Alice in Chains: dark, moody, and downright addictive.
Whether you’re into grunge, metal, or just need a good excuse to break out the guitar, this band’s catalog is packed with songs that are fun to play and sound way harder than they actually are (win-win, right?).
If you’re itching to channel your inner Jerry Cantrell, here are 10 Alice in Chains songs that are easy enough for beginners but still sound epic enough to impress your friends. Let’s dive in.
List Of 10 Quite Easy Alice In Chains Songs (+Video Lessons)
Nutshell
This one’s like comfort food for the soul—moody, melodic, and ridiculously satisfying to play. The intro riff? Iconic and super beginner-friendly. Just a couple of simple shapes and a little patience, and you’ll have it nailed. Plus, it’s the perfect track to practice fingerpicking if you’re feeling adventurous.
Perfect for: Quiet, introspective moments when you want to play something that sounds beautiful but isn’t overly complicated.
Find more songs to play! Check out this list of 15 easy Metallica songs.
Man in the Box
Oh, you know this one. That sludgy riff? Absolutely unforgettable. Power chords do all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on locking into that heavy groove. Crank up the distortion, and suddenly you’re rocking out like a pro.
Perfect for: Times when you want to let loose, turn up the amp, and melt some faces with a riff that’s as gritty as it is simple.
Down in a Hole
This acoustic ballad is haunting and emotional—and here’s the kicker: it’s surprisingly easy to play. Slow, steady strumming and moody chord progressions make it a beginner’s dream. And if you can sing along (even if it’s off-key), you’ll totally sell the vibe.
Perfect for: Impressing people with a “deep cut” that feels super emotional and raw.
Rooster
Whether you’re playing acoustic or electric, “Rooster” hits hard. The chords are straightforward, and the main riff has that cinematic, larger-than-life quality. Everyone knows this one, so don’t be surprised if your audience starts singing along.
Perfect for: Those moments when you want to go full storyteller mode and make everyone around you feel something.
If you’re into grunge, you need to check out these Pearl Jam songs too!
Would?
This track captures everything cool about grunge: it’s groovy, heavy, and sounds way harder to play than it actually is. The riff is repetitive and easy to pick up, so you can focus on nailing the attitude. (Spoiler: it’s all about the attitude.)
Perfect for: Channeling your inner rockstar while keeping the technical stuff manageable.
No Excuses
A breath of fresh air in Alice in Chains’ catalog, this acoustic-driven gem feels light and catchy (yes, they do have happy songs). The intro riff is simple but oh-so-satisfying to play. Once you get the rhythm down, you won’t want to stop.
Perfect for: Kicking back with an acoustic guitar and playing something that instantly puts a smile on your face.
Heaven Beside You
Ever wanted to feel like a true storyteller? This one’s for you. The riff alternates between open chords and a few barre shapes, making it ideal for players who want to practice transitioning smoothly. The mellow vibe is perfect for late-night jam sessions.
Perfect for: Practicing clean transitions while vibing to a track that’s both chill and captivating.
Learn more tasty riffs! Check out these SOAD songs too.
Angry Chair
Dark, brooding, and irresistibly groovy. “Angry Chair” has a hypnotic riff built on simple, chunky power chords. Add some distortion, and you’re in grunge heaven. The repetitive structure makes it a great choice for beginners looking to lock in a heavy rhythm.
Perfect for: Cranking up the distortion and unleashing your inner grunge beast.
Them Bones
Short, punchy, and guaranteed to get heads banging. The main riff is pure power chord gold—easy to play but heavy enough to make you feel like a total badass. Bonus: it’s a great song to work on keeping a tight rhythm.
Perfect for: Times when you want to feel cooler than you actually are (don’t worry, we all do it).
I Stay Away
Want to mix things up? This one has a slightly more experimental vibe but remains beginner-friendly. The intro riff uses open chords and a few simple embellishments to create a haunting melody. It’s a little off the beaten path, but that’s what makes it so fun.
Perfect for: Expanding your horizons with something moody and unique that’s still easy to play.
FAQ
1. Are Alice in Chains songs too hard for beginners?
Nope, not at all. Sure, they sound intense and brooding, but most of their songs are built on simple power chords and basic riffs. It’s like ordering a gourmet burger—fancy on the outside, but it’s still just a burger.
2. Do I need a crazy pedal setup to sound like Jerry Cantrell?
Not unless you’re trying to recreate a stadium tour in your living room. A basic distortion pedal, maybe some reverb, and you’re golden. Man in the Box might benefit from a wah pedal, but don’t overthink it—Jerry’s tone is more about feel than gear.
3. Can I play these songs on acoustic?
You sure can. Songs like Nutshell and Down in a Hole thrive on an acoustic. Even some electric-heavy tracks like Rooster can be stripped down and still sound awesome. Think of it like coffee—black or with cream, it still hits the spot.
4. What if I mess up the timing or hit a wrong chord?
Guess what? Nobody cares. Grunge is all about raw emotion, not perfection. Lean into the mistakes; sometimes they add character. The vibe is more important than playing it note-for-note.
5. Do I have to tune my guitar down?
For a few tracks, yeah. Alice in Chains loves their half-step down and drop D tunings. But honestly, you can play a lot of these in standard and still sound killer. Tuning down just gives it that extra grit—your call.
6. What’s the best song to start with?
Man in the Box or Rooster. They’re both iconic, easy to learn, and ridiculously fun to play. Plus, you’ll feel like a total badass after the first riff.
7. Will playing Alice in Chains make me cooler?
Look, I can’t promise miracles, but let’s just say playing Them Bones at full volume has a way of boosting confidence. Coincidence? I think not.
Final Thoughts
Don’t overthink it. Grunge isn’t about precision; it’s about passion. These songs aren’t just music—they’re an outlet. Feeling moody? Play Nutshell. Need to blow off steam? Crank up Angry Chair. Want to impress your friends? Bust out Man in the Box.
So stop scrolling, grab your guitar, and start playing. Because every minute you spend thinking about practicing is a minute you could spend rocking out. And trust me, the world could use more rockstars.
Now go make some noise. 🎸
