Play Riffs Like Alice In Chains - Jerry Cantrell Inspired Chord Riff (For Beginners)

Mastering Jerry Cantrell's Iconic Grunge Riffs

Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains is known for his huge, atmospheric riffs that define the grunge sound. In this post, we'll break down a beginner-friendly chord riff inspired by Cantrell's style, using open strings to create that distinctive grunge vibe. Follow along and learn how to play an Alice in Chains-inspired riff that will have you rocking in no time.

Understanding the Jerry Cantrell Sound

Jerry Cantrell's playing style is characterized by his use of open strings combined with fretted notes to create a rich, atmospheric sound. This technique involves holding a bar chord shape but releasing the bar to expose the open strings, creating a unique blend of tones.

The Chord Shapes and Riff Breakdown

To achieve this sound, we’ll use a series of chords that Cantrell often employs. As shown in the image, we start with an F# chord and follow a progression down to F, before moving up the neck to B5, and A5:

Step-by-Step Guide to the Riff

1. F# Chord:

   • Begin by playing an open low E string, followed by fretting the 2nd fret on the E string.
   • Hold the E shape on the A, D, and G strings, and expose the open B and high E strings.
   • Strike the chord, ensuring the open strings ring out.

2. F Chord:

   • Move the shape down a semitone to F, keeping the same E shape on the A, D, and G strings.
   • Play the chord similarly to the F# chord, making sure the open strings are clear.

3. B5 Chord:

   • Slide your hand up so your first finger is on the 7th fret, forming a B5 power chord.
   • Play the lower part of the chord first, then rake across to let the open B and high E strings ring out.

4. A5 Chord:

   • Move the chord shape down to the 5th fret to form an A5.
   • Again, start with the lower part of the chord and sweep across to include the open strings.

Practical Tips for Mastery

• Consistency in Shape: Ensure you maintain the same shape when moving between chords. This consistency helps in achieving the right sound.
• Arch Your First Finger: Make sure your first finger is arched to avoid muting the open strings.
• Interactive Lessons: Utilize the Gibson app's interactive lessons to practice this riff. The app’s loop functionality and reduced-speed settings can help you get each part just right.

Why This Technique Matters

This technique is a hallmark of the grunge era, providing a distinctive sound that is both raw and atmospheric. It’s a great way to add depth and complexity to your playing without needing advanced skills. Plus, incorporating open strings can make your playing sound fuller and more dynamic.

Unlock More with Our App

Ready to dive deeper into grunge riffs and more? Download the Gibson app today and join tens of thousands of users who are enhancing their guitar skills with our structured, interactive courses. Explore our built-in amplifier simulator to experiment with your tone, and take advantage of our play-as-you-go feature to master riffs at your own pace. Start your journey to becoming a confident guitar player with Gibson.