Are you ready to unleash the grunge rock god within you? Then it’s time to dive into the world of Come As You Are tuning! This guide will take you on a journey to master Nirvana’s iconic song on guitar, and show you how to make that signature sound come alive through your own fingers. Get ready to rock like a legend, and let the chords of Come As You Are flow through your veins. So grab your axe, tune up, and let’s get started!

Understanding the Come As You Are Tuning

What is the Come As You Are Tuning?

The Come As You Are tuning is a specific way of tuning a guitar that is used to play the iconic Nirvana song “Come As You Are.” This tuning was popularized by Kurt Cobain, the lead singer and guitarist of Nirvana, and is now synonymous with the band’s sound.

In standard tuning, the strings on a guitar are tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and E, from thickest to thinnest. In Come As You Are tuning, the strings are tuned to C, G, G, C, A, G, from thickest to thinnest. This creates a unique and distinctive sound that is essential to the song’s identity.

By tuning the guitar to this specific configuration, the player can create a powerful and intense sound that is perfect for playing “Come As You Are.” This tuning also allows for easier playing of certain chords and notes, making it a popular choice among guitarists who want to master the song.

Understanding the Come As You Are tuning is the first step in mastering the song, and it is important to familiarize yourself with this unique tuning before attempting to play the song. By following the guide below, you will learn how to properly tune your guitar and how to play the song with confidence and precision.

How to Tune Your Guitar to the Come As You Are Tuning

To play Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” on guitar, it’s important to tune your instrument to the specific tuning used in the song. This tuning is known as “Drop D,” which involves lowering the sixth string on your guitar by a whole step. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Remove the strings from your guitar, except for the sixth string.
Step 2: Replace the sixth string with a new string that is one whole step lower than the standard sixth string. This means the string should be a D instead of a D#.
Step 3: Replace the other strings with fresh strings, making sure they are in tune.

Once your guitar is properly tuned, you’ll notice that the sixth string is a whole step lower than the other strings. This creates a unique sound that is essential to the song’s distinctive melody and rhythm.

It’s important to note that proper tuning is crucial to playing “Come As You Are” accurately and with the right tone. If your guitar is not properly tuned, you may experience difficulty playing certain chords or notes, and the overall sound of the song may be compromised. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to properly tune your guitar before attempting to play this iconic Nirvana song.

Chord Charts and Tablature for Come As You Are

For many guitarists, the come as you are tuning is a staple of Nirvana’s sound, and it’s essential to master this tuning in order to play their iconic song “Come As You Are.” This section will cover the essential chords and chord progressions, as well as how to read and use tablature.

Essential Chords and Chord Progressions

The come as you are tuning features four power chords, each played in different positions on the guitar neck. These power chords are the foundation of the song’s rhythm and structure. Here are the essential chords and chord progressions for “Come As You Are”:

1. Am (x02210)
2. C (x32010)
3. G (320033)
4. D (xx0232)

The song primarily consists of the Am, C, G, and D power chords played in different sequences. Here’s a breakdown of the main chord progressions:

• Verse: Am, C, G, D, Am, C, G, D
• Pre-Chorus: C, G, Am, C, G, D, Am, C
• Chorus: D, C, G, Am, D, C, G, Am

How to Read and Use Tablature

Tablature, or “tab,” is a way to represent music using a series of lines and numbers on a staff. Tab is an essential tool for guitarists, as it allows them to quickly and easily learn and play songs. Here’s a breakdown of how to read and use tablature for “Come As You Are”:

1. Each horizontal line on the tab staff represents a string on the guitar. The bottom line represents the thickest string (E), and the top line represents the thinnest string (E).
2. The numbers on the tab staff represent the frets on the guitar neck. The number above the tab staff indicates which fret to play.
3. The numbers on the tab staff are played from left to right, just like reading a sentence. For example, “14 11 14 11” would be played by placing your fingers on the 14th fret of the B string, the 11th fret of the G string, the 14th fret of the D string, and the 11th fret of the A string.
4. To play power chords, simply strum each string on the indicated fret and count the numbers in the tablature. For example, “Am” in the tablature would be played by placing your fingers on the 5th fret of the A string, the 7th fret of the D string, and the open strings on the G and B strings, and then strumming all six strings.

