Artists / Nirvana

In Utero (20th Anniversary Edition) artwork

Rape Me guitar tone

Nirvana · In Utero (20th Anniversary Edition) · 1993 · Grunge

Overdrive

Main Tone

AmpMarshall JCM900
GuitarFender Mustang
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN5.5
BASS4
MID6
TREBLE5
PRESENCE6
REVERB2.5

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Boss BD-2 Blues Driver overdrive
    Gain 5 · Tone 5 · Level 5.5
    Open, amp-like drive that follows pick attack.

Ride the guitar volume between rhythm and lead levels.

Lead

Solo Boost

AmpMarshall JCM900
GuitarFender Mustang
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN6.5
BASS4
MID6.5
TREBLE5
PRESENCE6
REVERB2.5

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Boss BD-2 Blues Driver overdrive
    Gain 5 · Tone 5 · Level 5.5
    Open, amp-like drive that follows pick attack.
  2. MXR Carbon Copy delay
    Time 4.5 · Repeats 3 · Mix 3
    Kicks in for the solo — repeats tucked under the dry signal.

Lead variant: extra gain and mids to cut through, delay for width. Pick nearer the bridge and let bends sustain.

These are starting points, not gospel. Every amp is a little different, so let your ears do the last 10%.

Open in ToneAmp

Adapt this tone to your own amp and pedals in the app.

More by Nirvana