Welcome to a comprehensive acoustic guitar lesson on how to play the iconic MTV Unplugged version of “Nutshell” by Alice In Chains. This in-depth guide is designed for guitar players looking to master every nuance of this powerful song, focusing on providing clear and accurate “Nutshell Guitar Tab” instruction.
In this lesson, we will meticulously break down not only the essential chords that form the backbone of “Nutshell,” but also both of Jerry Cantrell’s mesmerizing acoustic guitar solos, note-for-note. Whether you are a seasoned guitarist or an enthusiastic beginner ready for a challenge, this tutorial will equip you with the skills to play this timeless Alice In Chains classic.
Tuning Your Guitar for Nutshell
To accurately play along with this lesson and the original MTV Unplugged recording of “Nutshell,” you will need to tune your guitar down one-half step. This means each string is lowered by a semitone. Starting from the 6th string (thickest) to the 1st string (thinnest), the tuning is as follows: Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Bb, Eb. This tuning is crucial for capturing the authentic sound and feel of the song.
Mastering the Chords and Rhythm
The rhythmic timing in “Nutshell” can initially seem complex. While technically definable, the most effective way to learn it is by developing a feel for the music. We will explain the technical aspects of the timing, but emphasize the importance of listening intently to the song and internalizing its rhythmic pulse. Once you grasp the feel, you’ll find that the chord progression itself is quite straightforward. The key is to immerse yourself in the track, allowing the rhythm to become intuitive.
[alt text: Close-up of a guitar player’s hand fretting chords on an acoustic guitar, illustrating a lesson on nutshell guitar tab.]
Jerry Cantrell’s First Acoustic Guitar Solo
Our first video segment will concentrate on Jerry Cantrell’s opening guitar solo in “Nutshell.” It’s important to remember that this is an acoustic rendition, showcasing Cantrell’s melodic phrasing on an acoustic guitar. This solo is characterized by its melodic nature, seamlessly weaving together arpeggios and single-note lines. It’s a beautiful example of how a solo can enhance the underlying chord progression without overpowering the song’s emotional core. We’ll provide a detailed “nutshell guitar tab” for this solo, ensuring you can learn it accurately.
Jerry Cantrell’s Extended Second Solo
In the second video lesson, we will tackle the second guitar solo, which serves as the song’s outro. This solo shares a similar melodic style with the first but is significantly more extended. This longer duration allows Cantrell to further explore his acoustic soloing techniques, offering a richer and more developed musical statement. It’s an incredibly rewarding solo to learn and play, and our “nutshell guitar tab” will guide you through every bend and slide.
[alt text: Jerry Cantrell playing an acoustic guitar solo during Alice In Chains’ MTV Unplugged performance, relevant to a nutshell guitar tab lesson.]
Conclusion: Learning Nutshell on Acoustic Guitar
Despite not being released as a single, “Nutshell” has become one of Alice In Chains’ most cherished and recognized songs. Its raw emotion and poignant lyrics, combined with Cantrell’s masterful acoustic guitar work, resonate deeply with listeners. We believe this guitar lesson series, focusing on “nutshell guitar tab,” will provide you with the resources to learn this beautiful song quickly and effectively. Dive in, practice diligently, and soon you’ll be playing “Nutshell” on your acoustic guitar with confidence and feeling.
