Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- "I still enjoy the feel of the guitar on my hands. It’s really exhilarating to stand on stage in front of people... to elicit an emotion from them and to feel that emotion yourself, it’s a transfer of energy and that’s really the whole thing."
In this episode, Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains discusses his inspirations in music and guitar and his lifelong pursuit of tone.
String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players.
Jerry Cantrell plays Ernie Ball Regular RPS Nickel Wound Electric guitar strings: ernieb.al/2kWWgxT
Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
His tone is ginormous. Such thick, sludgy wall of sound. One of the true heirs of Tony Iommi but super original in his own way.
@Edward st.antoine NO
@Edward st.antoine get out
Edward st.antoine you’re not welcome. No seriously before people find out where you live, get out 😂
Iommi set the tone excuse the pun lol for generations to come back in 69, yup that's when Sabbath's first album dropped late 69, silly boy.
Yes. I always thought there was a connection between Black Sabbath and Alice in Chains. Both were slow and heavy while having a creepy vibe
Jerry Cantrell... never clicked so fast !
Same.
Ok but can we talk about this mans lyrical ability as well? Dude is a true poet.
He also 2 solo albums, if u haven't checked them out, I recommend them! Degradation Trip and Boggy Depot are the names of the albums
Seriously though. Stuff he writes blows me away. Man can write some nasty riffs and on top of them writes some of the best lyrics I've ever seen. True songwriter
Shivam Babubhai I’ve been meaning to listen to those for TOO long, man...thanks!🤘
Facts. Jerry Cantrell is one.of the best lyricists in rock period. And I'm a hip hop dude. I see the bars
When you factor in his singing/lyrics/guitar playing and overall songwriting he’s a god, one of the best songwriters ever.
Cantrell has always had a knack for writing riffs that are just a bit "off". They begin like any standard riff, but when you think it should go in a certain direction, it takes a sharp turn and throws you off. It's absolutely fantastic! They're not so complex that only music nerds can understand them, but they're not so conventional as to be mundane or boring. Them Bones is a great example of that. Hollow is another one. AIC and Jerry do get tons of recognition, but I feel like Jerry himself doesn't get anywhere close to the praise the guy deserves.
The real genius to his playing is his ability to build tension and a sense of unease. Its story telling without speaking a word.
Exactly what I thought about that riff in Them Bones, too.
He doesn’t get enough praise/recognition. He’s a genius when it comes to writing music. I’ve said what you just wrote time and time again that he doesn’t get near enough praise.
His solos are even weirder - lol
He has a great musical sense. He knows how songs are supposed to flow. He plays in a lot of odd meter but his stuff is always catchy. He’s a great riff writer. He makes playing simple sound musical. Someone compared him to Iommi and I’d agree. He has a very similar style. Sludgy and doomy riffs that are great to sing harmony over. Cantrell is the man.
Jerry, and Alice In Chains were such an incredibly influential band. "Dirt" is an absolutely timeless masterpiece from the early nineties.
Easily one of the best bands to come out of the 90s
Agreed
Really wish Layne Staley was still around so they can make few more albums together
Also criminally underrated
Jar of flies is a timeless masterpiece as well
"Alice in Chains lived in a world Black Sabbath merely suggested."
@WORST CHANNEL EVER rick beato ep. 13
ironically rick beato is the best channel ever
Rick Beato didn't write that line he was reading their music bio from Itunes. Cool line though it does describe Dirt especially. They made Sabbath seem a little silly. Love Sabbath too though.
@@sigulvbauermeister8994 correction, he quoted a description on itunes
@@MrEvergreenLayne I disagree, man. I love AIC, but Sabbath wrote so many iconic tunes.
Here's the songs he played:
0:00 Them Bones
2:31 Acid Bubble
5:57 Red Giant
7:34 Acid Bubble
2:31 is all parts from acid bubble. He also plays another riff from acid bubble at 7:34
Muthafokin' Jerry Cantrell, his playing style has aged gracefully. Such a massive sound
Huge
The Riff Lord. Awesome guitarist and humble bloke.
Tony Iomme
I think the thing everyone forgets about jerrys playing is how he mixes beauty and darkness. While he has crushing riffs he also creates great melodies that fit great with harmonized vocals
The melodies he and Layne did are like a slice of heaven. Two voices working perfectly together
No one forgot
@@DaveTaste 😎exactly 👍🏻
Nobody forgets that.
The thing I love about Jerry is that he was always a songwriter first, and a guitar player second (not to mention, an intelligent lyricist). Sure, he isn't the most technically savvy guitarist out there, but he always wrote really great songs, and memorable riffs - much like his heroes Toni Iommi, Ace Frehley, Angus Young. Jerry also has such a recognizable tone and playing style. Within two notes of an Alice song, you recognize his playing. Alice, to me, is the best band of that scene. Their music still sounds so fresh. Those songs are legendary and stand the test of time. Hopefully someday they get what they deserve: an induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which I feel is merited and overdue.