By mastering the essential chords and chord progressions, as well as how to read and use tablature, you’ll be well on your way to playing Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” like a pro.

Playing Come As You Are: Tips and Tricks

Strumming Techniques for Come As You Are

When it comes to playing “Come As You Are,” the strumming techniques you use can make a big difference in how the song sounds. Here are some tips to help you achieve a solid, consistent rhythm:

Different strumming patterns to try

1. Down-up-down-up: This is the most basic and common strumming pattern for “Come As You Are.” It involves strumming down on the first and third beats of each measure, and up on the second and fourth beats.
2. Down-up-down-up-down: This pattern adds an extra down strum on the fifth beat of each measure, creating a slightly more syncopated rhythm.
3. Up-down-up-down-up: This pattern reverses the down and up strums, creating a different feel and emphasis on different beats.
4. Up-down-up-down-up-down: This pattern combines the basic pattern with the extra down strum on the fifth beat, creating a more complex rhythm.

Tips for achieving a solid, consistent rhythm

1. Practice with a metronome: To ensure that you’re maintaining a consistent rhythm, practice playing along with a metronome. This will help you develop a sense of timing and improve your overall rhythm.
2. Use a pick: Using a pick can help you achieve a more consistent strumming pattern, as it allows for a cleaner, more precise strike on the strings.
3. Experiment with different fingerings: Try using different fingerings for your chords to find the ones that work best for you. This can help you achieve a more comfortable and consistent strumming pattern.
4. Pay attention to dynamics: In addition to maintaining a consistent rhythm, pay attention to the dynamics of the song. “Come As You Are” has a number of dynamic changes, so be sure to pay attention to the volume and intensity of your strumming as the song progresses.

Fingerpicking Come As You Are

Essential fingerpicking patterns for the song

When it comes to playing “Come As You Are” on guitar, fingerpicking is a crucial aspect of the song. To start, it’s important to understand the basic fingerpicking pattern that forms the foundation of the song. This pattern consists of a down-up-down-up sequence played on the sixth, fifth, and fourth strings. By focusing on this pattern, you can create a steady rhythm that will carry the song forward.

Tips for creating a dynamic arrangement

Once you have mastered the basic fingerpicking pattern, you can start to experiment with different arrangements to create a more dynamic version of the song. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

• Add variations to the pattern: Try incorporating variations to the basic pattern, such as adding a pause or changing the order of the notes. This will add interest to the song and create a more dynamic arrangement.
• Experiment with different rhythms: Experiment with different rhythms to create a more complex arrangement. For example, try playing the pattern in a 6/8 time signature, which will give the song a more swinging feel.
• Incorporate other techniques: Consider incorporating other techniques, such as palm muting or sliding, to add depth and complexity to the arrangement.

By following these tips, you can create a dynamic and engaging fingerpicking arrangement for “Come As You Are” that will impress audiences and showcase your skills as a guitarist.

Adding Embellishments and Solos to Your Come As You Are Performance

Adding embellishments and solos to your Come As You Are performance can take your playing to the next level. Here are some tips and techniques to help you create your own solos and add more depth to your performance.

• Scales and Modes to Explore: To create a solo for Come As You Are, start by exploring different scales and modes that work well with the song’s key and structure. The key of the song is A minor, and the most commonly used scales are A minor pentatonic and A Aeolian (natural minor). You can also experiment with other modes such as Dorian, Phrygian, and Mixolydian to create unique solos.
• Techniques for Creating Your Own Solos: To create your own solos, try using different techniques such as sweep picking, tapping, and legato playing. These techniques can help you create more complex and interesting solos that fit well with the song’s structure and style.
• Practice and Experimentation: Adding embellishments and solos to your Come As You Are performance requires practice and experimentation. Spend time practicing different scales and techniques, and experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.
• Listening to Other Players: Listen to other players’ solos and take inspiration from their playing. Pay attention to the way they use scales and techniques, and try to incorporate these elements into your own playing.
• Performance Tips: When adding embellishments and solos to your Come As You Are performance, remember to focus on the song’s structure and style. Make sure your solos complement the song and don’t overpower the rest of the performance. Use dynamic control and expression to enhance your playing and make your solos more interesting.

