Smells Like Teen Spirit
Artist:
Nirvana
Genre:
Alternative Rock
Difficulty:
Easy to medium
Key:
G# major
Capo:
8
Artist: Nirvana Album: Nevermind Release Date: September 24, 1991 Genre: Grunge / Alternative Rock
Length: Approximately 5:01 minutes This song is considered the song that launched the Grunge genre worldwide and became an icon of the 90s. The main chords of the song are Power Chords (5th chords).
F5 – Bb5 – Ab5 – Db5 are repeated throughout almost the entire song, both in the Verse and Chorus. The original guitar uses Eb Standard tuning (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb). If played with standard E strings, the sound will be slightly higher than the original. But it's still playable normally. Key: Overall in F minor (Fm) The structure is more modal/riff-based than classical theory chord progressions. The highlight is the catchy and raw "repeating riff." Guitar uses Power Chords + Palm Muting. Verse: Played softly + clean/minimal distortion. Chorus: Heavy distortion + hard hitting. 4/4 time signature. Heavy groove, emphasizing downstrokes. Playing "doesn't have to be perfect" gives it more of a grunge feel. Suitable for: Beginner – Intermediate guitarists, rock bands / stage performances / rehearsal rooms. Ideal for: Releasing emotions, playing wildly. Opening concerts or energizing the audience. Popular effects: Thick Distortion / Fuzz Overdrive with relatively high gain, but not too sharp. Mood & Feeling: Rebellious / antisocial, confused, tired, world-weary, raw, rough, real. Reflects the feelings of 90s teenagers who "don't believe in anything anymore." Kurt Cobain's vocals: Like a shout from pent-up frustration, with both indifference and anger at the same time.
Chords:
Bbm Original key F5 Bb5 Ab5 Db5
Introduction
What key is "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana in? | E major
Is it suitable for beginners? | Easy to medium (suitable for beginners learning power chords and practicing rhythm)
What capo position is needed? | No capo required
Genre/Mood of the song? | Punk Rock. The mood is intense, raw, aggressive, and explosive (Quiet/Loud dynamic)
What is the guitar strumming pattern like? | Focuses on power chords (secondary fifths), mostly using downstrokes.
(Lyrics): Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Load up on guns, bring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's over-bored and self-assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello
With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido
Yeah, hey, yay
I'm worse at what I do best
And for this gift, I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello
With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido
Yeah, hey, yay
And I forget just why I taste
Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard, it's hard to find
Oh well, whatever, never mind
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello
With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial
