Hey Joe, so sorry you found the lesson confusing. Let me attempt to shed some more light on the rhythms and strumming.

The tune uses a combination of 1/4 note and 1/8 note strumming. I use all downstrokes to keep the strums sounding even and consistent.


VERSE:

The verse features a 2 bar riff that is repeated throughout.

Here’s a breakdown of all the rhythms:

E chord:

1 1/4 note strum (beat 1 of bar 1)
1 1/8 note strum muted
1 1/8 note strum of open strings

G chord:

2 1/8 note strums (beat 3 of bar 1)
1 1/8 note strum muted
1 1/8 note strum of open strings

D chord:

2 1/8 note strums (beat 1 of bar 2)
1 1/8 note strum muted

C chord:

1 1/4 note strum (and-of-2 of bar 2)
2 1/8 note strums (and-of-3 of bar 2)
1 1/8 note strum of open strings


The '1/8 note strum muted' is denoted by the X in the notation. Here you are strumming while the strings are dampened. You dampen the strings by lifting your fret fingers off the frets but not completely off the strings.

The '1/8 note strum of open strings' occurs when lifting your fret hand off the strings while changing to the next chord.


CHORUS:

The chorus riff is 2 bars in length also.

Here’s a breakdown of all the rhythms:

D chord:

2 1/8 note strums (beat 1 of bar 1)
1 1/8 note strum muted

C chord:

1 1/4 note strum (and-of-2 of bar 1)
2 1/8 note strums (and-of-3 of bar 1)
1 1/8 note strum muted

G chord:

2 1/8 note strums (beat 1 of bar 2)
1 1/8 note strum muted

Bb chord:

1 1/4 note strum (and-of-2 of bar 2)
2 1/8 note strums (and-of-3 of bar 2)
1 1/8 note strum of open strings


Please note that the muted strums and the strums of open strings are sometimes interchangeable. Kurt Cobain played things with plenty of feel and totally in the moment, so while the timing of the chord changes stay consistent, the ghost notes in between do not stay completely consistent. Once you get it all under your fingers, it’s all about playing it with feel and attitude.

I really hope this helps you out. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do!

Mike