Transcribing Notes From John Neil (Head Transcriber)
Come As You Are – Nirvana – Song Breakdown
Melody
A nice Kurt Cobain melody with his usual cryptic lyrics. The vocal range is E3 to F#4.
Download the Melody Sheet Music Here
Keyboard
There are no keyboards in this song, so I made up a part based on the main guitar riff and chords of the song. It calls for electric piano, but can be played with any piano-like keyboard sound.
Download the Keyboard Sheet Music Here
Lead Guitar
The electric guitars are tuned down a full-step to reach the low D in the main riff and low voicings. The lead guitar holds off until chorus 1 (when all he— breaks loose), and brings the distortion until the end.
Download the Lead Guitar Tab Here
Rhythm Guitar
Also tuned down, the rhythm guitar handles the main riff with its clean/chorused sound, and the more picking type parts.
Download the Rhythm Guitar Tab Here
Strum/Ukulele Guitar
There is no strum guitar or ukulele in the recording, so a part was made up based on the basic groove.
Download the Strum Tab Here
Download the Ukulele Tab Here
Bass Guitar
This part is done in the drop D tuning, even though it only hits that note a few times. It sounds like it’s played with a pick as well.
Download the Bass Tab Here
Drums
A rocking drum part with lots of ride and cymbal crashes, and those low Dave Grohl toms.
Download the Drum Music Here
Download the Lead Sheet Here
