Many people overlook that Kurt Cobain, though not a technical guitar expert, was an amazing musician who knew that great songs aren’t about flashy guitar skills. Cobain had a unique style, and what mattered most was how his guitar solos fit the song. In that way, he was exceptional, and there’s no denying just how iconic he was in the world of music. Below are his top ten guitar solos.
In Bloom:
“In Bloom” originally began as a fast and aggressive song inspired by the Bad Brains, but Cobain later reworked it into its slower, more familiar version.
Like many tracks on Nevermind, “In Bloom” expertly uses dynamics. The soft verses, with their clean, chordal guitar work, contrast sharply with the album’s loudest and most intense moments in the chorus. The verses are recorded with a Mesa/Boogie amp for clarity, while the chorus features Cobain playing through a cranked Fender Bassman, creating a massive sound.
Sappy:
”Sappy” was first released as a hidden track on the AIDS-benefit compilation album, No Alternative, in October 1993.
The song, originally released under the title “Verse Chorus Verse,” is now more commonly known as “Sappy” to avoid confusion with another abandoned Nirvana track that shares the same title. The earliest known version of the song is a solo home demo recorded by Kurt Cobain in the late 1980s. After undergoing several changes, the 1993 version best captures the essence of the guitar solo.
School:
“School” is a fan favorite that captures teenage frustration with the school system. Its raw energy and themes of boredom, conformity, and rebellion have resonated with generations of listeners, making it a signature Nirvana track.
Serve the Servants:
“Serve the Servants” is the opening track on Nirvana’s final studio album, In Utero (1993). Written by Kurt Cobain, the song reflects on his childhood and the media scrutiny surrounding his relationship with his wife, Courtney Love.
Blew:
“Blew” also opens Nirvana’s debut album, Bleach. While Kurt Cobain wasn’t particularly fond of guitar solos, the one at the end of “Blew” stands out as one of his best and it’s not really hard to see why.
About a Girl:
“About a Girl” is a track from Nirvana’s debut album, Bleach, and it also appears as the first song on their posthumous album MTV Unplugged in New York, from which it was released as a single in 1994.
According to the 1993 biography Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain wrote “About a Girl” after spending an entire afternoon listening to Meet the Beatles! repeatedly. The song is about his then-girlfriend Tracy Marander and showcases Cobain’s impressive guitar solo skills.
Smells Like Teen Spirit:
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” was the song that catapulted Nirvana and grunge into the mainstream. As a statement of intent from both Kurt Cobain as a songwriter and a guitarist, it’s truly remarkable. The iconic four-chord riff and the dramatic dynamics of the verse slowdown create a perfect blend of pop, hard rock, and punk. It’s widely regarded as one of the most important songs ever written.
Pennyroyal Tea:
It is the ninth track on Nirvana’s third and final studio album, In Utero, released in September 1993.
The song’s title refers to pennyroyal tea, an herbal remedy made from the leaves of the Mentha pulegium plant. In traditional medicine, pennyroyal has been used for various purposes, including as an abortifacient. Cobain’s guitar solo in this track sets it apart from the rest in a big way.
Come As You Are:
“Come As You Are” might be Nirvana’s most impactful and enduring moment, with Kurt Cobain’s use of the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone pedal giving the track a distinctive, woozy feel, especially in the iconic intro riff. That riff is as timeless as it is catchy.
Heart Shaped Box:
It’s the third track on Nirvana’s final studio album, In Utero. The effects , to the simplicity of its power truly elevated Kurt Cobain’s guitar solo and it stands as arguably the greatest solo by the late singer.
