Master Nirvana's 'Come As You Are' Guitar Tabs: Your Ultimate Guide
Few songs capture the raw, introspective energy of the 90s grunge era quite like Nirvana's "Come As You Are." With its instantly recognizable riff, haunting vocals, and poignant lyrics, it remains a cornerstone of rock history and a must-learn for any aspiring guitarist. Whether you're a seasoned player looking to refine your technique or a complete beginner just starting your musical journey, mastering this classic can be incredibly rewarding. But where do you start? The answer lies in the world of guitar tabs.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about learning "Come As You Are" using guitar tabs, highlighting the best resources available to help you play this iconic super hit with confidence and accuracy. Get ready to plug in and channel your inner Kurt Cobain!
Why "Come As You Are" Remains a Guitarist's Favorite
"Come As You Are," released in 1991 as part of Nirvana's groundbreaking album Nevermind, quickly became an anthem for a generation. Its success wasn't just about its catchy melody or Cobain's distinctive voice; it was also about its accessibility on the guitar. The main riff, while iconic, is relatively straightforward, making it an excellent learning tool for those new to the instrument. It introduces fundamental concepts like power chords, simple arpeggios, and a unique chord progression that's both challenging enough to be interesting and simple enough to be achievable.
Beyond its technical aspects, the song offers a deep dive into musical expression. Playing "Come As You Are" isn't just about hitting the right notes; it's about capturing the song's melancholic yet powerful mood. This blend of approachable technique and profound emotion makes it a timeless piece that guitarists return to again and again.
Diving into "Come As You Are" Guitar Tabs
For many guitarists, especially those who prefer a visual approach to learning, guitar tabs are an invaluable resource. Unlike traditional sheet music, which requires knowledge of musical notation, tabs offer a direct, intuitive way to see where your fingers should go on the fretboard. They represent the strings of your guitar and numbers indicating which fret to press, making complex riffs and solos digestible.
The Power of Official and Professional Tabs
When you're learning a song as beloved as "Come As You Are," accuracy is key. You want to ensure you're learning the song as it was originally played, or at least a highly accurate rendition. This is where professional-grade tabs come in. We are fortunate to have access to resources where we have an official "Come As You Are" tab made by professional guitarists. These aren't just amateur transcriptions; they are meticulously crafted by experienced musicians who understand the nuances of the song, ensuring you're learning from the best possible source.
These professional tabs often go beyond just the notes, sometimes including fingerings, strumming patterns, and even dynamic markings, giving you a more complete picture of how to play the song authentically. Relying on such high-quality tabs can significantly speed up your learning process and prevent you from picking up bad habits.
Versions for Every Skill Level and Style
One of the greatest advantages of modern guitar tab resources is the sheer variety of versions available. "Come As You Are" is a versatile song that can be played in multiple ways, and the tabs reflect this diversity. You can download "Come As You Are" by Nirvana guitar tabs in 5+ versions, catering to different playing styles and skill levels. These versions often include:
- Acoustic Versions: Perfect for those who prefer to play unplugged, these tabs adapt the song for an acoustic guitar, often focusing on chord shapes and strumming patterns that sound great without amplification.
- Electric Versions: These are typically the most faithful to the original recording, capturing the distinctive electric guitar tones and effects used by Kurt Cobain.
- Easy Tabs: If you're just starting out, these simplified versions reduce the complexity without sacrificing the song's essence. They might focus on the core riff or simpler chord voicings, making the song accessible to absolute beginners.
- Arr. Cledy Clarejack: This indicates a specific arrangement by an artist or transcriber, offering a unique interpretation or a more detailed, perhaps advanced, take on the song. Exploring different arrangements can also broaden your musical perspective.
This wide array of options means that no matter your current skill level or preferred instrument, there's a "Come As You Are" tab version out there for you. You can start with an easy version and gradually work your way up to more complex arrangements as your skills improve.
