We Die Young - Alice In Chains

Alice In Chains' "We Die Young" is a high-energy, riff-driven song that encapsulates the raw, grunge-infused metal sound that defined the early '90s. This Licklibrary lesson takes you through every note, focusing on the signature techniques that make this track a staple in hard rock and grunge guitar playing. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your skills or an advanced player wanting to capture the aggressive tone and feel of Jerry Cantrell, this lesson will break down the essential elements of the song. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Jerry Cantrell and Alice In Chains' Influence

Jerry Cantrell, the primary guitarist and songwriter of Alice In Chains, is renowned for his heavy yet melodic riffs, dark chord progressions, and dynamic lead work. His playing combines elements of metal, grunge, and blues, making him one of the most influential guitarists in the genre. His use of power chords, palm muting, and harmonics creates a distinctively haunting yet powerful sound. Alice In Chains' impact on rock and metal guitarists is undeniable, inspiring generations with their drop-tuned riffs and emotive lead playing.

Key Guitar Techniques in "We Die Young"

Power Chords

Power chords are the foundation of "We Die Young" and give the song its aggressive, punchy tone. These two or three-note shapes are easy to move across the fretboard, making them a go-to for rock and metal guitarists. Mastering power chords will improve your rhythm playing and fretboard navigation, helping you play with greater confidence and control.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds a tight, percussive sound to the song's main riff. By resting the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings while playing, you can create a more dynamic, articulate rhythm. This technique is essential for playing heavy riffs and will help develop better control over picking attack and note clarity.

Slides

Jerry Cantrell frequently slides between notes to create a fluid, connected feel in his lead work. Slides add expression to melodies and can enhance your phrasing, making your solos sound more professional and dynamic. Practicing slides will improve your ability to move smoothly between notes, giving your playing a more polished and expressive sound.

String Bending

Bending notes gives the song its blues-infused feel, allowing for expressive lead lines. Mastering string bending will enhance your soloing skills, making your playing sound more vocal and emotive. This technique is crucial for any rock and blues guitarist looking to add feeling and dynamics to their solos.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Fast licks in "We Die Young" utilize hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, flowing legato lines. These techniques allow for faster note execution with less picking effort, making your playing sound effortless and fluid. Practicing legato will improve finger strength and coordination, which is essential for playing fast, seamless runs.

Alternate Picking

The song’s main riff requires precise alternate picking to maintain its tight, driving rhythm. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes for maximum speed and efficiency. Developing strong alternate picking skills will help you play faster, cleaner, and with better timing in both rhythm and lead sections.

Syncopated Rhythms

Alice In Chains is known for their unique rhythmic patterns, and "We Die Young" is a perfect example of syncopation. Learning to play off-beat rhythms will improve your timing and sense of groove, making your playing more dynamic and engaging.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs
• Alternate Picking
• Syncopated Rhythms

By mastering the techniques in "We Die Young", you'll not only be able to replicate the song note for note, but you'll also gain valuable skills that will enhance your overall guitar playing. So grab your guitar, crank up the gain, and start learning one of the heaviest grunge anthems with Licklibrary today!