Online Video Guitar Lessons
  • Call Us at 1-877-999-4JAM
  • Home
  • Lessons
  • Features
  • Teachers
  • Live
  • Signup

Nirvana - Lithium Guitar Lesson

Home > Guitar Lessons > Songs > Nirvana > Lithium
  • About
  • Comments
  • About this Series
  • Free Lessons
  • Membership
Allen Van Wert

Lithium

Allen Van Wert teaches this classic grunge song from the album Nevermind. Still a staple of rock radio today, this song continues Nirvana's style of soft and loud parts. Dynamics were a big part of their sound.

Taught by Allen Van Wert in Songs With Allen seriesLength: 20:17Difficulty: 1.0 of 5
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  •  
  • E5
  • E5
  • G#5
  • G#5
  • A5
  • B5
  • B5
  • B
  • C5
  • C5
  • C
  • C5
  • C5
  • C5
  • C#5
  • C#5
  • C#5
  • D5
  • D5
  • D
  •  
  • Song Lyrics
  •  
  • Drums And Bass
  •  



Supplemental Learning Material

Select

Member Comments about this Lesson

Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.


shunshun replied on October 3rd, 2012

We want more!

echegollenechegollen replied on September 24th, 2012

Is this the same version played by Kurt Cobain? It seems pretty hard to play and sing that song at the same time...

allen.vanwertallen.vanwert replied on May 21st, 2013

If you practice it slowly you may be able to sing it. Take it a few words at a time and work on rhythm.

shunshun replied on October 3rd, 2012

I find it hard to sing to sing any song while playing guitar so im afraid i cant tell

spprashaantspprashaant replied on October 12th, 2011

What is the amp settings used for this song both for clean and distorted. I have a vox tonelab st, so I can have any of the 33 amp models and one effect and one time based effect. The output of this I am feeding to a small physical amp Marshall MG 10

orion3torion3t replied on October 10th, 2011

I have a query about the muting that Nirvana do a lot - that sort of 'waka waka' sound. Is the muting done only with the left hand rather than palm muting?

SylviaSylvia replied on August 24th, 2011

Come on OHIO... the upside down and backwards fretboard SUCKS... please put these back to normal.

nessanessa replied on August 25th, 2011

I don't know that they have any current plans to start filming them the old way again, I apologize! I know that some don't enjoy the new angle while some do. I will point out that the majority of the lessons going on the site are still filmed the original way. The feedback is appreciated. :)

rhoadsfreakrhoadsfreak replied on August 27th, 2011

I know I am NOT the only one who LIKES that angle.. It shows what you would be looking at while YOU were looking down at your own fretboard, which ALL people do while learning and 99% of "the greats" still do from time to time.... Keep that angle OHIO boys!!

stratmusicstratmusic replied on August 27th, 2011

I really like the "new" angle too and personally would like to see it in MORE lessons. I really hope Jamplay continues to crank out videos using both angles so eveyone can benefit depending on how they learn the best. It would be a shame to see this angle not used...I just think more people that don't like it are voicing their opinions. I bet their are plenty of us that do appreciate this angle.

jj90jj90 replied on September 10th, 2011

Yeah both angles would work perfectly. I'm a lefty, and the upside down view is really difficult to learn from just looking at it. I understand it is a perfect angle for right handed players but it somewhat difficult mirroring it. Wouldn't it be perfect if the JW player that Jamplay uses could get some kind of instant mirroring feature. That way everyone, left or right would be happy.

chodypthchodypth replied on August 27th, 2011

I prefer the overhead angle any day. Easier to see the fretboard and what's going on. You have both the front angle in the bottom left and the overhead in the top. So whats the problem?

metelthometeltho replied on August 25th, 2011

Good lesson, but I have to agree with "Sylvia" above that the camera angle is not very appealing or easy to learn from. Would be great to have it back to an easier angle.

jj90jj90 replied on August 25th, 2011

Keep em coming Allen! Love Nirvana, already knew it, but it's a wonderful song to play/hear. Thanks!

ferhispanoferhispano replied on August 24th, 2011

Nice one, I really like grunge, nice lesson

Songs With Allen

Found in our Beginner Lesson Sets

Learn rock songs with Allen Van Wert.



Lesson 1

Turkish March

Allen Van Wert teaches his neo-classical rendition of this Mozart masterpiece.

Length: 33:18 Difficulty: 4.0 Members Only
Lesson 2

Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers

Allen Van Wert covers the ZZ Top classic "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers."

