F5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
Ab5tap to play
Db5tap to play
Key
F
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
F5 · Bb5 · Ab5 · Db5
Smells Like Teen Spirit Chords – Guitar
F5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
Ab5tap to play
Db5tap to play
Key
F
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
F5 · Bb5 · Ab5 · Db5
Smells Like Teen Spirit Chords – Ukulele
F5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
Ab5tap to play
Db5tap to play
Key
F
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
F5 · Bb5 · Ab5 · Db5
Smells Like Teen Spirit Chords – Piano
F5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
Ab5tap to play
Db5tap to play
Key
F
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
F5 · Bb5 · Ab5 · Db5
Smells Like Teen Spirit Chords – Banjo
F5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
Ab5tap to play
Db5tap to play
Key
F
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
F5 · Bb5 · Ab5 · Db5
Smells Like Teen Spirit Chords – Mandolin
F5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
Ab5tap to play
Db5tap to play
Key
F
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
F5 · Bb5 · Ab5 · Db5
Smells Like Teen Spirit Chords – Harmonica
The grunge anthem that defined a generation. Four power chords, one legendary riff.
Chords used: F5, Bb5, Ab5, Db5 · Key: F · Difficulty: Intermediate
Power Chord Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↓↓↓
1234
Tip: Palm mute the verse riff, then open up for the chorus. The dynamic contrast is what makes this song hit so hard.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn four power chords
You need F5 (1st fret), Bb5 (6th fret), Ab5 (4th fret), and Db5 (9th fret on A string).
2
Master the riff
The iconic riff plays the four chords with a specific rhythm: two quick strums then a pause. Listen to the original to nail the timing.
3
Dynamic contrast
Verse: palm-muted, quiet. Chorus: full power, loud. This contrast is the heart of the song.
Song Details
Key, Tuning & Capo
Original key: Fm · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: 1st fret to play along with the original recording.
Playing tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding the strum — clean, in-time changes beat speed.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
F5 – Bb5
Ab5 – Db5
F5 – Bb5
Ab5 – Db5
Chorus
F5 – Bb5 – Ab5 – Db5 (×4)
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Smells Like Teen Spirit"?
You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: F5, Bb5, Ab5 and Db5.
Is "Smells Like Teen Spirit" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of F, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Smells Like Teen Spirit" in?
It is in the key of F.
Who wrote "Smells Like Teen Spirit"?
It was written by Nirvana.