How do I get a Nirvana sound on guitar?

Electric guitar users: Is there any way to lighten the sound or get some kind of reverb effect without a pedal?

• I'm writing a song at the moment, but I'm very new to using electric guitars (don't even own one, I'm using my friends currently) and I'm finding the sound to be too harsh and too heavy. For the part I have in mind I need the guitar to be sort of "shiny" with a little ring if that makes any sense, kind of like the U2 sound that the Edge produces. The chords should sound fluffy almost, like clouds. When I think of that part of the song I think of stars and shining lights, so I'm trying to get a little sparkle and lightness into the sound. BUT... I don't have $150 lying around to get a reverb pedal or anything like that. Is there anything else I can do? The amp my friend has is pretty basic, just volume adjustments :/

• Answer:

  Hello there, Reverb is just a type of echo. Depending on the type of reverb effect and the settings (and if a spring reverb the delay) you can simulate it. Some reverb settings are to give you that slight echo you get by playing in a large chamber. I don't see how reverb ties in with shiny, fluffy or clouds. It is an type of echo. If you want a lighter sounding and cleaner sounding guitar part, use an acoustic guitar instead of an electric. Later,