No Excuses Guitar Lesson - Alice in Chains - Unplugged

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In this No Excuses guitar lesson video, I will show you how to play the unplugged version of this Alice In Chains hit on acoustic guitar.

Before watching this lesson and trying to play along with the original recording, you will need to tune your guitar down one-half step to (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb).

The chords used throughout "No Excuses" are extremely easy. This is probably the easiest Alice In Chains song there is to play. At least until you get to the guitar solo.

Even though it may look like I am playing bar chords, in fact, none of the chords require a bar. The top two strings are allowed to ring open, creating a drone effect and making the song very easy to play.

There is a second guitarist (Scott Olson) playing along with Jerry Cantrell on this Unplugged version of "No Excuses". Olson is the one playing the lead guitar fills during the chorus. I have included the fills in the video lesson just in case you have a second guitarist to jam along with as well.

Jerry Cantrell's solo is going to be the most difficult section of the song by far. One thing that makes it a bit challenging is that Cantrell chose to play most of the solo up around the 12th position, which can be pretty uncomfortable on an acoustic guitar.

I will break the solo down phrase-by-phrase which will be the best way to tackle it. Hopefully, the added difficult on playing the solo in such a high register on the fretboard will make for a great strengthening exercise for your hands. #noexcusesguitarlesson #aliceinchains #mtvunplugged #guitarcovers

Carl...

[mtrich]

I love how the simplest of can have so much emotion if put together right. Jerry Cantrell and the bunch really know how to do great melodies.

[Dan-Bass]

Alice in Chains Unplugged was their greatest show imo

[starlitblond]

Right on.. I looove this song and love playing barre chords. It's time to dust off my guitars and get busy!

[JLG]

It’s great learning all these AIC songs, but it also sucks knowing they’re nothing without Mike’s basslines

[leighrichardson]

I love the sound of an acoustic more than an electric guitar but I prefer the feel I get from an electric more.

[IntentionalHelp]

this song was my alarm when I was little and had an iphone3 great song.

[guitarthrasher]

Seeing them at the Wiltern theater on October 4th can't wait! Love AIC

[CVXMAN]

MY DUDE!! Can you do Alice in chains-Sludge Factory? Btw, excellent lesson!

[lawndarts]

Thank you Carl! I picked up my guitar after 7 years because I saw you here. So excited that you make it simple to understand!
Brandon Jameson

[joshuajohnson]

You’re the best teacher on her by far. I’d love to go into guitar center with you playing and talking to yourself like it’s a YouTube lesson. Oh that would be funny as hell. Those dudes working there would be like, he’s talking to himself but, damn he’s not annoying and he’s so good! Lol

[Jayreddy]

Carl your the best teacher that I've been learning from thank you so much ☺

[Roeth]

Carl covers all the coolest tunes I swear, lol.

[amenabar]

OMG I WANTED THIS LESSON SO MUCH THANKSSS

[austinjohnson]

could you do back in the saddle by areosmith. I can't find it anywhere and you're my favorite teacher to learn from. thank you!!

[TheKINGandJOKER]

Greqt thanka for all that you do, and especially this song. You are awesome man

[mikerudolph]

My favorite song 🎶 by Alice In Chains ⛓ 👍🤘🎸

[johncarr]

Carl thank you so much Alice and chains is my favorite unplugged band could you do some more please

[dannysmith]

Thank u for no excuses guitar lesson excellent & fun to play.🎸👍

[reginastargazer]

Can you make the solo for the song Brother in the unplugged as well!

[rockerchick]

Hey Carl, can u do the acoustic version to Even Flow by Pearl Jam???