Nirvana’s rendition of the folk song “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a classic that has captivated generations of music lovers. The song’s haunting melody and Kurt Cobain’s raw vocals make it a timeless masterpiece. If you are a Nirvana fan, you probably want to learn how to play the song on your guitar.
Introduction to the Song and Tab
“Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a traditional American folk song that has been covered by many artists over the years. Nirvana’s version, recorded during their famous MTV Unplugged performance, is widely regarded as the best rendition of the song. The tab for the song is relatively easy to learn, even for beginners, and it only requires basic guitar skills.
Tuning Your Guitar
Before we start playing the tab, we need to tune our guitar to the same tuning that Nirvana used for their Unplugged performance. The band used an alternate tuning known as Drop D, which means that the low E string is tuned down one whole step to D. Here’s how to tune your guitar to Drop D:
• Start by tuning your low E string down to D. You can use a tuner or match the pitch to the D string on your guitar’s fifth fret.
• Once you’ve tuned the low E string, tune the rest of the strings normally.
The Tab
Here is the tab for the main riff of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night”: o play the tab, follow these instructions:
• Use your first finger to hold down the second fret on the A string.
• Use your third finger to hold down the fourth fret on the D string.
• Use your fourth finger to hold down the fifth fret on the D string.
• Pluck the D string, then the A string, then the D string again.
The Chorus
The chorus of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is also relatively easy to play. Here’s the tab for the chorus
To play the chorus, follow these instructions:
• Use your first finger to hold down the second fret on the A string.
• Use your third finger to hold down the fourth fret on the D string.
• Pluck the D string and the A string at the same time.
• Use your first finger to hold down the second fret on the low E string.
• Pluck the low E string and the A string at the same time
Nirvana’s Legacy
Nirvana was one of the most influential bands of the 1990s, and their impact on music and popular culture continues to this day. The band’s raw sound and honest lyrics resonated with a generation of disaffected youth and helped define the grunge era.
The History of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night”
“Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a traditional American folk song that dates back to the early 1900s. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Lead Belly, whose version inspired Nirvana’s rendition.
Drop D Tuning
Drop D tuning is a popular alternate tuning that many guitarists use to achieve a heavier, more powerful sound. In addition to “Where Did You Sleep Last Night,” many other Nirvana songs use Drop D tuning, including “Come As You Are” and “All Apologies.”
Strumming and Picking Techniques
To play “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” accurately, it’s essential to master both strumming and picking techniques. In this section, we’ll explore the different strumming and picking patterns used in the song and provide tips on how to play them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning to play a new song can be challenging, and even experienced guitarists can struggle with new material. In this section, we’ll highlight some common mistakes to avoid when learning the “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” tab and provide advice on how to overcome them.
Additional Resources
If you want to expand your knowledge of Nirvana and their music, there are many resources available online. In this section, we’ll recommend some books, documentaries, and websites that can help you deepen your understanding of the band and their legacy.
What’s the best way to learn how to play “Where Did You Sleep Last Night”?
The best way to learn how to play “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is to practice the tab slowly and gradually build up your speed and accuracy. It’s also helpful to watch live performances of the song to get a sense of how Nirvana played it and to learn from other guitarists’ interpretations.
Conclusion
Learning how to play “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a great way to improve your guitar skills and pay tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time. With a little practice, you can master the tab and impress your friends with your rendition of this classic tab.
