Kurt Cobain: the guitarist

Ledbetterman10
Ledbetterman10 Posts: 16,994
edited April 2012 in Other Music
I've been on a big Nirvana kick the last two weeks or so and I'd have to say that I forgot how much I like Kurt's guitar playing. While sometimes his playing degenerates into complete nonsense (I have a lot of Nirvana boots), there are times when his playing is just great. Never the strongest soloist (obviously), Kurt's strong point was definitely in his ability to write great riffs. I actually prefer him over Stone Gossard in that respect (I know, I know, I have no idea what I'm talking about). but there are just some Cobain riffs that are perfect rock riffs. and a lot of time, the genius is in the simplicity, with some of my favorites being About a Girl, Aneurysm, Rape Me, Heart-Shaped Box, I Hate Myself and I Want to Die, Sappy, Breed, Smells like Teen Spirit (it owns you. admit it), Blew, Very Ape, the list goes on and on.

Kurt's hardly worthy to be mentioned with Hendrix, Page, Clapton and guys like that. but as far as punk rock guitarists, I'd put him up against anybody.
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Comments

  • prytocorduroy
    prytocorduroy Posts: 4,355
    I was jamming with my friend the other day and out of nowhere I played the intro to Heart-Shaped Box on my bass (the guitar part) and stopped a bit later and just absorbed how much I loved it.

    Kurt really was a great songwriter and to me that's far greater than being a great lead.

    I used to just imagine what their next record would've sounded like after hearing You Know You're Right (which is incredibly haunting) for the first time. It would've been so dark, but so good I imagine.
  • intheflesh
    intheflesh Posts: 170
    Aneurysm...one of the most simple riffs ever written, but, at the same time, one of the best.
    was it?....
  • DOSW
    DOSW Posts: 2,014
    I agree. Technically he's not very good at all, but I don't give a damn whether a guitarist can play 800 notes a minute, because if he doesn't make you feel something, then all that talent is worthless. I love guys like Neil Young and Kurt Cobain who, even though they don't have the technical ability of other professionals, are infinitely better because they make me feel something. That's what guitar playing is all about to me.
    It's a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win
  • hendrix78
    hendrix78 Posts: 507
    Cobain had a great, recognizable tone and a great sense of melody. He was also very good at using feedback to create musical soundscapes, which is something not that many guitarists do well. While he certainly wasn't a great technical guitarist, I'd say he was still a good player.
  • Ledbetterman10
    Ledbetterman10 Posts: 16,994
    danny72688 wrote:
    I used to just imagine what their next record would've sounded like after hearing You Know You're Right (which is incredibly haunting) for the first time. It would've been so dark, but so good I imagine.

    I've always thought this too. also, the MTV unplugged performance looked like a sign of good things to come. not to mention that the addition of Pat Smear was another step in the right direction
    2000: Camden 1, 2003: Philly, State College, Camden 1, MSG 2, Hershey, 2004: Reading, 2005: Philly, 2006: Camden 1, 2, East Rutherford 1, 2007: Lollapalooza, 2008: Camden 1, Washington D.C., MSG 1, 2, 2009: Philly 1, 2, 3, 4, 2010: Bristol, MSG 2, 2011: PJ20 1, 2, 2012: Made In America, 2013: Brooklyn 2, Philly 2, 2014: Denver, 2015: Global Citizen Festival, 2016: Philly 2, Fenway 1, 2018: Fenway 1, 2, 2021: Sea. Hear. Now. 2022: Camden, 2024: Philly 2, 2025: Pittsburgh 1

