Smells Like Teen Spirit amp settings — Rockjam RJ10WAR2
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, dialed in for a Rockjam RJ10WAR2 with a Rockjam RJEG03SKRD. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — iconic distorted main riff / chorus
Fender Stratocaster (Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker) -> Boss DS-1 Distortion -> Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm clean channel) -> Crown Power Base 2 -> Marshall 1960B 4x12 cab
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Master | 6 |
01Boss DS-1 Distortion
RECOMMENDED — not owned. Cobain achieved his tone by running a DS-1 into a clean amp; to use this pedal, switch the amp's OD button off, set Gain to 2, and use the pedal as your dirt source.
The RockJam RJ10WAR2 is a small 10-watt practice amp featuring only Gain, Bass, Treble, and an Overdrive push-button (Middle, Presence, and Reverb do not exist on the faceplate). Since you do not own the DS-1 distortion pedal Kurt used, engage the amp's Overdrive button with Gain at 8 to simulate the clipping, while keeping Treble moderate (5) to prevent the small 5-inch speaker from sounding harsh and buzzy with single-coil pickups. Your RockJam guitar has single-coil pickups rather than Kurt's hot Seymour Duncan JB humbucker, so use the bridge position with tone wide open to capture the aggressive bite.
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These settings are for a Rockjam RJ10WAR2. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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