Beyond Just Tabs: Chords, Tips, and Video Lessons
While tabs are fantastic for learning specific riffs and melodies, a holistic approach to learning "Come As You Are" involves more than just numbers on lines. Comprehensive resources for this song often include: Nirvana's "Come As You Are" guitar chords, tabs, tips, and the best video lessons for you to learn to play this classic 90's grunge super hit!
- Guitar Chords: Understanding the underlying chords of the song (like the iconic F#m to E progression in the verse) gives you a deeper musical understanding and allows you to strum along even if you're not playing the exact riff. Chords are essential for rhythm guitarists and for accompanying vocals.
- Tips: These can range from advice on achieving the right tone (e.g., using a chorus pedal for the iconic riff) to specific finger placement suggestions, alternate picking techniques, or how to approach the song's dynamic shifts.
- Video Lessons: For visual learners, video lessons are invaluable. They allow you to see a professional guitarist demonstrate the song in real-time, observe their hand positions, strumming patterns, and overall technique. This can clarify aspects that text-based tabs might not fully convey.
Combining these resources creates a powerful learning ecosystem, ensuring you not only learn the notes but also understand the feel, timing, and nuances that make "Come As You Are" so special.
Learning & Growing with "Come As You Are"
The beauty of learning a song like "Come As You Are" is that it serves as a fantastic vehicle for musical growth. This guitar tabs tutorial for "Come As You Are" by Nirvana is crafted for all musicians and players ready to learn and grow, whether you're just starting or refining your skills, this guide will help you.
Practice with the Original Audio
One of the most effective ways to truly internalize a song is to play along with the original audio. This isn't just about having fun; it's a critical practice technique. Playing along with the original track helps you:
- Develop Your Timing: You'll naturally sync up with the drums and bass, improving your rhythmic precision.
- Understand Dynamics: You'll learn to play softer or louder in the right places, matching the song's emotional ebb and flow.
- Feel the Groove: Music isn't just notes; it's about feel. Playing along helps you internalize the song's unique groove and swagger.
- Identify Nuances: You might pick up on subtle bends, slides, or embellishments that aren't explicitly written in the tabs but contribute significantly to the song's character.
Start by playing along slowly, then gradually increase your tempo as you become more comfortable. There are many tools available today that allow you to slow down audio without changing its pitch, making this practice even more accessible.
Tips for Effective Practice
To get the most out of your "Come As You Are" learning journey, consider these practice tips:
- Break It Down: Don't try to learn the entire song at once. Focus on one section (intro, verse, chorus) until you've mastered it before moving on.
- Start Slow: Use a metronome or a slow backing track. Accuracy at a slow tempo is far more valuable than speed with mistakes.
- Repetition is Key: Practice challenging parts repeatedly until they become second nature. Muscle memory is built through consistent repetition.
- Listen Actively: Pay close attention to the original song. How do the different guitar parts interact? What's the overall feel?
- Record Yourself: Sometimes, hearing yourself play can reveal mistakes or areas for improvement that you wouldn't notice otherwise.
- Be Patient: Learning an instrument takes time and dedication. Celebrate small victories and don't get discouraged by setbacks.
Conclusion
"Come As You Are" by Nirvana is more than just a song; it's a cultural touchstone and an excellent piece for guitarists of all levels to learn. With the abundance of high-quality resources available, including official tabs made by professional guitarists, multiple versions (acoustic, electric, easy), comprehensive chord charts, insightful tips, and engaging video lessons, mastering this 90s grunge super hit has never been more accessible.
Whether you're picking up a guitar for the very first time or looking to add another classic to your repertoire, the journey of learning "Come As You Are" promises to be both rewarding and fun. Embrace the process, utilize the diverse learning materials, and soon you'll be playing one of rock's most iconic riffs with confidence and passion. So, grab your guitar, find your preferred tab version, and let the music begin!
Come As You Are by Nirvana - Guitar Cheat Sheet - Guitar Instructor
Come As You Are (arr. Precision Tabs) Sheet Music | Nirvana | Guitar Tab
Guitar Tab / Come As You Are - YouTube
