Learn to Play Alice in Chains with LickLibrary

Join along with Danny Gill and venture into the unique and influential world of Alice in Chains with our comprehensive, note-for-note guitar lesson product "Learn to Play Alice in Chains." This series delves into five iconic tracks: 'Would,' 'Them Bones,' 'We Die Young,' 'Rooster,' and 'Man in the Box.' Learn to mirror the skills of Jerry Cantrell, Alice in Chains' lead guitarist, whose signature style has helped shape the band's distinctive grunge-metal hybrid sound.

Would

In 'Would,' we delve into the realm of B Minor, a darker tonality that complements the grunge aesthetic of Alice in Chains. Cantrell's intro riff employs a power chord movement down the B Minor scale, transitioning smoothly into the verse. His emotive solo in the bridge features tasteful bends, melodic phrasing, and subtle slides, all of which contribute to its melancholic mood. This lesson will help you understand the nuances of Cantrell's playing style and melody construction.

Them Bones

'Them Bones' is a unique musical piece in that it's composed in the unusual time signature of 7/8, which adds to the song's unsettling feel. The song starts with an unforgettable heavy riff based around the G5 power chord. In this lesson, you'll learn how Cantrell uses chromaticism to create tension and movement within the composition. Pay close attention to the mixture of major and minor pentatonic scales during the guitar solos, giving the song a distinctive bluesy yet grungy feel.

We Die Young

With 'We Die Young,' you'll explore the driving force of D Major scale and power chords that contribute to the song's heavy, powerful sound. The song's energetic riff and rhythmic syncopation provide a solid foundation. Cantrell's unique usage of pinched harmonics and swift alternate picking techniques in the guitar solo creates a memorable musical moment, which this lesson thoroughly dissects.

Rooster

'Rooster' is a masterclass in creating atmospheric soundscapes with simple chord progressions. This track leverages the E Major scale, with the verses utilizing open chords and arpeggios to establish a haunting mood. The guitar solo is an excellent study in vibrato and string bending techniques, displaying Cantrell's ability to create evocative solos using minimalistic phrasing.

Man in the Box

Last but not least, 'Man in the Box' showcases Cantrell's innovative approach to crafting riffs. The track’s driving force is the wah-infused main riff, rooted in E minor pentatonic. The lesson breaks down the use of the wah pedal, open-string riffs, and the minor pentatonic scale. The song's solo further displays Cantrell's melodic sensibilities, utilizing bends and sustain to craft an unforgettable lead.

Jerry Cantrell's Contribution

Jerry Cantrell, with his unique and innovative approach to guitar playing, significantly contributed to Alice in Chains' distinct sound. His blending of heavy, blues-based riffs with dark, melodic elements has created an idiosyncratic style that has inspired countless musicians. His solos often showcase his command over melodic phrasing, string bending, vibrato, and his distinctive use of scales. This course offers an in-depth study of Cantrell's style, technique, and impact on the grunge scene.

Guitar Techniques Utilized

This course is more than just learning songs; it's a deep dive into various guitar techniques that Cantrell utilized to create his signature sound. Here's a summary of some techniques used across all the lessons:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Slides
• Chromaticism

Whether you're a beginner looking to learn your favorite Alice in Chains songs or an advanced player aiming to dissect and understand Cantrell's guitar techniques, "Learn to Play Alice in Chains" is an essential resource. Grab your guitar, and let's dive into the grunge-infused, bluesy world of Alice in Chains!