He's a riff master too
Well put ol boy
Amen!
Jerry is our Iommi! He sure didn’t invent the dark riff but he mastered it. Iommi, Page and Malcolm are all is his playing. It’s all in there but it’s all him at the same time. Just a master of simplicity! Hardly ever lets the solo outdo the riff.
Yeah, Jerry Cantrell is a master, unique. TOTAL effectiveness in genial guitar simplicity...you know...many guitarists are technically way superior (and I like some guitarists like that)...but they are like robots and I can't listen for way too much to them...Cantrell has soul and spirit.
And the feeling of Gilmour
Ivan Garcia totally agree! Gilmore is a little more technical but that soul is definitely there in Jerry’s solos. The solo in Time is actually my favorite solo of all time! Just soulful without taking anything away from the song. It adds to the whole instead of saying look at me!
He even has some cool old school bluesy country influences in his writing. Dude is a legend
He’s a rock and roll treasure. Immediately recognizable tone, such a rare quality. How Randy Neuman is in the Hall of Fame and Alice In Chains isn’t, is a mystery to me.
Jerry Sparks
Lol... What’s with the Randy Newman hate?
He’s had a very long, very illustrious career.
Considered by many to be a superb songwriter.
But yes... Alice in chains should be in the HOF.👍
@@BillMcGirr he just isnt really "rock"
Connor Martinson
I’ve been to the HOF in Cleveland...
You’d be surprised how much not rock is in there.🙄🤣👍
It's because now days the hall of Fame is so politically driven that you have to buy your way in it.
Incredible tone. One the best of all time.
Great guitarist and humble guy.
He always make me smile, but then I feel sad, I see sadness in his eyes.
He has seen death up close.
It's the people that have been experienced death that learn to appreciate life the most.
That’s beautiful and so true. It’s why I fucking love the band Death. It makes me wanna live! 💀
Dying a little makes you appreciate life. From a Jerry solo song, locked on I think
He has seen so many close to him die. Andy Wood, Layne, Cornell, Dimebag. He lost his grandmother and mother (who essentially raised him) within months of each other before Alice formed.
I just gotta' say it... No disrespect to any band of that era, I like all of them, but the Cantrell/Staley partnership was by far the best. I know, it's my opinion, but a majority of comments on RUclips seem to favor them. I was 30 when Facelift came out, and already had over 20 years of listening to Hard Rock/Metal music beforehand, these guys took it to another level... Will always be a fan. by the way, I think Jerry has earned the right to have a signature Ernie Ball/Music Man Guitar... There, I feel better.
Leddy Gee... I see what you did there btw!! I agree with you %1000000 Layne & Jerry were the Lennon & Mcartny of our day... Better in my opinion,!!!
@@foldingcakeismyname9749 Thanks for that... I don't feed trolls, Life is to short to deal with morons.
@@layneinchains3373 👍😎😁
@@leddygee1896 no problem Rush are the Shit. Too bad Neil retired.
@@foldingcakeismyname9749 Led Zeppelin was my gateway band in the beginning in '69 when i started listening to them. But Rush is another thing altogether... For 3 members, they are yet to be matched and probably never will be.
Jerry "ya know" Cantrell.
Legend.
That tone is such a meaty boi, Jerry is one of my biggest inspirations
He's my 5th favorite guitarist in my second favorite band
Cool man, nice pic, my favourite Metallica album
@@CJ_YT. And they're my number 1 favorite
Why do people use words like “meaty boi”? It sounds really immature to me, like something a 12-13 yr old would say. Idk to each there own I guess, no hate just genuinely wondering.
Will
I really don’t know man, I just picked it up from friends and people on the internet, I personally use it because I find it funny
Whale and Wasp. Probably my favorite Cantrell moment. Euphoria & bliss tucked into a thriving place in time.
its a shame that too often people crap on that song because it feels kind of out of place in the record... but I think its a cool little song and melodically very interesting.
It’s the only instrumental I’ve heard that can make me cry. Basically that whole album is a masterpiece besides the last track.
I don't get why people act like it isn't one of the better songs on Jar Of Flies. It's by far my favorite song on that album
Glad someone loves that song asmuch as me
it's hard to describe how much i respect his musicianship, he's such a great rock guitarist and almost impossible to imitate, i also like how calm and nice he usually is
His tone is larger than life...
Such a cool humble artistic genius as well.
Just saw them live. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Still rocking hard in 2019
I saw 'em earlier this year, too. One of the best nights of my fucking life.
True testament to Jerry and the other boys Sean and mike as well as Will, they lost one of the greatest singers of all time and are still putting out great music and have one of the best live shows in the business. Absolute legends
Seeing Jerry mean mugging the camera whilst playing them bones makes me happy
I was listening to the dirt album when I got a notification for this.
The fact this guy is so humble on top of being so talented makes him Loved even that much more, such a down to earth and grounded dude!
