Would – Alice In Chains

Alice In Chains’ haunting and powerful song Would is a defining track of the early 90s grunge era, blending heavy, sludgy riffs with melodic yet aggressive guitar work. Our Would guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com takes you through the entire song, note for note, while breaking down the essential techniques that make this track so impactful. Whether you're looking to tighten your rhythm playing or improve your lead work, this lesson will help you develop the skills and nuances needed to capture the essence of the song. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind Would

The late Jerry Cantrell is the mastermind behind Alice In Chains' signature guitar sound. His playing combines elements of classic metal, blues, and grunge, resulting in dark, moody riffs that carry an emotional weight. In Would, Cantrell’s riff-driven approach and distinctive phrasing showcase his ability to craft memorable yet complex guitar parts. His influence on modern rock and metal is undeniable, inspiring guitarists with his unique use of melody, dynamics, and tone.

Techniques Covered in the Would Guitar Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are the foundation of the song's heavy riffing. These simple yet effective chord shapes provide a thick and aggressive tone that drives the track. Mastering power chords helps develop hand strength, picking accuracy, and an understanding of chord progressions in rock and metal.

Palm Muting

Cantrell frequently uses palm muting to add a percussive quality to the main riff, giving it a tighter and more rhythmic attack. This technique enhances dynamics and articulation, allowing for a more professional and polished sound when playing riffs.

Slides

Slides are used to transition between notes smoothly, creating a fluid and expressive lead guitar sound. Incorporating slides into your playing will help improve your fretboard navigation and add a dynamic touch to your solos and riffs.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

The song features various hammer-ons and pull-offs that contribute to its seamless melodic phrasing. These legato techniques are essential for creating smooth, flowing lead lines and can help improve finger strength and dexterity.

String Bending

Cantrell’s expressive soloing often includes string bends that add emotional intensity to his leads. Learning how to execute precise bends will help you develop better pitch control and enhance the expressiveness of your playing.

Alternate Picking

The rhythm parts in Would require solid alternate picking to maintain a steady, controlled attack. This technique is crucial for improving picking efficiency, speed, and accuracy, making it an essential skill for any guitarist.

Double Stops

Double stops, or playing two notes simultaneously, add a thicker, harmonised sound to the lead sections of the song. Practicing this technique helps with finger independence and strengthens coordination between the picking and fretting hands.

Syncopated Rhythms

Alice In Chains frequently plays with rhythm, incorporating syncopation to give their riffs a unique groove. Understanding syncopation helps players improve their timing and feel, making their playing more dynamic and engaging.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro and verse sections contain subtle arpeggiated chord progressions that add texture to the song’s overall atmosphere. Learning arpeggios enhances finger dexterity and helps guitarists develop better note separation in their playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Alternate Picking
• Double Stops
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

By mastering the techniques in Would, you'll not only be able to play one of Alice In Chains’ most iconic songs but also improve essential guitar skills that will benefit your overall playing. Dive into our lesson and start playing like a pro today!