Grunge Seattle (Smells Like Teen Spirit)

i → iv → III → VI

Position
Fm chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Fm: string 6: fret 1, string 5: fret 3, string 4: fret 3, string 3: fret 1, string 2: fret 1, string 1: fret 1Fm
Bbm chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Bbm: string 6: muted, string 5: fret 1, string 4: fret 3, string 3: fret 3, string 2: fret 2, string 1: fret 1×Bbm
Ab chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Ab: string 6: fret 4, string 5: fret 6, string 4: fret 6, string 3: fret 5, string 2: fret 4, string 1: fret 44Ab
Db chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Db: string 6: muted, string 5: fret 4, string 4: fret 6, string 3: fret 6, string 2: fret 6, string 1: fret 44×Db
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About

The iconic grunge progression: i-iv-III-VI with power chords. The pairs of chords (i-iv and III-VI) are each a fourth apart, creating that restless, angsty energy that defined 90s alternative rock.

Songs using this progression

  • Smells Like Teen Spirit — Nirvana
  • Lithium — Nirvana
  • Come As You Are — Nirvana
GrungeAlternative Rock90s Rockheavyangstyrawintense

Related progressions

Dark Grunge
i → VI → III → VII
GrungeAlternative Rock
Punk Classic (Blitzkrieg Bop)
I → IV → V
PunkPunk Rock