If you’re an aspiring guitarist looking to expand your repertoire beyond the basics, then why not take a look at the incredible music of Nirvana?
After forming in 1987, this legendary grunge band made waves that still reverberate to this day – selling over 75 million albums worldwide and inspiring countless fans to pick up guitars and play.
From classic hits like ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ to deep cuts like ‘Dumb’ and ‘On a Plain’.
Here are 15 easy Nirvana songs that any beginner or intermediate guitarist can learn with little to no prior experience.
Table of Contents
15. “Aneurysm”
“Aneurysm” by Nirvana is a song that has become an iconic part of their legacy.
It was written by Kurt Cobain and first released on the compilation album Incesticide in 1992.
The song is a fast-paced, punk-inspired track that features Cobain’s signature distorted guitar sound.
The lyrics are often interpreted as being about Cobain’s struggles with depression and his feelings of alienation from mainstream society.
The song is also known for its chorus, which features the repeated line “love you so much, it makes me sick”.
It is an anthem of sorts for the disenfranchised and disaffected, a sentiment that resonated deeply with Nirvana’s fanbase.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Foo Fighters, who recorded a version for their album In Your Honor.
It is a classic example of Nirvana’s unique sound and their ability to capture the angst and alienation of the grunge era.
14. “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?”
Nirvana’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” is a haunting, powerful ballad that has become one of the band’s most iconic songs.
Written in 1889 by bluesman Lead Belly, the song was later adapted by Nirvana for their MTV Unplugged in New York performance in 1993.
The song is a powerful, raw, and emotionally charged performance that showcases the band’s ability to take a traditional song and make it their own.
The song features a sparse arrangement of just Kurt Cobain’s voice and guitar, with the occasional addition of bass and drums.
The lyrics are filled with heartache and longing, and the performance is filled with a sense of desperation and longing.
The song has become an anthem for many fans, and it is one of the most memorable performances in the band’s catalog.
13. “Something in the Way”
“Something in the Way” by Nirvana is a melancholic ballad that was featured on the band’s iconic 1991 album, “Nevermind.” Written by frontman Kurt Cobain, the song is a reflection on homelessness and loneliness.
It speaks to the struggles of living on the streets and the feeling of being invisible to the rest of the world.
The instrumentation is sparse, featuring only Cobain’s soft acoustic guitar and Dave Grohl’s gentle drums.
The lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and heartbreakingly honest, with Cobain singing lines like “Underneath the bridge, the tarp has sprung a leak, and the animals I’ve trapped have all become my pets.”
The song has become a fan favorite over the years, and its impact on the music industry is undeniable.
Nirvana’s “Nevermind” album is widely considered to be one of the most influential records of the 1990s and “Something in the Way” is a perfect example of the band’s ability to create emotionally powerful songs.
12. “On a Plain”
“On a Plain” by Nirvana is an iconic song from the band’s iconic album, Nevermind.
The song was written by frontman Kurt Cobain and was released as the third single from the album in 1992.
It is a grunge rock song which features Cobain’s signature distorted guitar and a driving beat.
The lyrics are often interpreted as being about Cobain’s struggles with depression and his search for meaning in life.
The song is considered to be one of the most influential songs of the 1990s and has been covered by numerous other artists.
It has been featured in several films and television shows, and has been included in several greatest hits albums.
The song has become an anthem for many fans of Nirvana and is still widely listened to today.
11. “About a Girl”
The song “About a Girl” by Nirvana is a classic rock song that has stood the test of time.
Released in 1989 on the band’s debut album Bleach, the song was written by Kurt Cobain and features a simple, but catchy guitar riff.
The lyrics tell the story of a young man in love with a girl, but he is unsure if she loves him back.
The song’s chorus is especially memorable, with Cobain singing “I need an easy friend, I do, with an ear to lend, I do, think you fit this shoe, I do, but you won’t have a clue.”
The song was a hit in the United States and reached number thirty-five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It has since become a staple of Nirvana’s live performances and is often played at their concerts.
