Kurt Cobain, the enigmatic frontman of Nirvana, wasn’t a guitar virtuoso like those in heavy metal bands. His technique was raw and, at times, even sloppy. But what he lacked in polish, he made up for in passion and creativity. Kurt was an artist seeking authentic expression, and his guitar playing paired with his incredible songwriting left an indelible mark on a generation forever.
Kurt Cobain’s revolutionary posture was a breath of fresh air in the music scene. Kurt rejected the flamboyant solos and shredding techniques, opting for simple and direct riffs. His minimalist yet powerful approach inspired a generation of guitarists to seek their musical voice.
In this article, we’ll delve into the most iconic guitars Kurt Cobain played throughout his career, from the humble 1965 Fender Mustang to the legendary Martin D-18E. We’ll discover how each instrument contributed to his unique sound and how his modifications and guitar tuning shaped the grunge scene.
Kurt Cobain’s First Guitars
On his fourteenth birthday, Kurt Cobain’s uncle presented him with a choice: a bike or a second-hand guitar. Cobain opted for the guitar. It was a used and cheap second-hand Japanese guitar. Despite the constant loosening of its strings, teenage Kurt Cobain remained determined, carrying it with him wherever he went.
Kurt Cobain’s second electric guitar was a Teisco FB-29M/Ibanez Destroyer. Kurt Cobain’s early years saw him experiment with various affordable guitars, then he eventually acquired a 1965 Fender Mustang, which became his primary electric guitar during Nirvana’s early days.
“Kurt Cobain Jaguar” and MTV Unplugged Guitar
Kurt liked the Mustang’s lighter weight and shorter scale length, finding it more comfortable for his left-handed playing style. He often used alternate tunings on the Mustang, most notably a drop-D tuning (where the low E string is tuned down a whole step) for songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “In Bloom.” This tuning contributed to the heavier and dissonant sound that became a hallmark of grunge music.
As Nirvana’s popularity surged, Kurt Cobain diversified his guitar arsenal. He acquired a left-handed 1964 Fender Jaguar, which quickly became another staple in Nirvana’s live performances. Notably, he modified the Jaguar extensively, adding a DiMarzio humbucker pickup in the bridge position for a thicker and more aggressive sound. This modified guitar, often referred to as the “Jag-Stang” due to its resemblance to both a Jaguar and a Mustang, became instantly recognizable and is now reissued by Fender as the “Kurt Cobain Jaguar.”
While Kurt Cobain primarily played electric guitars, his use of acoustic guitars added a different dimension to his music. He famously used a 1959 Martin D-18E for Nirvana’s iconic MTV Unplugged performance in 1993. Stripped down and raw, the acoustic performance showcased Cobain’s songwriting power and highlighted the emotional depth of his music. This particular Martin D-18E achieved legendary status and sold for a record-breaking $6 million at auction in 2020.
How Kurt Cobain’s Guitars Defined the Grunge Sound
Kurt Cobain’s legacy extends far beyond his short life. His choice of guitars, pickups, and playing style continue to inspire musicians across generations. Kurt Cobain’s guitars played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive grunge sound of the late 1980s and 1990s.
Beyond Kurt’s compelling songwriting, his guitars embodied the raw authenticity central to the genre. They symbolized grunge’s rejection of over-produced sounds. Kurt Cobain harnessed feedback and distortion, turning them into instruments themselves.
Kurt Cobain’s relationship with his guitars went beyond mere tools; they were extensions of his artistic expression. He often treated them with a punk rock disregard, famously smashing them on stage during performances as a form of rebellion and artistic catharsis. This destructive behavior, while controversial, became a defining image of Nirvana and grunge music.
His happy choice of Fender Mustang and Jaguar, combined with specific amplifiers and effects, created controlled chaos in Nirvana’s tracks. Power chords on these guitars added directness and intensity, conveying emotion over complex solos. Even in acoustic tracks like “Polly” and “MTV Unplugged in New York,” Cobain’s Martin guitars brought warmth to the grunge sound.
Gone, but not forgotten. Kurt Cobain died 30 years ago. It’s crazy how time flies. Fortunately, we have his legacy, which will be timeless. His songwriting, guitar chords, magnificent live concerts, and of course, all the controversies of a troubled and tormented man. RIP Kurt.