Mastering Nirvana's 'Come As You Are': Your Ultimate Guitar Tab Guide
The Enduring Legacy of "Come As You Are"
"Come As You Are" isn't just a song; it's a cultural touchstone. Released as the second single from Nirvana's seminal 1991 album "Nevermind," it quickly became one of the band's most popular and enduring tracks. The song's introspective lyrics and melancholic yet powerful sound perfectly encapsulated the angst and disillusionment of a generation.An Iconic Grunge Anthem
Composed by Kurt Cobain, with production by the legendary Butch Vig, "Come As You Are" showcases Nirvana's signature blend of quiet verses building into explosive, distorted choruses. Its popularity is evident in the overwhelmingly positive ratings its guitar tabs consistently receive, often scoring well above 4.5 out of 5 stars from thousands of users. It's a testament to the song's timeless appeal and its status as a must-learn for any rock guitarist.Why "Come As You Are" is a Must-Learn
Beyond its cultural significance, "Come As You Are" offers a fantastic learning experience for guitarists of all levels. The main electric guitar riff is deceptively simple yet incredibly effective, making it accessible for beginners to grasp while offering nuances for more advanced players to perfect. The song's structure also provides an excellent opportunity to practice dynamics, switching between clean and distorted tones, and mastering different strumming patterns.Diving Deep into "Come As You Are" Tabs
The beauty of guitar tabs lies in their simplicity. They offer a visual representation of where to place your fingers on the fretboard, making complex riffs and chords much easier to learn than traditional sheet music. For "Come As You Are," there's a wealth of resources available, each offering slightly different approaches or catering to specific needs.Understanding the Crucial Role of Tuning
One of the most critical aspects of playing "Come As You Are" authentically is understanding the tuning. Kurt Cobain famously played the song with his guitar tuned a full step down. This means the standard E A D G B E tuning is lowered to D G C F A D. Many official and highly-rated tabs, such as the "Come as you are tab by Nirvana" with a rating of 4.63/5 from 1290 votes, specify this D G C F A D tuning. However, the data also reveals other common tunings: * **Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb (Half-Step Down):** Another popular alternative, often seen in tabs with ratings like 4.66/5 from 106 votes. * **E A D G B E (Standard Tuning):** For players who prefer not to retune their guitar, there are "Come as you are (fixed for standard tuning) tab by Nirvana" versions available. These versions, often highly rated (e.g., 4.73/5 from 385 votes), allow you to play the song without changing your guitar's tuning. However, it's important to note that "the main riff won’t work but you can play it on the D and G" strings in standard tuning, meaning the iconic sound might be slightly altered. There's also a "Come as you are (1 guitarist version) tab by Nirvana" that might cater to this. Choosing the right tuning is paramount for achieving the song's signature sound. For the most authentic experience, tuning down a full step (D G C F A D) is recommended.Deconstructing the Main Riff and Beyond
The main electric guitar riff is the heart of "Come As You Are." It's what makes the song instantly recognizable. Many resources, including free tablature and video tutorials, specifically focus on teaching this riff. Whether you're learning from "Justinguitar tabs" or playing along with your favorite YouTube guitar teacher, mastering this riff is your first step. Beyond the riff, the song also features a distinct chord progression. Tabs for "Come As You Are" by Nirvana typically include: * **Chords and Lyrics:** You'll find comprehensive "chords ratings, diagrams and lyrics" that allow you to play along with the vocal lines. For example, the verse begins with "Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be as a friend, as a friend, as an old enemy take your time, hurry up, the choice is yours, don't be late take a rest, as a friend, as..." * **Chord Diagrams:** These visual aids help you place your fingers correctly on the fretboard. You can even "explore chord diagrams, transpose keys to suit your voice" to customize your playing experience. * **Bass Tab:** For bassists, "Come as you are bass tab by Nirvana" is readily available, allowing the rhythm section to lock in perfectly with the guitar. * **Transcriptions:** Professional transcriptions, like the "Guitar & bass tablature PDF transcribed by Alex Houton & Michael Duclos," offer detailed and accurate representations of the song. Some platforms even allow you to "transcribe the first 30 seconds of Come As You Are for free in tablature" to get a feel for the quality before committing.Finding Your Perfect Tab
The vast number of available tabs means you can find one tailored to your skill level and learning preference: * **Official Tabs:** "We have an official come as you are tab made by UG professional guitarists," ensuring high accuracy and reliability. * **Simple Tabs for Practice:** For beginners, a "Simple tab for practice tab by Nirvana" (rated 4.28/5 from 93 votes) can be a great starting point, focusing on the core elements without overwhelming detail. * **Tabs with Video Lessons:** Many resources combine tabs with video tutorials, such as "the best video lessons for you to learn to play this classic." This visual and auditory approach can significantly accelerate your learning. * **Play Along Features:** Look for tabs that offer "play along with original audio" functionality, allowing you to practice in time with Kurt Cobain's actual performance.Tips for Mastering "Come As You Are"
1. **Start with the Riff:** The main riff is the song's backbone. Dedicate time to mastering it slowly and accurately before speeding up. 2. **Choose Your Tuning Wisely:** Decide if you want to play in Kurt's original full-step down tuning for authenticity or a standard tuning version for convenience. Be aware of the differences in sound, especially for the main riff. 3. **Utilize Video Tutorials:** Watching someone play the song can provide invaluable insights into technique, timing, and feel. 4. **Practice Dynamics:** Pay attention to the song's quiet-loud dynamics. This is crucial for capturing the essence of Nirvana's sound. 5. **Don't Forget the Bass:** If you play bass, learning the bass tab will deepen your understanding of the song's rhythm and structure. 6. **Play Along with the Original:** Once you're comfortable, playing along with the original audio will help you refine your timing and feel.Conclusion
"Come As You Are" remains a timeless masterpiece, and learning to play it on guitar is a rewarding experience. With the abundance of high-quality guitar and bass tabs available, coupled with video lessons and play-along features, musicians of all levels can unlock the secrets of this grunge anthem. Whether you're a beginner looking for a simple practice tab or an experienced player aiming to perfect Kurt's iconic sound, the resources for "Come As You Are" tabs are abundant and highly rated, making it easier than ever to bring this classic to life on your instrument. So, pick up your guitar, choose your tab, and let the music of Nirvana flow through your fingertips.
40 Phrasal Verbs with Come in English • 7ESL | Learn english, English
99 Phrasal Verbs with COME: Come on, Come in, Come at, Come along…
15 Phrasal Verbs with Come: Come on, Come down, Come in, Come up, Come