The song is also featured in the video game Guitar Hero 5, and was covered by the Foo Fighters in 2008.
It is a great example of the band’s ability to write catchy, yet meaningful songs that still resonate with audiences today.
10. “Sliver”
“Sliver” by Nirvana is a classic grunge anthem from the band’s second album Nevermind.
It was written by frontman Kurt Cobain and released as the fourth single from the album in 1992.
The song is a short, fast-paced track that captures the spirit of the band’s signature sound.
The lyrics are about a young boy’s experience of being left alone by his parents for a weekend and the feelings of loneliness and confusion that come with it.
Musically, the song is driven by Cobain’s distorted guitar riffs and Dave Grohl’s powerful drumming.
The song also features bassist Krist Novoselic’s backing vocals and a memorable chorus that features Cobain’s signature vocal delivery.
The song is a fan favorite and remains one of the most iconic songs of the grunge era.
9. “The Man Who Sold the World”
“The Man Who Sold the World” by Nirvana is a classic rock song from the band’s third studio album, “MTV Unplugged in New York”.
Originally written and recorded by David Bowie in 1970, Nirvana’s version of the song was released in 1994 and quickly became a fan favorite.
The song is a somber ballad that features a slow, melodic guitar and Kurt Cobain’s haunting vocals.
The lyrics tell a story of a man who has lost his way and is searching for a sense of purpose.
The song is a reflection of the struggles of life and the realization that we all have to make our own choices.
Nirvana’s version of the song was praised for its unique interpretation and Cobain’s raw, emotive vocals.
The song has since been covered by many other artists and has become a staple of the classic rock genre.
Nirvana’s version of “The Man Who Sold the World” is a testament to their musical genius and the power of their songwriting.
8. “Drain You”
“Drain You” is a song by the iconic grunge band Nirvana, released on their 1991 album Nevermind.
Written by frontman Kurt Cobain, the song is a prime example of the band’s unique style, blending elements of punk and alternative rock.
The track features Cobain’s signature distorted guitar sound, as well as the band’s dynamic rhythm section of bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl.
Lyrically, the song is a tribute to Cobain’s relationship with his then-girlfriend, which he describes as being “drained of emotion.”
The song also features a memorable bridge section, in which Cobain’s vocals become increasingly distorted, before the song ends with an extended outro.
“Drain You” has become a fan favorite, and is often performed live by Nirvana tribute bands.
It is a testament to the band’s legacy, and a reminder of the lasting impact Nirvana has had on the music world.
7. “All Apologies”
The iconic grunge band Nirvana released “All Apologies” in 1993 as the third single from their third and final studio album, In Utero.
Written by frontman Kurt Cobain, the song is a melancholic, hauntingly beautiful ballad with a simple guitar riff and Cobain’s signature vocal style.
The lyrics are a reflection on Cobain’s failed relationships and his inner struggle with fame and depression.
The song is considered one of the band’s most iconic and beloved songs, and it was even performed by Cobain’s daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, in a tribute to her father at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.
Nirvana was formed in 1987 in Aberdeen, Washington, by Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic, and was later joined by Dave Grohl on drums.
The band quickly gained a cult following and was signed to a major label in 1989.
They released their debut album, Bleach, in 1989, followed by the hugely successful Nevermind in 1991.
Nirvana was one of the most influential bands of the 1990s and was credited with popularizing the grunge genre.
They disbanded in 1994 following Cobain’s death. “All Apologies” remains a beloved classic and a powerful reminder of the band’s legacy.
6. “Polly”
“Polly” by Nirvana is a song that was released in 1991 on their album Nevermind.
It was written by Kurt Cobain and is one of the most iconic songs of the grunge era.
The song is about a real-life incident in which a 14-year-old girl was abducted and held captive in Tacoma, Washington.
Cobain was inspired to write the song after reading a newspaper article about the incident.
Musically, the song is a mix of punk and alternative rock, featuring Cobain’s signature distorted guitar riffs and Dave Grohl’s steady drumming.
