Kurt Cobain [Nirvana] On musical theory & musicianship

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Nirvana Interview 1993 - Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl

[noahtheeditor]

These guys are my three brain cells explaining my music knowledge

[Luke-idcp]

I think Kurt knew as much about music theory as anyone who reads guitar magazines.

[RebelThoughts]

He knew music theory but on an instinctual level. He may not have known theory with the technical terms, but he still knew theory. To put together melodies and chords and notes is music theory.

[martincurran]

This is exactly what I love about Kurt and Nirvana. They had no problem telling people they didn't know what they were doing. For me, as someone who studied music at school and felt like a complete outsider because teachers forcefully tried to stress the importance of knowing absolutely everything and never making mistakes, this is so refreshing. Their music was great because they allowed themselves to make mistakes and not be perfect and they were a better band for remaining true to that. I honestly think music teachers in high schools would benefit from teaching kids about Nirvana and bands like Nirvana who despite not knowing the "rules", still made great music full of personality and creativity.

[Paul-gfkp]

For writing music, I feel like you should combine theory with what sounds good to you in my opinion. For example, I was writing a chord progression and I basically used theory to help me get a basic idea of what I wanted and then another portion of the progression was me just going off of pure instinct and what I thought sounded good. I do think there is some theory that is straight up useless for writing songs but don’t neglect basic theory either. It can really benefit you.

[MinhGear]

As a 17 year old who just got a guitar almost a month ago, Kurt gives me hope 😂🤣

[josephweedon]

“I played the trombone when I was 8… for real” 😂

[bigfootreal]

The most legendary artist did their own thing. They didn’t worry about what everyone else was doing or what has already been done. That’s pure artistry 🔥

[breatheliveandthrive]

He is my guitar hero. That is why I am still scale blind to this day! 😁

[ReadyMindsetGo]

In my first band (2003-2008, kinda lamb of god like) I basically took this approach. I developed severly bad technique that damaged my wrists and shoulders. Songwriting was a very frustrating process but we did manage to write maybe 20 songs during the five years I was in the band. After that I went and got proper guitar lessons and fysiotherapy. My second band (2011-2018) I used basic music theory and wrote fucktons of music. Now I'm working on my third band after learning still some more theory amd I basically write new stuff every time I pick up my guitar or bass. I'm 99% sure other Seattle area bands like Soundgarden and AIC etc. knew plenty of theory. My point is, do what works for you and don't try to "be like Kurt". Be yourself. It's all that that you can do.

[randivanstone]

That man played guitar for multiple years. He knew the chords and basic theory. The song on a plain is proof. U can't write a song like that on guitar without some common knowledge of music.

[boblopez]

Even with theory writing songs like kurt is extremely difficult and he did it without too much effort

[MaddestMousse]

My eyes have rolled back so far I'm not sure they're coming back.

[villiannewyork]

Honestly its more impressive to me to be able to put something together in your head and then take that and put it into a song than to be super technical. Granted I do believe Kurt had a basic understanding of theory. Poor guy really beat himself up a lot.

[XYZLMNOP]

Whether he likes it or not, he knew music theory. He was able to implement it in song structure and vocal melody, like speaking in English but not knowing the alphabet or knowing how to write it out.

[goljom]

WOW an interview with accurate questions..and about music ! that happen at least one time.

[chrisridenhour]

Pat Smear and Kurt saw Dave playing guitar and were shocked that he could play better than either of them. lol

[JosephMan]

Kurt mastered the art of power chords and shredding solos.

[lightofall]

He channeled and used his intuitive ear. He was highly sensitive hence why he also had severe addiction problems

[nickgrant]

Dave was always so sweet to Kurt man. Feel like he didn't get back but you know he was sweet to him