Come as You Are by Nirvana — Amp Settings & Guitar Tone

Reference tone dialed on a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster into a Fender Mustang LT25. Settings below are cited from real sources; open the page in a browser for the interactive version, or get this tone dialed for your exact gear.

To capture the haunting, chorus-drenched tone of 'Come as You Are,' we'll use the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s with its naturally bright single-coils and the Fender Mustang LT25's modeling capabilities. The 'CHICAGO BLUES' preset provides a suitable starting point, allowing us to dial in the edge-of-breakup gain and watery chorus effect essential for this song.

Signal chain settings

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s — main rhythm tone

ControlSettingWhy
Pickup SelectorNeck PickupThe neck pickup provides a warmer tone, closer to the Jaguar's sound.
Master Volume7Set to 7 to maintain clarity and dynamics without overdriving the amp.
Tone 17Roll the tone back to ~7 to soften the highs for this song's darker voicing.
Tone 2Leave at defaultNot used for this pickup position.

Fender Mustang LT25 — amplification and effects

ControlSettingWhy
Preset[03] CHICAGO BLUESThis preset offers a clean tone with slight edge, suitable for the song's character.
Gain5Set to 5 to achieve the edge-of-breakup tone without excessive distortion.
Volume5Maintain moderate volume to match the dynamics of the recording.
Treble4Lower treble to compensate for the Strat's bright voicing and achieve a darker tone.
Bass6Boost bass slightly to add warmth and depth to the sound.
MasterLeave at defaultNot used as the main volume control for this tone.
EffectsChorusEngage the chorus effect to create the swirling ambiance heard in the intro and verse. Using the amp's Menu Button and Preset Select, open the effects list to reach it. Start around Rate 3/10, Depth 6-7/10, Level 5/10 — slower and deeper reads watery; faster and shallower reads subtle shimmer. Press Save Button to keep it in this preset.
Cabinet buildNot usedNot needed for this tone — leave it off.
Amp ModelsNot usedNot needed for this tone — leave it off.

What Nirvana actually used

Recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, during the 'Nevermind' sessions in early 1991. Producer Butch Vig worked closely with the band to achieve the song's distinctive sound, notably utilizing the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone pedal to create the 'watery' guitar tone.

  • 1965 Fender Jaguar — main rhythm and lead. neck pickup
  • Electro-Harmonix Small Clone — chorus effect. used throughout main riff
  • Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp — amplification. clean channel
  • Crown Power Base 2 — power amplification
  • Marshall 1960B 4x12 Cabinet — speaker cabinet

Tuning: Standard

Sources