Smells Like Teen Spirit

Nirvana · 117 BPM · 4/4

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Nirvana · Capo 1

0:000:00
CapoPlace capo at fret 1; pitch is unchanged.

Cm

Cm8fr134111
CmLoad up on gAmuns, bring your friGends
GIt'sE fun to losAme and Cmto pretend
CmShe's over-bored and self-assured
 OhE no, IEm know Ama dirty woCrd
CHello,E hello, Amhello, howC low
CHello, hEmello, helloG, how low
 HelloE, hello, Cmhello, Ghow lCow
CHeElloEm, helGlo, hEello
EWith the lights Aout, it's less dangerous
AHGere we areC now, Eentertain us
 IG feel stupid,E and contAmagious
 HeGre we Care now, Ementertain uGs
GA mulatto, aFn albino
 AB mosFquitEo, my Flibido
FYeAmaCmh,Em CmheyAm,Cm EyAmaCmy
 I'm worse aAmt what I Cmdo besGt
GAnd for Ethis giftAm, I feCmel blessed
 Our little group haCms always been
 AnBmd always wiAmll until the end
 HellEo, helAlo, hello, Ghow low
 HelElo, hello,Am hello,C how low
CHeEllo, hello, hello, Ghow low
GHellEo, hello, hAmello
AmWitGh the lighCts out, Eit's less dangerCmous
CmHerGe we are nowE, entertain uGs
GI feel stupid,Bm and conEmtagiouGs
GHere we Care now, entEmertain us
GA mulaCmtto, anEm albino
BmA mosquito, my libiFdo
AYCmeGaAhA,E EhCeAmyCm,Cm CmyBmaEmyG
GAnCd I foErgetEm, just why IG taste
GOCh yeah,E I guess itAm makes meC smile
CI foundE it hard, it'sAm hard tGo find
GOCh well,E whatever, nevGer mind
GHellEo, hello, helloG, how low?
GHeCllo, hEello, hello, hGow low?
CHello,E hello, hello, Ghow low?
CHelloE, hello, Amhello
 WGith the lights ouEt, it's lessA dangerous
AHeGre we are nEow, entertaAin usG
GI feel stupid, aEnd contAmagious
 HeGre we arCe nowE, entertain us
 A mGulattoE, an albino
EA mosquito, my libido
EA denial, a denial
EA denial, a deniAmal
AmA denial, a denial
 A denial, a denial
 A denial

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All Chords Used (10)
Cm8fr134111
Am✕231
G213
E231
Em23
C✕321
A✕123
F134211
B7fr134211
Bm7fr134111
KeyF major
CapoFret 1
Tempo~117 BPM

How to play Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana on guitar

This is a great one to learn because it has a huge, driving feel and a simple shape-based groove that locks in fast. You get to focus on timing and energy more than flash, so it feels powerful even at a beginner level.

The chart uses a mix of open shapes and barre shapes, so your fretting hand will need to switch between easy grips and tighter pressure. The main thing to watch is the opening move from C#m to A#m to G# to F, since those changes ask for quick, clean shifts across the neck.

Start by looping the opening progression slowly and making each change sound clear. Then add the rest of the song in short sections, keeping the pulse steady before you try full speed. Once the shapes feel automatic, play along with the track and let the energy carry you.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.

Looking for more? Browse the full guitar song library or explore chord diagrams.

Tutorials & guides for "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

Deep-dive

C Chord Guitar — How to Play C Major (With Diagram)

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