Learn to Play "All Apologies" by Nirvana on Guitar

In this lesson, we're going to dive into one of Nirvana's timeless classics - All Apologies. Whether you're a fan of Nirvana or simply looking to expand your guitar repertoire, this song is a must-learn. So grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Introduction

To play All Apologies, we'll use standard tuning with a slight twist. If you want to play along with the original recording, tune your guitar to Drop D, down a semitone. However, we'll stick to regular Drop D tuning for this lesson. If you're playing acoustic, great! The unplugged version of the song is quite similar to the original recording, with a little less distortion in the choruses. If you're playing electric, just add some distortion during the chorus to capture that signature sound.

Drop D Tuning

The iconic riff is the key feature of All Apologies. Before diving into the details, let's make sure we're in Drop D tuning. To achieve this tuning, simply tune your thickest string down one tone. You can use the fourth string as a reference if needed. Once you're in Drop D, you'll have a nice, fat D chord when you strum the thickest three strings. Feel free to play a regular open D chord for a lush sound.

Kurt Cobain used some doubling techniques and variations throughout the song. In this lesson, we'll focus on the main riff and variations.

Breaking Down the Riff

Let's break down the riff into a four-bar sequence. We'll start with the open thickest string, then play the 9th fret, 10th fret, and 9th fret with the first and second fingers, respectively. While it may seem easier to use the little finger, Kurt Cobain used his third finger for this part, which adds a slight slide effect for authenticity.

Next, we play the 12th fret twice with the third finger, followed by the 10th and 9th frets. Take your time to get comfortable with these finger positions and the rhythm. Don't worry if you accidentally hit the thicker string a few more times; it won't affect the overall sound. In the second bar, we repeat the same pattern, but this time, we play the thicker string once before moving to the 4th string. The drone effect created by the open D string adds a unique texture to the riff.

For the verses, Kurt Cobain mostly played the riff consistently in the same way we just discussed. However, there's a small variation in the fourth bar. After playing the riff, he transitions to the 11th fret of the third string, the 9th fret on the third string, and then the 12th fret on the fourth string. While there's some uncertainty about the exact fingering for this part, playing it on the 16th, 14th, and 12th frets of the fourth string can also work.

Singing While Playing the Riff

Playing and singing the riff at the same time can be quite challenging. It's natural for our attention to fluctuate between playing the riff and focusing on the vocals. To overcome this, practice the riff until you feel confident enough to sing over it without much thought. You can automate the riff by repeating it repeatedly, then gradually incorporate singing. Remember that it takes practice to effectively multitask while playing and singing, so be patient with yourself.

The Simple Chorus

The chorus of All Apologies is refreshingly simple. It consists of six bars played on the G chord. Kurt Cobain used his second finger to play this chord, although you can use your first or third finger if it feels more comfortable. Simply bar the fifth fret on the thickest three strings.

While the original recording may sound like there are additional notes or lifting going on, after careful research, it seems that Kurt Cobain played just the G chord without any extra embellishments.

Wrapping It Up

That's it for the main parts of All Apologies! The song structure revolves around alternating between the riff and the chorus. Towards the end, there's a riffy part where you hold the A chord for an extended duration. You'll find some additional noisescape elements and layering in the original recording, especially in the unplugged version. Checking out the unplugged version can provide a clearer picture of what's happening and offer a fantastic way to play the song on your acoustic guitar.

I highly recommend watching the video if you've enjoyed this lesson and want to dive deeper into playing All Apologies by Nirvana. In the video, we'll cover all the details, demonstrate the finger positions, and provide additional tips to help you master this iconic song. So don't miss out!

Remember, practice makes permanent! Take your time, master the riff, experiment with the song, and most importantly, have fun! All Apologies is a fantastic addition to your guitar repertoire, especially if you're a Nirvana fan. So grab your guitar and start rocking out to this classic tune today.

Keep strumming, keep learning, and keep the music alive!