In Bloom
Nirvana, 1991, from Nevermind. Solo by Kurt Cobain.
Cobain plays a noisy, deliberately rough break that sets up the song's final chorus.
In Bloom, from Nevermind, features a noisy, deliberately rough break from Kurt Cobain that sets up the final chorus. Instead of fast runs, he plays a raw, simple lead that stays close to the song's own melody, smeared with distortion and bent slightly out of shape. The solo feels like a pressure release, bridging the song's catchy verses and its crashing climax. It captures Cobain's approach to guitar: emotion and attitude over technical display, with the song always in charge. Listen for how the solo's crude, slightly wobbly notes keep the tune recognisable while adding a jolt of chaos before the chorus returns.
In Bloom by Nirvana is ranked #247 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Kurt Cobain and the song was released in 1991. It appears on 2 lists, placing as high as #35 (guitarguitar).
In our lists
Sources
- guitarguitar: Top 50 Guitar Solos of All Time — #35
- Guitar Tricks: 200 Best Guitar Solos of All Time — #188
Who played the guitar solo on In Bloom?
Kurt Cobain played the solo on Nirvana's In Bloom (1991).
Where does In Bloom rank among the greatest guitar solos?
#247 in the GreatestSolos consensus of 79 published lists; it appears on 2 of them.