How to Play Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” on Guitar is a comprehensive guide to playing this iconic song. It provides detailed instructions, helpful tips, and background information on the song and its significance.
Learning to play “Come As You Are” is a great way to improve your guitar skills and expand your musical repertoire. The song’s simple yet catchy melody and driving rhythm make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced guitarists.
This guide includes:
- A step-by-step breakdown of the song’s intro, verse, chorus, and bridge.
- Detailed instructions on how to play the song’s signature guitar riff.
- Tips on how to achieve the song’s unique sound.
- Background information on the song’s history and its impact on popular culture.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this guide will help you learn to play “Come As You Are” on guitar. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master this classic song and impress your friends and family.
1. Tuning
The tuning of your guitar is an important part of playing “Come As You Are” correctly. The song is played in the key of D, which means that the notes in the song are based on the D major scale. If your guitar is not tuned to the correct key, the song will sound out of tune and the chords will not sound right.
To tune your guitar down two half steps, you will need to use a guitar tuner or an online tuning tool. Once you have tuned your guitar, you can start practicing the song.
Tuning your guitar correctly is essential for playing any song, but it is especially important for playing “Come As You Are.” The song’s distinctive sound is based on the use of open chords, which are chords that are played without fretting any strings. If your guitar is not tuned correctly, the open chords will not sound right and the song will not sound as it should.
2. Chords
The chords used in “Come As You Are” are relatively simple, which makes the song accessible to beginner guitarists. The D, A, and G chords are all open chords, which means that they can be played without fretting any strings. This makes them easy to play and easy to transition between.
- The D chord is the most important chord in the song. It is used in the intro, the verse, and the chorus. The D chord is played by placing your index finger on the second fret of the low E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string.
- The A chord is used in the verse and the chorus. It is played by placing your index finger on the second fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string.
- The G chord is used in the chorus and the bridge. It is played by placing your index finger on the third fret of the low E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string.
Once you have mastered these three chords, you will be able to play the basic rhythm of “Come As You Are.” The strumming pattern is simple, and it is easy to follow along with the song.
3. Riff
The signature riff of “Come As You Are” is one of the most iconic and recognizable riffs in rock music. It is a simple riff, but it is very effective, and it sets the tone for the entire song. The riff is played on the low E string, and it consists of a series of power chords and open strings.
- The riff is based on a simple descending chromatic scale. The notes in the riff move down the chromatic scale, from the 7th fret to the 2nd fret on the low E string. This descending chromatic scale creates a sense of tension and anticipation, which is released when the riff resolves on the open E string.
- The riff uses power chords and open strings. Power chords are chords that are played using only the root note and the fifth note of the scale. Open strings are strings that are not fretted, and they produce a resonant, ringing sound. The use of power chords and open strings gives the riff a heavy, distorted sound.
- The riff is played with a palm-muted technique. Palm muting is a technique that involves muting the strings with the palm of your picking hand. This technique gives the riff a percussive, staccato sound.
- The riff is repeated throughout the song. The riff is repeated throughout the song, and it provides a foundation for the vocals and the other instruments. The repetition of the riff helps to create a sense of unity and cohesion in the song.
The signature riff of “Come As You Are” is a simple, yet effective riff that has become one of the most iconic riffs in rock music. The riff is based on a descending chromatic scale, and it uses power chords and open strings to create a heavy, distorted sound. The riff is played with a palm-muted technique, and it is repeated throughout the song to create a sense of unity and cohesion.
4. Strumming
The strumming pattern used in “Come As You Are” is a simple down-up motion, but it is essential for capturing the song’s distinctive groove. The down-up motion creates a driving rhythm that propels the song forward and gives it its energy.
- The downstroke is played on the downbeat of the measure. The downstroke is the most important part of the strumming pattern, as it provides the foundation for the rhythm. The downstroke should be played with a strong, even motion.
- The upstroke is played on the upbeat of the measure. The upstroke is a lighter stroke that helps to create a sense of movement and momentum. The upstroke should be played with a relaxed motion, and it should not be as strong as the downstroke.
- The strumming pattern is repeated throughout the song. The down-up strumming pattern is repeated throughout the song, except for the bridge section. The repetition of the strumming pattern helps to create a sense of unity and cohesion in the song.
- The strumming pattern can be varied to create different effects. While the down-up strumming pattern is the most common strumming pattern used in “Come As You Are,” it is possible to vary the strumming pattern to create different effects. For example, you could play a down-down-up strumming pattern to create a more aggressive sound, or you could play a down-up-down-up strumming pattern to create a more syncopated sound.
The strumming pattern used in “Come As You Are” is a simple, yet effective way to create a driving rhythm and give the song its characteristic groove. By mastering the strumming pattern, you will be able to play the song with confidence and authenticity.
5. Solo
The guitar solo in “Come As You Are” is a short, but memorable part of the song. It is played during the bridge section, and it provides a nice contrast to the rest of the song. The solo is not difficult to play, but it requires some practice to get it up to speed.
The solo is based on a simple melodic line that is played over a series of power chords. The power chords provide a solid foundation for the solo, and they help to create a sense of tension and release. The melodic line is played using a combination of legato and staccato techniques. Legato is a technique where the notes are played smoothly and connected, while staccato is a technique where the notes are played with a more detached and percussive sound.