The song also features a unique vocal delivery from Cobain, who sings the chorus in a higher pitch than the verses.
The lyrics of the song are dark and haunting, as Cobain sings about the girl’s plight and her captor’s attempts to break her spirit.
The song has become an anthem for those who have experienced abuse, and it has been covered by many artists since its release.
5. “Heart-Shaped Box”
The iconic grunge rock song “Heart-Shaped Box” by Nirvana is a classic that has been around for decades.
It was released as the lead single from Nirvana’s third and final studio album, In Utero, in August 1993.
The song was written by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain and produced by Steve Albini.
It was one of the most popular songs of the 1990s, peaking at number one on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and number three on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s lyrics were inspired by a box of chocolates that Cobain’s then-wife, Courtney Love, had given him.
The song’s music video, which was directed by Anton Corbijn, was also very popular, winning the MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video in 1994.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Foo Fighters, U2, and The White Stripes.
To this day, “Heart-Shaped Box” remains one of Nirvana’s most popular and enduring songs and is a classic of the grunge rock genre.
4. “In Bloom”
The iconic 90s grunge band, Nirvana, released their hit single “In Bloom” in 1992.
It was the second single off their second studio album, Nevermind, and it was the fourth song on the album.
The song was written by lead singer and guitarist, Kurt Cobain, and it was one of the most popular songs from the album.
The song is a commentary on the commercialization of the band, as Cobain felt that the band was becoming too popular and that their fans were not necessarily the same people who had supported them from the beginning.
The lyrics of the song are full of irony and sarcasm, as Cobain sings about how “he’s the one who likes all our pretty songs” and how “he knows what it means to be alone.”
Musically, the song is characterized by its heavy guitar riffs and Cobain’s signature vocal style.
The song also features a prominent bass line and a drumbeat that is reminiscent of early punk rock.
“In Bloom” was a commercial success, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
It has since become one of Nirvana’s most beloved and recognizable songs.
3. “Come As You Are”
The iconic song “Come As You Are” by Nirvana is a classic that has been praised by fans and critics alike since its release in 1991.
Written by the band’s lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain, the song is a perfect example of Nirvana’s signature sound, combining elements of punk, pop, and heavy metal.
The lyrics of “Come As You Are” are simple yet powerful, and they speak to the idea of accepting ourselves and others for who they are.
The song was released as the second single from the band’s second album Nevermind and was an instant success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and becoming one of Nirvana’s most popular songs.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films and television shows, cementing its place in popular culture.
2. “Lithium”
“Lithium” by Nirvana is an iconic song that has become a classic in the alternative rock genre.
Written by frontman Kurt Cobain and released in 1992, the song is one of the band’s most popular and recognizable tracks.
It is the third single from their second studio album, Nevermind, and is a reflection of Cobain’s struggles with depression and his own personal demons.
The song’s lyrics are a mix of dark and light, expressing Cobain’s inner turmoil and his attempts to cope with his mental health issues.
Musically, the song is driven by a simple, yet powerful guitar riff and Cobain’s signature vocal style.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in many films and television shows.
Nirvana’s impact on the music world is undeniable, and “Lithium” is a perfect example of their influence.
It is a song that has stood the test of time and continues to be a fan favorite.
1. “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana is a classic rock song that has become an anthem for the grunge movement of the early 1990s.
Released in 1991, the song was the first single from the band’s second album, Nevermind, and quickly became a hit.
It was written by Kurt Cobain, Nirvana’s lead singer and songwriter, and features a catchy riff and a driving beat.
The song’s lyrics are cryptic and ambiguous, but they have been interpreted as a call to arms for the disaffected youth of the time.
The song’s success helped to launch the grunge movement and catapult Nirvana to worldwide fame.
It is still widely played today, and is considered to be one of the most influential and iconic songs of the 1990s.
More than 10 years of experience playing and writing about guitars! When not writing, I can be found strumming away some Johnny Cash tunes. Favorite all time guitar is the Gibson Les Paul. #TeamGibson
