Alice in Chains’ “Nutshell” is one of the most hauntingly beautiful and emotionally resonant songs in rock history. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first “moody” track or an experienced player wanting to nail that iconic atmosphere, this guide and tutorial video McMusic Lessons & Performances will walk you through the essentials.
Check out the full video lesson here:
The Setup: Tuning is Key
To get that authentic, heavy Alice in Chains sound, you need to tune your guitar down. The song is played in Eb Standard (Half-Step Down).
- Tuning: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb
- The guitar is tuned to standard E tuning in the video above
The Chord Progression
”Nutshell” relies on a four-chord loop that carries through almost the entire song. The magic is in the voicing and the slight embellishments.
- Em7: The foundation of the song. Focus on letting the open strings ring.
- G Major: A standard open G, providing a brief lift in the melody.
- Dadd9: This gives it that specific “open” and airy grunge feel.
- C9: Adds the final touch of melancholy to the loop.
Strumming and Rhythm
The rhythm is a slow, steady 4/4 time. The key is to keep your strumming hand relaxed. Don’t just hit the strings; feel the “pulse” of the song. In the video, I demonstrate the specific down-up patterns that help capture Jerry Cantrell’s signature style.
The Lead and Atmosphere
Beyond the chords, “Nutshell” is famous for its emotive lead work.
- The Intro Solo: Focus on your vibrato and slow, intentional bends. It’s not about speed; it’s about making every note cry.
- The Texture: If you’re playing electric, a bit of chorus and a subtle delay can help fill out the sound, much like the Jar of Flies studio recording.
Watch the Tutorial
In the video below, I break down each section piece-by-piece, showing you the exact finger placements and strumming techniques used in the song.
Watch the “Nutshell” Guitar Lesson here
Top Tips for Success:
- Don’t Rush: This song is all about “the space between the notes.”
- Dynamics: Notice how the volume swells and softens throughout the track. Try to mimic that with your picking intensity.
- Sing Along: Even if you aren’t a vocalist, humming the melody while you play helps you stay in time and capture the emotional weight.
Happy playing! If you found this helpful, be sure to subscribe to the channel for more grunge and rock tutorials. Click Here to schedule a phone consultation with Kevin McClain of McMusic Lessons & Performances should you want to chat about music lessons online, in studio, or at home.