Length: 24:58 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 3

Angry Again

Allen Van Wert teaches this Megadeth classic.

Length: 41:01 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
Lesson 4

Seventeen

Learn this classic hair metal song by the band Winger.

Length: 67:00 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
Lesson 5

Hangar 18

Allen Van Wert teaches this epic Megadeth song that has no less than 11 guitar solos.

Length: 120:00 Difficulty: 4.0 Members Only
Lesson 6

Come As You Are

Allen teaches this song from the great American grunge band Nirvana.

Length: 16:57 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Lesson 7

Lithium

Allen Van Wert teaches this classic grunge song from the album Nevermind.

Length: 20:17 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Lesson 8

Endless Sacrifice

Resident JamPlay metallurgist Allen Van Wert tackles the 11 minute epic "Endless Sacrifice" by Dream Theater. Allen meticulously explains all of John Petrucci's guitar parts in this 80 minute lesson. If...

Length: 79:14 Difficulty: 5.0 Members Only
Lesson 9

Pull Me Under

Here is a lesson on Dream Theater's most popular song. Recognizable by its brooding clean intro and brutal distorted rhythms, this song is a must learn for metal guitarists. Chances are if you want to...

Length: 120:06 Difficulty: 4.0 Members Only

About Allen Van Wert View Full Biography Allen Van Wert got the nickname "ROBOT" from his unusual guitar tapping techniques that often sound like a video game more than a guitar. He has studied and played a wide variety of genres. His experimental and eclectic amalgamation of music combining shred guitar, crazy tapping techniques, and electronically infused composition contrasted by a highly emotional soft melodic side, make his debut album a really fun and interesting listen for just about anyone.

Allen has recorded guitar for the famed video game soundtrack composer Jesper Kyd (Composer of Hitman, Splinter Cell and many other big title games) as well as composing and recording for movie trailers and TV commercials. He has also been producing, recording and co-writing for local artists in his small home/project studio.

His three books on guitar technique, ear training and songwriting have helped many students over the past couple of years. Allen has also played in various cover bands in many genres since the age of 16 and has played to over 5000 on a few occasions. He was a featured guest musician on the album "West Coast Shred Fest".

In his spare time, Allen programs video games for fun. Wooo!

Acoustic Guitar Lessons

Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.


Miche Fambro Miche Fambro

Miche introduces several new chord concepts that add color and excitement to any progression.

Free LessonSeries Details
Mitch Reed Mitch Reed

Mitch teaches his interpretation of the classic "Cannonball Rag." This song provides beginning and intermediate guitarists...

Free LessonSeries Details
Jim Deeming Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming discusses how to use a metronome for practice, skill building, and speed building.

Free LessonSeries Details
Nick Amodeo Nick Amodeo

Nick explains how to play some of the most commonly used chords in the bluegrass genre.

Free LessonSeries Details
Kaki King Kaki King

In lesson 6, Kaki discusses how the left and right hands can work together or independently of each other to create different...

Free LessonSeries Details
Pamela Goldsmith Pamela Goldsmith

Pamela brings a cap to her first 13 JamPlay lessons with another original etude inspired by the great Leo Brouwer. This is...

Free LessonSeries Details
Eve Goldberg Eve Goldberg

Eve talks about the boom-chuck strum pattern. This strum pattern will completely change the sound of your playing.

Free LessonSeries Details
Hawkeye Herman Hawkeye Herman

Hawkeye teaches several Robert Johnson licks in this lesson. These licks are played with a slide in open G tuning.

Free LessonSeries Details
Peter Einhorn Peter Einhorn

In this lesson, Peter discusses the two bar clave that is common to the Brazilian style. You'll put together several patterns...

Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Lincoln Mark Lincoln

Time to unlock your creativity because in this information packed lesson. Mark dives deep into how to deconstruct the process...

Free LessonSeries Details

Electric Guitar Lesson Samples

Our electric guitar lessons are taught by instructors with an incredible amount of teaching experience.


Tosin Abasi Tosin Abasi

Tosin explains some of the intricacies of the 8 string guitar such as his personal setup and approach to playing.

Free LessonSeries Details
Brad Henecke Brad Henecke

Free LessonSeries Details
Eric Madis Eric Madis

In this lesson Eric talks about playing basic lead in the Memphis Blues style.

Free LessonSeries Details
Kenny Ray Kenny Ray

Albert Collins brought a lot of style to the blues scene. In this lesson, Kenny breaks down Albert's style for you to learn.

Free LessonSeries Details
James Malone James Malone

James explains how to tap arpeggios for extended musical reach.

