Man In The Box - Alice In Chains

Learn to Play "Man In The Box" Note for Note

Alice In Chains' "Man In The Box" is one of the most iconic songs of the early '90s grunge movement. Known for its heavy riffing, haunting vocal harmonies, and signature guitar tones, this track is an essential study for any guitarist looking to capture the raw, moody essence of grunge. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com breaks down every aspect of the song, focusing on the techniques that make Jerry Cantrell’s guitar work so unique and influential. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Jerry Cantrell

Jerry Cantrell, the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for Alice In Chains, is one of the most distinctive guitarists in rock history. His playing combines bluesy phrasing, dark harmonic textures, and heavy riffing, creating a signature sound that blends metal, alternative rock, and classic rock influences. Cantrell’s use of wah pedal, haunting melodies, and intricate harmonics makes his style instantly recognisable. Learning his techniques not only improves your ability to play grunge but also enhances your overall lead and rhythm guitar skills.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Man In The Box"

Power Chords

Power chords are the foundation of the song’s main riff, giving it a thick, punchy sound. These chords are widely used in rock and metal and are excellent for building strength in your fretting hand while also helping you master palm-muting dynamics.

Palm Muting

The heavy, chugging sound in "Man In The Box" comes from effective palm muting. This technique helps create a tight, percussive attack, essential for playing grunge and hard rock styles. It also enhances your rhythm playing by improving timing and control.

Wah Pedal Use

Jerry Cantrell’s signature wah-infused riffing defines the intro of the song. Using a wah pedal allows for expressive tonal variation, making your lead lines and rhythm parts more dynamic. Learning to control the wah pedal properly adds expressiveness to your playing.

String Bending

The lead guitar work in "Man In The Box" features string bending to create emotional, blues-inspired phrasing. Mastering this technique improves intonation and ear training, allowing you to add more feeling to your solos.

Slides

Cantrell often incorporates slides between notes to create a smooth and fluid transition between phrases. This technique adds a vocal-like quality to solos and helps develop better fretboard navigation.

Harmonics

A key aspect of "Man In The Box" is its use of harmonics, adding eerie and haunting overtones to the song’s signature sound. Learning to execute both natural and artificial harmonics improves your ability to play textured, atmospheric guitar parts.

Alternate Picking

To maintain the rhythmic drive of the song, alternate picking is crucial. This technique increases speed and accuracy, making it easier to play intricate riffs efficiently without losing clarity.

Syncopated Rhythms

Alice In Chains is known for their use of syncopation, where rhythm patterns emphasise off-beats. This technique enhances your ability to play complex rhythms, improving overall timing and groove.

Chord Progressions

The song’s dark and moody chord progressions are essential in capturing the essence of Alice In Chains' sound. Learning these progressions helps expand your songwriting vocabulary and deepens your understanding of chordal textures.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Harmonics
• Alternate Picking
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Chord Progressions