Song Rig

Come As You Are

Kurt Cobain · Nevermind · 1991

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Come As You Are is built around the EHX Small Clone chorus applied to a clean-to-lightly-overdriven guitar signal. The chorus is set at a slow rate with deep depth, creating a watery, off-kilter shimmer around the riff. The guitar itself is a Fender Jaguar. Unlike the distorted tracks on Nevermind, this track uses the chorus as the primary effect rather than distortion.

Signal Chain

1Fender Jaguar
2Electro-Harmonix Small Clone
3Boss DS-1 Distortion
4Fender Twin Reverb

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume3

Bass6

Mid5

Treble7

Presence5

The amp is nearly clean on this track — the Small Clone provides all the character. Gain just enough to add a slight texture to the clean signal.

Technique

How to Play It

The signature descending riff is played entirely on the lower strings with the Small Clone chorus making the notes bloom and shimmer. The vibrato on sustained notes is minimal — the chorus already provides movement.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Any guitar into an EHX Small Clone (depth switch on the high setting, rate knob at about 8 o'clock) into a clean amp. The chorus must be the dominant sound, not the distortion.

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