Guitar Journal: Win a Piece of Nirvana History
Barrie Cadogan is a Guitar Genius and you must watch this video!
2,3 / 5,0 | 
Guitar Journal: Win a Piece of Nirvana History · Source: Royal College of Music Museum
This week, we check out the news that you could potentially win a unique piece of Nirvana history. Next, we take a peek at the new ultra-slim and fast Kyber from Kiesel Guitars. Finally, check out Barrie Cadogan’s sublime guitar technique in a recent video upload.
Guitar Journal
Win a Piece of Nirvana History
Fans of Nirvana are getting a unique chance to own a tangible piece of rock history with the opening of the Kurt Cobain Unplugged exhibition this week at the Royal College of Music Museum in London.
Every visitor to the exhibition will be entered into a prize draw to win a Dunlop plectrum used by Cobain during Nirvana’s iconic 1993 MTV Unplugged performance. This rare pick is one of three Dunlop plectrums discovered inside Cobain’s famous Martin D-18E guitar case.
A signed Kurt Cobain pick sold for a lot of money back in 2023, so this one will also be worth some money, even though it has not been autographed by Cobain. This one has great provenance and can be traced directly back to the MTV Unplugged performance.
The Exhibition
The exhibition proudly displays the uniquely adapted left-handed Martin guitar, which made headlines in 2020 when it was sold at auction for over $6 million to Australian entrepreneur Peter Freedman AM, founder of RØDE Microphones.
Making it currently the most expensive guitar ever sold!
Dunlop Tortex Plectrum
Also on display is the equally renowned olive-green mohair cardigan Cobain wore during the legendary acoustic set. Tickets for the draw to win the plectrum are also available for £5 each, and the draw ends on Tuesday, 18th November 2025 at 18:00:00.
You can see the plectrum in person at the Kurt Cobain Unplugged exhibition at the Royal College of Music Museum in London.
The exhibition is open from June 3 to November 18
Kiesel Kyber
Kiesel Guitars has introduced the Kyber, a striking new take on the classic S-style double-cut electric guitar.
Available in both six and seven-string configurations, the Kyber boasts what they describe as “unbelievable” contouring and an exceptionally lightweight design, with standard six-string models averaging under six pounds.
Build Your Own
True to Kiesel’s custom-shop philosophy, players can personalise their Kyber through the company’s “build your own” online tool.
Starting at an attractive $1,599, the base price includes options for a solid alder or black limba body. Mahogany and swamp ash bodies incur a $100 upcharge, while koa adds $500.
Left-handed models are also available at no extra cost, though they are non-returnable.
Extreme Contours
A key feature of the Kyber is its “most extreme” arm contour yet, meticulously carved to provide comfort in both standard and classical playing positions. The deep cutaways offer unrestricted access to the entire fretboard, complemented by a smoothly integrated neck heel. It comes with a tung-oiled maple neck that is reinforced with dual carbon fiber rods for stability.
The Kyber sports a new, reversed headstock design with a shallow scoop, which Kiesel states is as much about balance and ergonomics as it is about aesthetics.
Thorium & Empyrean
The electronics are streamlined, featuring Kiesel’s direct-mount Thorium humbucker at the bridge and the Empyrean humbucker at the neck. These high-output pickups are controlled by a single volume knob and a three-way selector switch.
Standard features include 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets (with additional fret-wire options) and 19:1 ratio locking tuners.
A very modern guitar design, perfect for players who want something ultra-lightweight and comfortable to play.
Barrie Cadogan Guitar Technique
I saw this video last week when it was uploaded, and it had me transfixed, as Barrie Cadogan‘s playing is sublime. During the video, Paul Davids discusses with Barrie how he came to work out this style, and Barrie shares a lot of great tips.
Better Call Saul – Lucky Number 7!
Forget just strumming chords – for Barrie Cadogan, the guitarist behind the instantly recognisable Better Call Saul theme, rhythm guitar is an expansive world of funk, R&B, and soul where every note and nuance matters.
Cadogan, who’s also played with bands like Little Barrie, The The, and Primal Scream, gives us a look into his unique approach. He’ll show you how he masterfully blends funk, R&B, and soul, proving the rhythm section is far more dynamic and expressive than most people think.
Glorious Guitar
Cadogan’s techniques reveal how much more rhythm guitar can be. He highlights how precise articulation, percussive flair, and a profound grasp of groove transform it from a mere background element into a song’s compelling focal point.
His demonstrations make it clear: real rhythm guitar artistry is all about crafting intricate, captivating patterns, moving well beyond simple chords.
I enjoyed every second of this video, and I urge you to check it out.
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