Advanced Techniques for Playing Come As You Are

Using Distortion and Effects for a Grunge Sound

• Different distortion and effects pedals to try
  • Overdrive pedals: Tube Screamer, Big Muff Pi, and the SansAmp
  • Fuzz pedals: Electro-Harmonix N.Y. Yankee, Z.Vex Woolly Mammoth, and the Fulltone Supa-Trem
  • Delay and reverb pedals: Boss DD-500, TC Electronic Hall of Fame, and the Eventide Space
• Tips for achieving a gritty, grunge sound
  • Use a compressor to control the dynamics of your sound
  • Experiment with different pedal combinations to create your desired tone
  • Adjust your amp settings to achieve a thick, saturated sound
  • Consider using a pick or your fingers to create a different texture in your playing
  • Practice, practice, practice! Mastering the Come As You Are tuning and effects takes time and dedication.

Exploring Alternate Tunings for Come As You Are

Experimenting with alternate tunings can significantly change the sound and feel of the song, offering new possibilities for arrangement and expression. Here are some alternate tunings to try for a unique sound, along with suggestions on how to adjust your chords and chord progressions accordingly.

1. Drop D Tuning (DADGAD):
   • Tune your guitar down one whole step to D standard tuning (D, A, D, G, A, D).
   • Maintain the same chord progression as in standard tuning, but be aware that the lower tuning will affect the timbre and feel of the chords.
   • Experiment with open chord shapes and arpeggios to create a more ambient and brooding atmosphere.
2. Open D Tuning (DADF#AD):
   • Tune your guitar to open D tuning by lowering the 6th (D) and 5th (A) strings to D and F#, respectively.
   • Modify the chord progression slightly to accommodate the new tuning: D, A, D, F#, A, D.
   • Explore the use of power chords and palm muting for a more aggressive and percussive sound.
3. Drop C Tuning (CGCGCD):
   • Lower the tuning another whole step to drop C tuning (C, G, C, G, C, G).
   • Adjust the chord progression to C, G, C, G, C, G.
   • Focus on playing with a heavy, driving rhythm and experiment with using the low C string for basslines and riffs.
4. Half-Step Down Tuning (DGCFAD):
   • Tune your guitar a half-step down from standard tuning to DGCFAD.
   • Keep the same chord progression as in standard tuning.
   • Emphasize the lower register of the guitar for a more powerful and intense sound.

By experimenting with these alternate tunings, you can add new dimensions to your playing and find fresh approaches to Nirvana’s iconic song. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of conventional tunings and chord progressions, as this can lead to innovative and captivating performances.

FAQs

1. What is the Come As You Are tuning?

Come As You Are tuning is a specific guitar tuning used to play Nirvana’s iconic song “Come As You Are.” This tuning involves lowering the sixth string to a D note, creating a unique sound that is essential to the song’s signature sound.

2. How do I tune my guitar to Come As You Are tuning?

To tune your guitar to Come As You Are tuning, you will need to lower the sixth string to a D note. You can do this by using a guitar tuner or by ear. Start by tuning the other strings to their standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E), then use a tuner or your ear to adjust the sixth string until it matches the D note.

3. What is the difference between standard tuning and Come As You Are tuning?

The main difference between standard tuning and Come As You Are tuning is the lowered sixth string. In standard tuning, the sixth string is an E note, while in Come As You Are tuning, it is a D note. This change in tuning creates a unique sound that is essential to the song’s signature sound.

4. Can I use the same guitar for both standard tuning and Come As You Are tuning?

Yes, you can use the same guitar for both standard tuning and Come As You Are tuning. However, you will need to be careful when switching between the two tunings to avoid damaging your guitar or strings. It’s always a good idea to have a second guitar dedicated specifically to Come As You Are tuning if you plan to play the song frequently.

5. How do I play “Come As You Are” on guitar using Come As You Are tuning?

To play “Come As You Are” on guitar using Come As You Are tuning, you will need to use the unique chord progression and melody that are essential to the song’s signature sound. The chords used in the song include D, C, G, and Em, which can be played using the lowered sixth string and the standard chord shapes. The melody is also played using the lowered sixth string and incorporates the unique sound of the Come As You Are tuning. Practice playing along with a recording of the song to get a feel for the timing and rhythm.