Smells Like Teen Spirit amp settings — Boss GT-1
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, dialed in for a Boss GT-1 with a Tagima TW61. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — clean intro/verse riff
Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm Channel) + Crown Power Base 2 into Marshall 1960B 4x12, 1990 Fender Stratocaster (bridge humbucker) + EHX Small Clone chorus
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 3 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Boss GT-1 FX1/MOD (Chorus Block - CE-1/Small Clone style)
Placed before amp or in FX path; replicates the deep detuned wobble of the EHX Small Clone with depth switch up
The Tagima TW61 uses P90 pickups which naturally have punchy mids and grittier attack than Cobain's bridge humbucker, so keep amp gain low at 3 to preserve clean headroom. Setting the GT-1 preamp mid to 7 keeps the riff percussive and tight without getting muddy under the chorus block. Keep reverb completely at 0 to replicate the dry Sound City studio room tracking.
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These settings are for a Boss GT-1. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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