Real AmpTuning: D StandardPickup: NeckBeginner FriendlyAlternative RockClean ToneBest for Beginners
Nevermind Watery Descent — Small Clone Riff & DS-1 Chorus
The defining riff uses an Electro-Harmonix Small Clone to create the watery modulation Butch Vig specifically associated with the track. The exact guitar and clean amplifier have never been conclusively identified, although a Japanese Fender and the Vox AC30 from the Nevermind sessions are credible choices; settings are approximated from that documented equipment. Source: Guitar World’s Kurt Cobain gear guide and Ground Guitar’s Nevermind breakdown.
Signal Chain
Japanese Fender Stratocaster-style guitar, exact session instrument uncertain→Electro-Harmonix Small Clone→Vox AC30, probable Nevermind clean amplifier→Vox AC30 2x12→Output
GuitarJapanese Fender Stratocaster-style guitar, exact session instrument uncertain
Tone
7.5
PickupNeck
TuningD Standard
Volume
10
PedalElectro-Harmonix Small Clone
Mix
6
Rate4
DepthHigh
AmpVox AC30, probable Nevermind clean amplifier
Cut5
Bass
5
Gain
3
Master
6
Treble
6
Cab / IRVox AC30 2x12
MicClose dynamic and condenser blend
Mic PositionDynamic off-axis; condenser slightly distant
Notes
Tune every string down one whole step. Keep the chorus slower than many cover versions—the sound should sway rather than wobble violently.
Don't have this gear?
See the same signal chain mapped to another platform. Knob values carry over as starting points — gain ranges differ between platforms.