    Pearl Jam bootlegs:
    http://wegotshit.blogspot.com
  • Sathogwa
    Sathogwa Posts: 227
    Ultimatley technique means nothing. I love Kurt's playing. Its that Neil Young esque fucked up loud distorted blast. Its such a thrill to hear. He had his own style. Which is something that many people with great technique don't have, and is something of greater importance in my opinion. I don't listen to Nirvana a lot anymore, but when I do, I too am struck by how cool his guitar playing was. Its not too greatly appreciated, unfortunately.
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  • FinsburyParkCarrots
    FinsburyParkCarrots Seattle, WA Posts: 12,223
    His guitar tone had a voice. It fucked up at times, nailed an emotion or thought at others. For sure, it wasn't generic of record industry music but it sounded like every kid in their bedroom who brought themselves to tears, extending beyond the limits of their technique and making single note solos say what was in their heart. But just a little bit special, too.
  • smarchee
    smarchee Windsor, Ontario Posts: 14,539
    found this on youtube. Cover of D7, never knew they played this live. I really love this cover, especially when they turn it up at around 1:38

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWrBs1HkJoU
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  • Anon
    Anon Posts: 11,175
    Kurdt,like Pete Townshend was/is underrated. Also,Nirvana kinda

    reminds me of a more modern version of The Who. Both power

    trios delux!
  • Jeremy1012
    Jeremy1012 Posts: 7,170
    I rate kurt highly as a punk guitarist and vocalist.

    the music, eh... not so much for the most part. had some incredible songs and some absolute trash.

    Pennyroyal tea is great.
    "Give me a Leonard Cohen afterworld
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  • HermanBloom
    HermanBloom Posts: 1,764
    good post; agreed
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  • Jeremy1012
    Jeremy1012 Posts: 7,170
    oh and as an afterthought, the bands that I've gotten into that I heard about because of Kurt are mostly better than Nirvana. He had great taste for sure.
    "I remember one night at Muzdalifa with nothing but the sky overhead, I lay awake amid sleeping Muslim brothers and I learned that pilgrims from every land — every colour, and class, and rank; high officials and the beggar alike — all snored in the same language"
  • Joe2TheRevenge
    Joe2TheRevenge Posts: 904
    As much as Kurt was influential, the unfortunate thing is that he wasn't even the most talented musician in his own band.

    i think had he been alive today, the Foo Fighters would still be kicking his ass in both chart position and in concert attendance.

    Viva La Grohl!

    I'll take Everlong over Smells Like Teen Spirit any day of the week (twice on Sundays).
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  • Jellyrolls
    Jellyrolls Posts: 523
    Kurt Cobain: the guitarist

    Sucks.
  • failedpersephone
    failedpersephone Posts: 3,424
    G-Man23 wrote:
    Kurdt,like Pete Townshend was/is underrated. Also,Nirvana kinda

    reminds me of a more modern version of The Who. Both power

    trios delux!
    the who was not a power trio.

    who the hell would you be leaving out??

    Moon?
    Entwhistle?
    Daltry?
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  • Jellyrolls
    Jellyrolls Posts: 523
    G-Man23 wrote:
    Kurdt,like Pete Townshend was/is underrated. Also,Nirvana kinda

    Are you fucking serious? I like Nirvana all but to say they are underrated it idiotic.
  • ii44
    ii44 Posts: 430
    failedpersephone wrote:
    the who was not a power trio.

    who the hell would you be leaving out??

    Moon?
    Entwhistle?
    Daltry?

    Power trio refers to non-singers.
  • melodyman22
    melodyman22 Posts: 326
    Saying Kurt wasnt the most talented member of Nirvana, is nonsense. I love Grohl, and the Foos but come on. Dave cant sing nearly as good Kurt, or has the emotion Kurt had in his voice. Kurt was a musical genius, Grohl is great but not near genius level.
  • Prioronfire22
    Prioronfire22 Posts: 393
    I prefer Dave's singing to Kurt's. He has a really powerful voice. Dave's drumming is some of the best out there too.
  • PJamGrunge10
    PJamGrunge10 California Posts: 596
    melodyman22 wrote:
    Saying Kurt wasnt the most talented member of Nirvana, is nonsense. I love Grohl, and the Foos but come on. Dave cant sing nearly as good Kurt, or has the emotion Kurt had in his voice. Kurt was a musical genius, Grohl is great but not near genius level.


    Kurt was not a good singer at all. You can like his voice but he wasn't good. Just listen to Lake of Fire from Unplugged.
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