Smells Like Teen Spirit — Chords

Nirvana
Key F (power chords)Tuning StandardCapo None

🎼 Main chord progression

Main riff
F5›Bb5›Ab5›Db5
Four power chords, clean→loud dynamics; let the chorus slam.
Chord names for the main progression — a starting point, verify by ear. No lyrics or full tab reproduced.

🎸 How to play each chord

F5134×××
Bb5×134××
Ab5134×××
Db5×134××
Standard fingerings (low E → high e). Numbers = which finger; × = don’t play, ○ = open string.

🎛️ The tone — adapted to your gear

Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster (rosewood neck, Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker) · Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) int

Original amp EQ — bass 4.5 · mid 6.5 · treble 6.5 · gain 7 · presence 3

🎚️ Get this exact tone on YOUR rig — free →

Full tone breakdown & guide →

❓ Smells Like Teen Spirit — FAQ

What key is Smells Like Teen Spirit in?

Smells Like Teen Spirit is in F (power chords).

What chords does Smells Like Teen Spirit use?

The main progression uses F5, Bb5, Ab5, Db5. Tuning: Standard. Capo: None.

How do I get the Smells Like Teen Spirit guitar tone?

GuitarToneAdapt re-dials the original Smells Like Teen Spirit tone for the exact guitar, amp and pickups you own — free, in the browser.

🎸 More chords + tones

Knockin' On Heaven's DoorKnockin' On Heaven's DoorWish You Were Here

Generate more chord progressions in any key → · Transpose these chords / capo finder → · Free online tuner → · Free metronome → · Browse all 1,100+ tones → · Open the free app →

Chords are factual progressions compiled for reference. Tone data © GuitarToneAdapt — adapt any song to your exact rig at guitartoneadapt.com.