Learn to Play Alice In Chains

Guitar Lesson Course Overview
Alice in Chains stands as a pillar in the history of grunge, presenting a darker, moodier clash of music that resonates with fans of rock and metal alike. “Learn To Play Alice In Chains” offers guitarists an in-depth exploration into the intricate guitar work that defines this legendary band’s most iconic songs. Whether you’re a budding guitarist or a seasoned player, this instructional product offers comprehensive lessons that delve into the techniques, scales, and artistry required to master the sounds of Alice in Chains. This course is taught by Danny Gill.

Tracks include
Would?
Them Bones
We Die Young
Rooster
Man In The Box

Would?
“Would?” is arguably one of the band’s most recognizably haunting songs. The guitar work in this song is a lesson in the use of octave melodies and syncopated rhythms, creating a sound that is both dissonant and harmonious. Played in standard tuning, the song makes prominent use of the natural minor scale. The solo is short but impactful, with a focus on legato playing that adds to the song’s brooding atmosphere.

Them Bones
With “Them Bones,” guitarists face the challenge of mastering the art of galloping rhythms and power chords. The song’s aggressive tone is set by its use of drop D tuning, creating a heavier sound. The riffing patterns are a masterclass in tight, aggressive playing, and the solo follows suit with a frenetic pace. It employs the D minor scale to great effect, utilizing slides and hammer-ons to create a sense of urgency that drives the song forward.

We Die Young
“We Die Young” showcases some of the band’s heaviest riffs, making extensive use of power chords and palm muting to create a sound that drives the song’s ominous theme. The song is in E standard tuning and revolves around the E minor scale. The solo is aggressive and employs a mix of techniques, including pick slides and fast alternate picking, demonstrating a raw energy that Alice in Chains’ early work is known for.

Rooster
“Rooster” showcases the band’s ability to mix heavy, gritty verses with a more melodic, almost ethereal chorus. The song employs a mix of scales, predominantly the E minor scale, and focuses heavily on arpeggiated chord progressions to deliver its unique sound. The solo is relatively understated, utilizing string bending and sustain to echo the song’s melancholic theme. It’s a testament to the emotive power of simplicity in guitar solos.

Man In The Box
“Man in the Box” is a song renowned for its haunting riff and intense solo. The track is played in standard tuning but makes extensive use of the minor pentatonic scale, particularly in the key of E. The riff, which carries a menacing tone, is an excellent study in how chromaticism can be used to create a sound that truly stands out. The solo, on the other hand, is a fiery demonstration of bluesy bends and vibrato that adds an emotional depth to the song. Understanding the dynamic between rhythm and lead guitar in this track is key to mastering it.

Lead Guitarist: Jerry Cantrell
Jerry Cantrell, the lead guitarist, is the architect behind the iconic sound of Alice in Chains. His playing style is unique, often characterized by haunting melodies, intense riffs, and emotionally charged solos. Cantrell’s ability to use a wide range of techniques, scales, and tunings has allowed him to create some of the most memorable guitar work in the history of rock and grunge. His contributions to these songs are not just in the realm of technical skill, but also in the emotion and raw energy he brings to each track. Each solo is carefully crafted to reflect the themes of the song, whether that be the raw aggression in “Them Bones” or the haunting dissonance in “Would?”.

Techniques Used in These Lessons
Vibrato / Alternate Picking / Legato / Double-Stop Bends / Pinched Harmonics / Pull-Offs / Power Chords / Palm Muting / Hammer-Ons / Double-Stops / Slides / Sustain / Pick Slides / String Bending / Syncopated Rhythms / Open-String Riffs / Bluesy Bends / Octave Melodies / Galloping Rhythms / Arpeggiated Chord Progressions / Chromaticism / Altered Tunings

“Learn To Play Alice In Chains” is more than a series of guitar lessons; it’s a deep dive into the sonic world of one of grunge’s greatest bands. By learning these songs, guitarists won’t just add iconic tracks to their repertoire; they’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the guitar techniques and musical constructs that give Alice in Chains its unique sound.