“Polly” is a haunting and beautiful acoustic track from Nirvana’s extensive catalog, renowned for its raw emotion and Kurt Cobain’s distinctive songwriting. For guitar players looking to delve into Nirvana’s music, “Polly” is an excellent starting point. This lesson breaks down how to play “Polly” using easy-to-grasp Nirvana Guitar Chords, perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike wanting to explore this iconic song. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can master this song with just a few simple chord progressions.
Verse Chords: The Foundation of “Polly”
The verse of “Polly” is built upon a sequence of four power chords. Now, while they are fundamentally power chords, Kurt Cobain’s playing style often adds a little extra flavor. When playing these shapes, particularly those rooted on the 5th string, Cobain frequently includes the note on the second string within the barre of his third finger. This subtle addition transforms the power chord into a fuller, almost major chord sound. This technique is a hallmark of Cobain’s guitar work and can be heard throughout much of Nirvana’s music.
So, as you learn these verse chords, be aware of this nuance. Don’t be concerned if you hear that second string ringing out; it’s part of the intended sound and a key element in achieving that authentic Nirvana vibe. The verse progression provides the melancholic and intimate feel that defines “Polly”.
Chorus Chords: Simple and Effective
Moving into the chorus, the chord progression remains wonderfully simple, consisting entirely of power chords. These chorus chords provide a lift and contrast to the verse, adding dynamic to the song without increasing complexity. The beauty of “Polly”, and many Nirvana songs, lies in its accessibility. Cobain’s genius was in crafting powerful and emotionally resonant music using straightforward chord structures, making it incredibly rewarding for guitarists of all skill levels to learn and play.
Play “Polly” Today
“Polly” stands out as a remarkably accessible acoustic song, making it a fantastic choice even for those just starting their guitar journey. With just these two sets of chord progressions – the verse and the chorus – you can play the entire song. Tune your guitar to standard tuning, learn these nirvana guitar chords, and you’ll be playing “Polly” in no time. Dive in and enjoy learning this classic track!