The solo is a great opportunity for guitarists to show off their skills. It is also a great way to add a personal touch to the song. By mastering the solo, guitarists can take their playing to the next level and make their performance of “Come As You Are” truly unique.
Here are some tips for playing the solo in “Come As You Are”:
- Practice the solo slowly at first, until you can play it cleanly and accurately.
- Once you have mastered the solo at a slow tempo, gradually increase the speed until you can play it up to speed with the song.
- Use a metronome to help you stay on track with the rhythm.
- Experiment with different picking techniques to find the one that works best for you.
- Don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch to the solo.
Learning to play the solo in “Come As You Are” is a great way to improve your guitar skills and expand your musical repertoire. By following these tips, you can master the solo and take your playing to the next level.
FAQs about “How To Play Nirvana Come As You Are On Guitar”
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about playing Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” on guitar. These FAQs are designed to help guitarists of all levels learn the song and improve their playing skills.
Question 1: What is the tuning for “Come As You Are”?
The song is played in the key of D, so the guitar needs to be tuned down two half steps. This means tuning the low E string down to D, the A string down to G, the D string down to C, the G string down to F#, the B string down to A, and the high E string down to D.
Question 2: What are the main chords used in the song?
The main chords used in “Come As You Are” are D, A, and G. These chords are all open chords, which means that they can be played without fretting any strings. The D chord is played by placing your index finger on the second fret of the low E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string. The A chord is played by placing your index finger on the second fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. The G chord is played by placing your index finger on the third fret of the low E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string.
Question 3: How do I play the signature riff?
The signature riff of “Come As You Are” is played on the low E string. It is a simple riff, but it is very effective. The riff consists of the following notes: 7-5-7-6-5-3-2-0. The riff is played with a palm-muted technique, which means that the palm of your picking hand rests lightly on the strings to create a muted sound.
Question 4: What is the strumming pattern for the song?
The strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” is a simple down-up motion. The downstroke is played on the downbeat of the measure, and the upstroke is played on the upbeat of the measure. The strumming pattern is repeated throughout the song, except for the bridge section, which has a slightly different strumming pattern.
Question 5: Is there a guitar solo in the song?
Yes, there is a short guitar solo in the bridge section of “Come As You Are.” The solo is based on a simple melodic line that is played over a series of power chords. The solo is not difficult to play, but it requires some practice to get it up to speed.
Question 6: What are some tips for playing “Come As You Are” on guitar?
Here are a few tips for playing “Come As You Are” on guitar:
- Start by learning the basic chords and the signature riff.
- Practice the strumming pattern until you can play it smoothly and consistently.
- Work on your palm-muting technique to get the signature sound of the riff.
- Practice the guitar solo slowly at first, and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable with it.
- Listen to the original recording of the song to get a feel for the overall sound and feel.
By following these tips, you can learn to play “Come As You Are” on guitar and add this classic song to your repertoire.
Playing “Come As You Are” on guitar is a great way to improve your skills and expand your musical knowledge. This song is a staple of grunge music, and it is a great choice for guitarists of all levels.
Tips for Playing “Come As You Are” on Guitar
Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” is a grunge classic that is relatively easy to play on guitar, but there are a few tips that can help you nail the song and take your playing to the next level.
Tip 1: Start by learning the basic chords and the signature riff.
The main chords used in “Come As You Are” are D, A, and G. These are all open chords, which means that they can be played without fretting any strings. The signature riff is played on the low E string and consists of the following notes: 7-5-7-6-5-3-2-0.
Tip 2: Practice the strumming pattern until you can play it smoothly and consistently.
The strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” is a simple down-up motion. The downstroke is played on the downbeat of the measure, and the upstroke is played on the upbeat of the measure. It is important to practice the strumming pattern until you can play it smoothly and consistently.
Tip 3: Work on your palm-muting technique to get the signature sound of the riff.
Palm muting is a technique where the palm of your picking hand rests lightly on the strings to create a muted sound. This technique is used to play the signature riff of “Come As You Are.” To practice palm muting, place the palm of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge of the guitar. Then, pick the strings with a downstroke motion, while keeping your palm in contact with the strings. You should hear a muted, percussive sound.
Tip 4: Practice the guitar solo slowly at first, and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable with it.
The guitar solo in “Come As You Are” is not difficult to play, but it requires some practice to get up to speed. Start by practicing the solo slowly, and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable with it.
Tip 5: Listen to the original recording of the song to get a feel for the overall sound and feel.
One of the best ways to learn how to play a song is to listen to the original recording. This will help you get a feel for the overall sound and feel of the song, and it will also help you learn the nuances of the guitar playing.
Summary:
By following these tips, you can learn to play “Come As You Are” on guitar and add this classic song to your repertoire. Playing “Come As You Are” on guitar is a great way to improve your skills and expand your musical knowledge.
Conclusion
Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” is a grunge classic that has become one of the most iconic songs in rock music. The song is relatively easy to play on guitar, but it is important to practice the basic chords, the signature riff, and the strumming pattern in order to get the song sounding just right.
Learning to play “Come As You Are” on guitar is a great way to improve your skills and expand your musical knowledge. The song is a staple of grunge music, and it is a great choice for guitarists of all levels.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your guitar and start learning how to play “Come As You Are” today!
