Learning to play “Come As You Are” by Nirvana is a great way to dive into grunge music.
This song features an iconic riff that is perfect for both beginners and more experienced guitarists.
With its simple chords and memorable melody, you’ll quickly impress your friends and enjoy the process of making music.
Before you start, ensure your guitar is properly tuned and that you have a good understanding of the main riff.
This song’s structure makes it easy to follow along while you practice, so you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Plus, it’s fun to master the techniques involved, which will boost your confidence on the guitar.
Once you get the basics down, don’t forget to practice regularly.
Repetition will help you play smoothly and with style.
You’ll also find that this song is a great addition to your repertoire, allowing you to showcase your skills.
Key Takeaways
- Make sure your guitar is tuned before you start playing.
- Focus on mastering the iconic main riff.
- Regular practice will help you improve your guitar skills.
Tuning and Equipment
Getting your guitar ready to play “Come As You Are” involves setting up your instrument correctly and tuning it to the right pitch.
Here’s how to ensure your guitar is ready for this iconic song.
Guitar Setup
Before you play, check that your guitar is in good shape.
Make sure your strings are fresh and not old or rusty.
Using new strings can make a big difference in sound quality.
You should also consider your guitar type.
Whether you’re using an electric or acoustic guitar, it can affect how the song sounds.
Electric guitars work great for that grunge vibe, but an acoustic can give it a unique twist.
Essential guitar accessories:
- Capo (if needed)
- String winder
- Tuner
Make sure you have these items handy.
They make your playing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Tuning Your Guitar
To play “Come As You Are,” you need to tune your guitar down a whole step.
This means tuning your strings from E A D G B E to D G C F A D. This tuning creates that distinct sound used in the song.
Tuning steps:
- E string (6th) down to D
- A string (5th) down to G
- D string (4th) stays C
- G string (3rd) stays F
- B string (2nd) stays A
- E string (1st) stays D
Use a reliable tuner or tuning app to make this easier.
Tuning correctly helps achieve that rich sound and keeps your chords in harmony.
Prepare to rock out!
Playing the Main Riff
The main riff of “Come As You Are” is what makes the song instantly recognizable.
It’s important to get the finger placement right and to master the strumming technique.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Finger Placement
To play the main riff, you’ll start on the low E string and work with the following notes: F#sus4 (second fret on E string) and B5 (open A string, second fret on D string).
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F#sus4: Your index finger should press down on the second fret of the E string.
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D5: Use your ring finger to play the second fret on the A string. Your middle finger should press the second fret on the D string.
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Transition: Make sure your fingers are curved so they don’t mute the strings accidentally.
Keep your hand relaxed as you switch between the notes for a smooth sound.
Pay attention to accuracy, as that will make the riff sound clean.
Strumming the Riff
The rhythm of this riff is key to capturing the feel of the song.
Start with downstrokes to establish a steady beat.
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Downstrokes: Play all notes with downstrokes initially. This will help you get comfortable with the timing.
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Accents: Add emphasis to the first note of each cycle, creating a groove that stands out.
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Timing: Listen to the song to catch the rhythmic patterns. It’s a simple yet effective way to practice.
As you become more confident, try mixing in a few upstrokes, but focus on keeping it steady.
Regular practice will help solidify your grasp of the main riff.
Song Structure
Understanding the song structure will help you play “Come As You Are” smoothly.
Each section has its own rhythm and chords that keep it engaging.
Let’s break down the essential parts.
Intro
The intro sets the mood for the song.
Start with the iconic riff that uses power chords.
You’ll play the notes in a clean, rhythmic manner for about four measures.
Focus on getting the timing right.
Use a light palm muting technique on the lower strings to create that grunge feel.
A typical chord progression for the intro is Em – G – D – A.
These chords allow you to capture the unique vibe of the song right from the start.
Make sure to listen to the original track for cues on strumming and dynamics.
Once you nail the intro, you’ll feel more confident moving into the verses.
Verse
The verse follows a simple but effective progression.
You’ll alternate mainly between the Em and D chords, played in a steady pattern.
The strumming pattern is key here: try down, down-up, down, up for a rhythmic feel.
This section builds tension and sets up the chorus.
Focus on keeping your strumming consistent.
As you play, remember to accentuate the first strum of each measure; it adds a nice punch.
While playing, the vocals will have a laid-back delivery that complements your guitar work.
This verse structure repeats several times, so make sure to keep it interesting each time.
Chorus
In the chorus, you want to elevate the energy.
Here, you switch up the chords to C – G – A – Em.
This change brightens up the sound and makes the song feel more dynamic.
