at reduced tempo. Also, try the official audio so you can internalize the feel. For online quick reference and community tabs, you can check this link: smells like teen spirit chords. I recommend using a tuner and a metronome while practicing.
Translating the studio version to a live or acoustic setting
On acoustic guitar, emphasize dynamics and rhythmic drive: use percussive palm mutes and let ringing chords breathe. If you’re a solo performer, alternate between crunchy electric verses and open acoustic choruses to keep interest.
How I learned the song (personal note)
I remember first learning the smells like teen spirit chords in a garage, tuned to standard and using a beat-up amp that added its own character. The turning point for me wasn’t speed — it was learning to relax into the heavy downstrokes and to control the release from palm mute. That small change made the riff feel alive; suddenly the dynamics were singing where before everything sounded flat. That’s the same experience many students report when they focus on feel rather than flawless speed.
FAQ
Q: Are these chords played with a capo?
A: No. The original recording is in standard tuning without a capo. Using a capo will change the timbre; you can experiment for vocal range but it’s not necessary for the riff.
Q: Do I need a specific pick?
A: A medium to heavy pick helps with aggressive downstrokes. Many players prefer a thicker pick for more attack and less flex.
Q: Can I use an amp modeler or plugin?
A: Absolutely. Modern amp modelers can recreate the crunchy, mid-forward tone. Aim for an amp model with a bright top end and moderate gain; roll back the tone if it becomes harsh.
Where to go next
Once you’re comfortable with the main riff and chords, try transcribing Cobain’s vocal phrasing and playing along to understand how the guitar and voice weave together. For comparison and further practice material, here’s another reference: smells like teen spirit chords. Use it sparingly as a guide while you develop your own feel.
Closing thoughts
Mastering the smells like teen spirit chords is less about perfect technique and more about capturing contrast, attitude, and rawness. Start slow, focus on dynamics, and use the practice plan above. With consistent daily practice and attention to tone, you’ll move from learning the shapes to delivering a convincing, emotionally charged performance.
If you want, tell me your current skill level and gear and I’ll give a customized practice schedule and tone settings to match your setup.
