Alice In Chains – Man In The Box Riff

Learn how to play the iconic riff from "Man In The Box" by Alice In Chains with our detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson. This timeless grunge-metal anthem features one of the most recognisable guitar riffs of the 1990s, crafted by the late, great Jerry Cantrell. Whether you're a beginner seeking to learn your first heavy riff or an experienced guitarist looking to hone your technique, this lesson from LickLibrary.com breaks down every nuance of the riff with clarity and precision. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Breakdown

"Man In The Box" is built around a gritty, powerful riff that combines palm-muted chugging, sliding power chords, and subtle string bends. The riff is both haunting and aggressive, capturing the essence of grunge and heavy rock.

Jerry Cantrell’s playing in this song is both raw and refined—he employs rhythmic precision, dynamic control, and just the right touch of melodic dissonance. The main riff itself is a masterclass in groove and tone, and learning it will benefit players seeking to improve both their timing and feel.

Technique Focus

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used extensively throughout the riff to give it that tight, chunky rhythm. By lightly resting the edge of the picking hand on the strings near the bridge, Cantrell adds percussive definition to the riff. This technique helps guitarists control dynamics and tightens up their rhythm playing—especially essential for any rock or metal guitarist. It’s a great way to practice articulation and gain a more professional tone.

Slides

Sliding power chords add a dramatic flair and smooth movement between chord shapes. In “Man In The Box,” slides help maintain the momentum and aggressive energy of the riff. Learning slides enhances fretboard navigation and fluidity, allowing players to move confidently between positions.

String Bending

Though subtle in this particular riff, string bending plays a role in adding expressive nuance. These micro bends help create a slightly “off-kilter” feeling that matches the haunting tone of the song. Mastering bends gives guitarists control over pitch and helps develop an ear for intonation—crucial skills for expressive soloing and riffing alike.

Power Chords

The riff relies heavily on power chords. These are the backbone of most rock and metal music. They’re easy to move around and form the harmonic foundation of the riff. Learning power chords builds hand strength and provides the foundation for countless other songs and genres.

About the Guitarist – Jerry Cantrell

Jerry Cantrell, guitarist and primary songwriter for Alice In Chains, is one of the most influential figures in the grunge and alternative metal scenes. Known for his dark, harmonically rich guitar work and melancholic melodies, Cantrell’s style blends heavy riffs with emotional depth. His tone is instantly recognisable—combining classic tube amp warmth with the aggression of drop-tuned guitars.

His contribution to "Man In The Box" exemplifies his skill in creating simple yet powerful riffs that linger with the listener. For guitarists, studying Cantrell’s playing is a masterclass in restraint, groove, and mood-driven riffing.

Why Learn This Riff?

Learning the riff to “Man In The Box” provides several key benefits to any guitarist:

• Improves right-hand control and rhythm through palm muting
• Strengthens fretboard movement with slides
• Develops expression and intonation through string bending
• Reinforces foundational rock skills like power chords
• Introduces players to alternate tunings and tonal creativity

By mastering this riff, players not only learn an iconic piece of 90s rock history but also gain vital skills that will elevate their rhythm and lead playing in many styles.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Altered Tuning