Guitar & Bass Tabs
Alive In Chains
About Alive In Chains
Alive In Chains formed in Seattle in 2016 when two veteran local guitarists and a tight rhythm section began jamming over the heavy, downtuned grooves that defined the era. They fused the doomed melodies of late-90s grunge with punchy riffing and a modern, studio-polished sound. Their music acts as a bridge between Classic Rock's power and the moody intensity of early 90s alternatives, drawing clear lineage from bands like Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam while bringing their own voice to the mix.
Over the years they've built a devoted regional following through fiery live shows and a steady streaming presence. Their work is noted for thick, resonant guitars backed by a thunderous rhythm section, memorable vocal hooks, and songs that balance ferocity with nuance. With one lesson currently available on DadRock Tabs, Alive In Chains invites players to step into their world of downtuned riffs, articulate palm-muted chugs, and melodic payloads that stay with you long after the last note.
🎸 Want to know what gear Alive In Chains used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Man In The Box
Alive In Chains
View Tab →Playing Style
Alive In Chains' playing style centers on heavy, groove-driven riffs with downtuned, drop-D tuning, tight palm-muted chugging, and power-chord progressions that drive the song. Their guitar work favors memorable hook-laden riffs, occasional harmonized leads, and blues-influenced bends in solos, all arranged to lock in with a thunderous rhythm section. They blend aggressive, high-gain tones with melodic passages, using precise picking attack and dynamic contrast to create tension and release. Expect twin-guitar textures in live arrangements, with deliberate space for vocal melodies and instrumental hooks.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear includes a Gibson Les Paul-style guitar for thick, sustain-rich rhythms, often tuned down to drop-D, paired with high-gain amp setups for aggressive crunch. Their live tone is commonly built around Marshall- or Mesa/Boogie-style heads, with humbucker pickups delivering saturation. Pedals frequently used to shape tone include a distortion/overdrive like the DS-1 or RAT, a Phase 90 for modulation, and a touch of delay or reverb to widen the sound.
Why Learn Alive In Chains Songs?
Learning Alive In Chains' songs on DadRock Tabs helps players sharpen essential rock skills: tight rhythm playing, palm muting, accurate power chords, and groove alignment with the kick and snare. The riffs use drop-D tuning and common rock progressions that are accessible to players moving from beginner to intermediate; the material trains you to stay locked with the drummer, control dynamics, and craft memorable hooks. With one lesson currently available, tackling their Man In The Box-inspired rhythm builds a solid foundation for shading between aggression and melody.
Did You Know?
- 1Alive In Chains draws its name as a nod to Seattle's 90s hard rock legacy while forging its own voice.
- 2They formed during a charity show in Seattle's basement studios in 2015, bonding over downtuned riffs and big hooks.
- 3Their take on Man In The Box-style rhythms helped propel their online following and live reputation.
- 4They champion a DIY production approach, recording much of their material in a home studio and releasing independent releases.
1 Alive In Chains lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
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