Welcome to your guide on mastering the acoustic guitar rendition of “Nutshell” by Alice In Chains, as featured on their iconic MTV Unplugged performance. This in-depth lesson is designed to teach you How To Play Nutshell On Guitar, covering everything from the foundational chords to Jerry Cantrell’s mesmerizing acoustic solos, note-for-note.
To begin, you’ll need to adjust your guitar tuning down by a half step to match the original recording and this lesson. This lowered tuning, starting from the 6th string, is: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb. This tuning is crucial for achieving the authentic sound of “Nutshell”.
In the first video lesson, we’ll break down the essential chord progressions and rhythmic patterns that form the backbone of “Nutshell”. While the chord shapes themselves are relatively straightforward, the real challenge lies in capturing the song’s distinctive timing and groove. We’ll explain the technical aspects of the rhythm, but more importantly, we’ll guide you to internalize the feel of the music. Learning to feel the rhythm, rather than strictly counting it, is key to truly playing “Nutshell” authentically. Consistent listening to the track will greatly aid in absorbing this essential timing.
This initial video will also tackle Jerry Cantrell’s first acoustic guitar solo. Staying true to the Unplugged version, this solo is performed on acoustic guitar, showcasing Cantrell’s melodic and expressive playing even without electric amplification. The solo is beautifully constructed, featuring arpeggiated passages and lyrical single-note lines that weave seamlessly over the chord progression. It’s a fantastic example of acoustic soloing that is both accessible and rewarding to learn.
Moving onto the second video lesson, we’ll focus on the second solo, which serves as the song’s outro. This solo shares a similar melodic sensibility with the first but is more expansive. The extended duration provides Cantrell with more space to explore and build upon his musical ideas, resulting in some truly captivating acoustic guitar work. It’s a rewarding piece to learn, offering a deeper dive into Cantrell’s acoustic soloing style and providing a satisfying conclusion to the song.
Despite “Nutshell” never being released as a single, its profound emotional resonance and musical depth have cemented its place as a fan favorite within Alice In Chains’ discography. We trust that this comprehensive guitar lesson series will equip you with the skills and understanding needed to quickly and effectively learn to play “Nutshell” on guitar. Dive in, and enjoy the process of mastering this iconic acoustic performance!
