This Polly guitar lesson breaks down one of Nirvana’s most haunting and deceptively simple songs. What makes “Polly” so compelling to play is how Kurt Cobain created such a powerful atmosphere using just a few basic chords and a clean guitar tone. Don’t let the simplicity fool you though – getting that signature feel requires attention to your strumming dynamics and chord voicings. This lesson will get you playing the song confidently while teaching you essential techniques you can use in countless other grunge and alternative rock songs.
Song Story & Context
“Polly” originally appeared on Nirvana’s breakthrough album “Nevermind” in 1991, but Kurt actually wrote the song much earlier. The track stands out from the album’s heavier material with its clean guitar tone and acoustic-style approach, even though it was recorded on an electric guitar. Cobain played this on a five-string Stella acoustic guitar during the recording sessions, which gave it that distinctive thin, almost brittle sound quality.
What’s fascinating is how the song’s minimalist approach became one of Nirvana’s most recognizable tracks. The clean guitar tone and simple chord progression create an unsettling contrast with the song’s dark subject matter. This technique of using beautiful music to carry heavy themes became a hallmark of the grunge movement, and “Polly” is one of the best examples of this approach.
What You’ll Learn
- Essential open chord shapes: Em, G, C, Am, and D
- Clean tone strumming techniques for grunge-style dynamics
- How to create tension using simple chord progressions
- Proper muting technique to get that controlled, punchy sound
- Transitions between chord sections that sound smooth and natural
- Dynamic control – when to play soft versus when to dig in
Chord Progression Breakdown
The main verse progression uses Em – G – Em – G, which creates that hypnotic, circular feeling. Your Em chord should be played as a standard open position, but pay attention to how cleanly you’re fretting each note. Any buzzing or muted strings will really stand out with a clean tone.
For the G chord, use your standard open G fingering, but make sure you’re getting a good ring on that high E string. Many players accidentally mute it with their ring finger, which kills the brightness you need for this song.
The chorus section moves through Em – G – C – Am – Em – G – D. This progression has a few tricky transitions, especially moving from C to Am. Keep your ring finger planted on the 3rd fret when possible, as it stays in the same position for both chords.
The D chord at the end of the chorus progression can catch you off guard if you’re not ready for it. Practice the G to D transition slowly, lifting your middle finger from the 6th string and repositioning it on the 1st fret of the high E string.
Strumming Pattern & Rhythm
The strumming pattern isn’t complex, but it requires good dynamic control. You’ll mostly be doing down strums with occasional upstrokes for emphasis. The key is varying your attack – some strums should be gentle and whisper-quiet, while others need to have more bite.
Start with simple down strums on each beat while you get comfortable with the chord changes. Once that feels natural, begin adding upstrokes on the “and” of beats 2 and 4. The pattern ends up feeling like: down, down-up, down, down-up.
Pay special attention to string muting between chords. Rest your palm lightly against the strings when you want to create those punctuated, staccato moments. This technique is crucial for getting that authentic grunge feel where not every strum rings out completely.
Tips for Playing This Song
Use a clean tone with just a hint of compression. You want clarity on every note, but a small amount of compression helps even out your dynamics. Avoid distortion completely – it will mask the subtleties that make this song work.
Focus on your chord transitions rather than complex strumming. The song’s power comes from smooth, confident chord changes. If you’re stumbling between chords, slow down and practice the transitions without worrying about strumming patterns.
Don’t rush the tempo. “Polly” has a deliberate, almost sluggish feel that’s essential to its character. Many guitarists play it too fast and lose that haunting quality. Use a metronome set around 120 BPM to keep yourself honest.
Practice palm muting selectively. You don’t want to mute every strum, but strategic palm muting creates dynamics and prevents the song from sounding too bright or cheerful. Experiment with muting the lower strings while letting the higher ones ring clearly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is overcomplicating the strumming. This isn’t a song that needs fancy fingerpicking or complex rhythms. Keep it simple and focus on getting a good, consistent tone from your chords.
Another common issue is not letting chords ring long enough. “Polly” has space in it – don’t feel like you need to fill every moment with strumming. Sometimes holding a chord and letting it sustain is more powerful than constant motion.
Watch out for sloppy chord fingerings, especially on the G chord. That high E string needs to ring clearly, and many players accidentally touch it with their ring finger, creating a muted or buzzy sound that really stands out in a clean tone setting.
Playing this song with the right feel takes practice, but it’s incredibly rewarding once you get it. Take your time with the video lesson, and don’t worry if it takes a few sessions to really nail the dynamics and chord transitions.