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Alice in Chains - Nutshell Pt.1 - Chords and 1st Solo - Guitar Lesson

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Alice in Chains - Nutshell Pt.1 - Chords and 1st Solo - Guitar Lesson

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Alice in Chains - Nutshell Pt.1 - Chords and 1st Solo guitar lesson video
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A Tribute to Alice in Chains album cover
A Tribute to Alice in Chains
2012 4:04
Listen on Spotify
Alice in Chains Rock 2012 E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Nutshell Pt.1 - Chords and 1st Solo

"Nutshell" by Alice in Chains is an acoustic-driven track that showcases Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell's signature dark, melodic style. Though performed on acoustic guitar, learning it on electric guitar reveals its rich chord voicings and emotionally resonant solo work. The first solo in particular is a study in restrained, expressive phrasing that suits players focused on tone and feel over technical speed.

  • The chord shapes in 'Nutshell' use open voicings that translate well to electric guitar with a clean or light overdrive tone.
  • Jerry Cantrell's first solo relies heavily on bends and vibrato, making it an excellent exercise in expressive lead technique.
  • Alice in Chains built 'Nutshell' around a relatively simple progression, letting dynamics and phrasing carry the emotional weight.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Jerry Cantrell's Les Paul Standard delivers the open, dynamic PAF-style humbucker tone that defines Alice In Chains' heavier material. The moderate output and natural resonance allow his riffs to cut through with clarity while maintaining the compressed crunch his amps provide.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

Cantrell favors the Les Paul Custom for its sustain and tonal warmth, using stock Gibson humbuckers that push his Bogner and Friedman preamps into that signature scooped-mid aggression. The Custom's weight and construction give his drop-tuned riffs the body and presence essential to Alice In Chains' sound.

ESP Eclipse
Guitar

ESP Eclipse

The ESP Eclipse became Cantrell's live and studio workhorse during the reunion era, offering reliability and consistent output for his articulate, tight distortion tone. Its modern craftsmanship paired with quality humbuckers delivers the clarity needed for Alice In Chains' intricate riff work.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

The Marshall JCM800 provides the raw, compressed crunch that influenced Alice In Chains' early heaviness, offering tight low-end aggression when pushed by Cantrell's high-output pickups. Its natural breakup characteristics contribute to the band's signature sludgy yet articulate distortion.

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Amp

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier's thick, scooped midrange and tight bass response align perfectly with Cantrell's need for articulate, aggressive distortion that doesn't lose definition in drop-tuned passages. Its headroom allows his dynamics to shine through heavy compression.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Cantrell's Cry Baby is his primary tone-shaping tool, famously parked in positions for the haunting filter effect on 'Man in the Box' and used expressively throughout Alice In Chains' catalog. The wah adds emotional color and presence to his otherwise direct, amp-focused signal chain.

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