You can also experiment with your strumming speed.
Try playing slightly faster to create an uplifting vibe.
The lyrics in the chorus are catchy and memorable, so your delivery should match that energy.
Emphasize clarity between the chords; you want each note to ring out.
Practice the transitions to keep your flow smooth.
Bridge
The bridge provides a necessary shift in tone.
Use the chords F – G – Em to create contrast.
This section gives a sense of reflection before returning to the energetic chorus.
Strumming here can be more subdued initially.
Start with a gentle downstrumming to pull the listener in.
As the bridge progresses, gradually increase the intensity.
Pay attention to vocal dynamics during this part.
It’s a chance to showcase something different, making the return to the chorus feel powerful.
Solo
The solo integrates classic Nirvana elements, so keep it raw and edgy.
It typically uses portions of the earlier riffs but is played with more freedom.
Focus on using single notes rather than chords to allow for more expression.
Play around with bending notes for that signature grunge feel.
Practice the solo slowly at first to help with clarity, then pick up the pace.
Listening to the original track will help you grasp its vibe and style.
Don’t be afraid to add your personal touch.
Outro
The outro brings the song to a close, mirroring elements from the intro.
It usually involves repeating the main riff while gradually fading out.
Keep your strumming light but steady, as this is where you let the momentum wind down.
You can experiment with variations on the riff to keep it fresh.
This section often feels like a reflection of the entire song.
It’s a good time to show off everything you’ve practiced throughout the piece.
Make sure it feels complete, ideally matching the energy from the intro.
Practice Techniques
To master “Come As You Are,” you need focused practice techniques.
Emphasizing slow practice, using a metronome, and playing along with the track can significantly improve your skills.
Let’s dive into how to use these methods effectively.
Slow Practice
When you start playing, go slow.
Practicing at a reduced speed allows you to nail the rhythm and strumming pattern without feeling rushed.
Focus on each note and chord change.
If you struggle with a part, slow it down even more.
Try this technique:
- Break the song into smaller sections.
- Play each section slowly, ensuring accuracy.
- Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
This way, you’ll build muscle memory and accuracy.
Slow practice is key to getting the feel of the song down.
Using a Metronome
Using a metronome is a game changer.
It helps you keep a steady rhythm and develop timing.
Start by setting it to a slow tempo.
Once you feel confident, increase the tempo gradually.
Here’s how to get started:
- Set the metronome to a comfortable speed.
- Play along with it, focusing on staying in time.
- If you miss a beat, pause and practice that section again.
This will strengthen your sense of timing and rhythm, making your playing more consistent.
A metronome can really sharpen your skills.
Playing Along with the Track
Once you’ve practiced slowly and with a metronome, it’s time to play along with the original track.
This step is essential for getting the feel of the song.
Tips for this practice:
- Choose a version of the song that matches your skill level.
- Play along at a lower volume until you feel confident.
- Focus on matching your timing with the recording.
Playing along with the music will help you understand the dynamics and feel of “Come As You Are.” It also gets you used to the song’s rhythm and flow, making your practice more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you’re learning to play “Come As You Are,” you might have a few questions.
Here, you’ll find answers to some common queries about the song, its tabs, chords, and more.
What are the guitar tabs for ‘Come As You Are’?
You can find the guitar tabs for “Come As You Are” on various sites, including Ultimate Guitar.
These tabs will show you the notes and finger placements to play the song correctly.
Can beginners easily learn ‘Come As You Are’ on guitar?
Yes, many beginners can learn to play “Come As You Are.” The song has a simple structure and a memorable riff, making it a great choice for new guitarists.
Just take your time and practice each part slowly.
What chords are needed to play ‘Come As You Are’ on acoustic guitar?
To play “Come As You Are” on acoustic guitar, you’ll need to know a few basic chords.
The main chords used are D, A, and the G chord.
With these, you can strum along to the song.
What’s the riff breakdown for ‘Come As You Are’?
The main riff of “Come As You Are” is iconic and made up of just a few notes.
It starts with an open Em chord and uses some creative picking.
You can find detailed tutorials online to help you nail it.
How can I get ‘Come As You Are’ tablature in PDF format?
You can often find PDF versions of “Come As You Are” tabs on guitar tab websites.
Just look for a download option on sites like Ultimate Guitar or Simply Guitar.
This will let you have a handy reference for practice.
What guitar playing level is required for ‘Come As You Are’?
You don’t need to be an expert to play “Come As You Are.” It’s suitable for players at a beginner to intermediate level.
With some practice, you’ll be able to play it smoothly and confidently.