6:32·36K views·Jan 2026·Released 1994·Taught by Marty Music
FingerpickingAlternativeKey of G major76 BPM🎵 Capo 2
Listen to the original
How's it hit?
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.
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