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Song Tutorial

IntermediateFingerpickingMarty Music
6:32/36K views/Jan 2026
6:32·36K views·Jan 2026·Released 1994·Taught by Marty Music
FingerpickingAlternativeKey of G major76 BPM🎵 Capo 2
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Chords

ii-V-I

What you'll learn

  • How to play No Excuses by Alice in Chains
  • Open string techniques
  • Jerry Cantrell's guitar style
  • Acoustic guitar fundamentals

About this lesson

Learn how to play "No Excuses" by Alice in Chains on acoustic guitar! This 90s classic is famous for its shimmery, open-string sound and is actually a great song for beginners to tackle. 🎸 Get my FREE Ultimate Guitar Guide (the foundation of everything I teach!) right here: https://www.martymusic.com/the-ultimate-guitar-guide-ebook In this lesson, we’re breaking down the iconic Jerry Cantrell acoustic parts. The "secret sauce" to this song is the tuning—we are tuned down a half step (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb). I’ll show you how to use those "E-shaped" chord fragments to get that signature Alice in Chains drone. We’ll cover: ⦿ How to tune your guitar for that 90s Grunge sound. ⦿ The main sliding riff (it’s easier than it looks!). ⦿ The chorus progression and a cool "E5" voicing for extra shimmer. 🎸 More Guitar Lessons & FREE Courses: https://www.martymusic.com/free-courses

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