Free LessonSeries Details
Dennis Hodges Dennis Hodges

Learn a variety of essential techniques commonly used in the metal genre, including palm muting, string slides, and chord...

Free LessonSeries Details
Daniel Gilbert Daniel Gilbert

Known around the world for his inspirational approach to guitar instruction, Musician's Institute veteran Daniel Gilbert...

Free LessonSeries Details
DJ Phillips DJ Phillips

Learn a handful of new blues techniques while learning to play Stevie Ray Vaughn's "The House Is Rockin'".

Free LessonSeries Details
Kris Norris Kris Norris

Kris analyzes different pick sizes and their effect on his playing. Using a slow motion camera, he is able to point out the...

Free LessonSeries Details
Michael Ripoll Michael Ripoll

Michael "Nomad" Ripoll dives deep into the rhythm & blues, funk, and soul genres that were made popular by artists like Earth...

Free LessonSeries Details




Additional Lesson Features Available to Members

While we have attempted to provide you with an accurate rendition of our video lesson experience, there are some features which
require a membership with us!



Progress Reports

Custom Progress Reporting

At JamPlay, we give you the ability to monitor your own progress for any lesson! If you watch one of our lessons and feel as though you understand around half of it, mark your progress at 50%. This adds the lesson to your customized Progress Report, and gives you an incredible ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.



Progressive Bookmarks

Progressive Bookmarking

With thousands of lessons at your fingertips, JamPlay can be a touch intimidating to a first-time user. With Progressive Bookmarking, we give you the ability to systematically bookmark sections of any lessons you are working on to quickly access later. After all, what is the point of all this content if it isn't easy to use?



Note Taking

Save Your Notes

JamPlay also gives you the ability to leave notes for yourself on any lesson. Just like in any educational system, taking your own notes while learning gives you the ability to highlight the instruction that is important to you. Leave your notes, and we store them in our database for you to reference each and everytime you come back to the lesson.

Join the Thousands of Members at JamPlay

Signup today to enjoy access to our entire database of video lessons, along with our exclusive set of learning tools and features.



Unlimited Lesson Viewing

A JamPlay membership gives you access to every lesson, from every teacher on our staff. Additionally, there is no restriction on how many times you watch a lesson. Watch as many times as you need.

Live Lessons

Exclusive only to JamPlay, we currently broadcast 8-10 hours of steaming lesson services directly to you! Enjoy the benefits of in-person instructors and the conveniences of our community.

Interactive Community

Create your own profile, manage your friends list, and contact users with your own JamPlay Mailbox. JamPlay also features live chat with teachers and members, and an active Forum.

Chord Library

Each chord in our library contains a full chart, related tablature, and a photograph of how the chord is played. A comprehensive learning resource for any guitarist.

Scale Library

Our software allows you to document your progress for any lesson, including notes and percent of the lesson completed. This gives you the ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.

Custom Chord Sheets

At JamPlay, not only can you reference our Chord Library, but you can also select any variety of chords you need to work on, and generate your own printable chord sheet.

Backing Tracks

Jam-along backing tracks give the guitarist a platform for improvising and soloing. Our backing tracks provide a wide variety of tracks from different genres of music, and serves as a great learning tool.

Interactive Games

We have teachers covering beginner lessons, rock, classic rock, jazz, bluegrass, fingerstyle, slack key and more. Learn how to play the guitar from experienced players, in a casual environment.

Beginners Welcome.. and Up

Unlike a lot of guitar websites and DVDs, we start our Beginner Lessons at the VERY start of the learning process, as if you just picked up a guitar for the first time.Our teaching is structured for all players.



JamPlay Newsletter

Enter your email to get freebies, updates and some sweet offers from our company.

Facebook
Twiiter
Tweet
Google
Better Business Bureau GoDaddy.com Secured VeriSign Secured
TRUSTe online privacy certification
All text, information, images, media, and design are copyright JamPlay, LLC 2007-2013 | 1905 Woods Dr Suite 101 Beavercreek OH 45432 | 1-877-999-4-JAM
  • Membership
  • Signup Today
  • Member Testimonials
  • Activate Expired Account
  • Online Bass Guitar Lessons
  • Customer Service
  • Contact Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • JamPlay Review
  • Company
  • Company Info
  • Affiliate Program
  • Strategic Alliances
  • Privacy Policy
  • Content
  • Podcast and Blog
  • Tools | Articles | Forums
  • Guitar Lessons Directory
  • iPhone App and Store