You have to love someone who plays G&L
I normally play pointy metal axes but there is something about g&l that just feels so right to me. Especially his sig super hawk!
Don't forget about the VH inspired guitars in his cabinet.
all 4 of them.
seriously though, im really surprised G&L didnt become hugely popular when Alice was on top of the world in the 90s. they arent anywhere near the cost of a les paul, but perhaps every kid just wanted a strat because kurt cobain played one.
My first G&L got delivered today!. It's a bright red 1987 invader. Really wanted a Jerry Cantrell Rampage but couldn't find them anywhere. And out of nowhere this popped up with an unbeatable price tag and had to jump on it! I love it
Just. So brutal. He sounds like a mystic sage as the deliverer of a tone most brutal and heavy.
Great video. Jerry Cantrell changed my whole outlook on guitar. When I first heard Grind, Them Bones, Sludge Factory and Dam That River I was completely changed as a guitarist. Thanks for the video Ernie Ball.
The tone of mid gain and high gain running together! When I met Cantrell in London in 2009/2010 he basically said to achieve more clarity with a single amp on high gain was near impossible. So to have that metal edge he ran a high gain amp and for the note clarity he ran another amp on a mid gain setting. That is how you hear every note and not just mushy gain.
Been one of my fave guitarists ever since Facelift assaulted my senses with the planet levelling tones he's unleashing here. I've always, always preferred guitarists who "serve the song" and Jerry is undeniably one of THE masters of this.
I see Jerry Cantrell, I click. One of the most underrated guitarists and songwriters of all time, he is a legend!
just saw him and rest of AIC perform live 5 days ago and that's my highlight of 2019
that Red Giant riff
Around 6:30 correct?
@@MrLiveroo yeeaap
The new album is very good - especially So Far Under.
@@marshallgeorge3819 yea i love the new record actually i find it easier to listen to than the previous one
@@marshallgeorge3819 Yeah I'd say So Far Under is my favorite on the album too but I actually think William wrote that riff and not Jerry. Still a cool song though. I've not liked any of the William albums as much as any of the Layne ones but they are still solid and some of the songs are actually quite cool.
What a big sounding guitar 💯
From a drummers perspective this guy is a drummers dream. Incredible player.
A grunge guitarist highly respected by metal guitarists back in an era when metal musicians used to hate grunge musicians. That says a lot about Jerry. Alice in Chains were never "grunge". They actually were the true evolution that many other metal bands from late 80's never reached. Alice in Chains is the "metal of the 90's".
Yeah but was AIC really grunge??? Sure they were in that time frame but to me they were more hard rock/metal than grunge.
@@stranger5088 Precisely, they weren't. They always were heavy metal, in my humble opinion. I associate the term "grunge" to "generation X punk", to put it simple (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Sonic Youth). That's why I also think Soundgarden were actually a prog-psychodelic band and Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots were hard rock bands.
@@stonerdemon aic always hard rock at best for their most heavy sound. But they had way softer side too. So overall alternative hard rock band cant put in a specific genre. Grunge singers had a raspy voice which layne did and seattle scene so yea. A lot of things comes into perspective
@@pipebombhs1412 nah them bones is metal as fuck. Grunge was really just a movement not one specific genre. AIC were hard rock/alt metal/metal and were considered that by many of their peers.
Everybody said they were metal, Jerry did, Layne did, other metal bands to, then they got the grunge label slapped on them since they were from Seattle, they sound nothing like Nirvana and STP, Nirvana were more punk, I think the term grunge should be used to refer to the Melvins or STP.
He is one of the most under appreciated musicians of the last 40 yrs
That’d be Travis Meeks - Cantrell is universally respected.
I love all the varieties of gauges that Ernie Ball provides. I use them all on my guitars.
And Jerry has such a cool style. One of the greats for sure.
Damn that opening tone!
Hes playing "Them Bones" for the first song in the beginning
underrated guitarist. one of the best of the riff based guitarists. black gives way to blue is an amazing album, and of course all the staley days albums
Everything that ever happened is underrated hey
The best of the Seattle sound for sure, Alice in Chains never got enough credit at the time, but I think their music has aged better than any of the other bands from that time and genre. Jerry and Layne, that shit was magic.
They got loads of credit in the 90s.
SOUNDGARDEN too my friend.
Jerry, you are the man! You inspire to play my guitar every day.
This mans music/band is forever embedded in my heart and soul. He’s the reason I picked up guitar. Their music is awe inspiring, and I can’t think of a better band in my opinion. Long live Cantrell, long live Alice In Chains, hail the mighty tone!
I can't pick up my guitar without beefing out a few alice in chains riffs. He really is one of the greats. Not even just on guitar, but as a songwriter.
metallaholic hahaha same on guitar! And I couldn’t agree more man!
I assume if you’re a big AIC fan you love solo Jerry like degradation trip? That album is so fucking good and underrated, one of my favorites. He just finished his new solo album so I can’t wait for that shit to come out soon, whether it’s solo or AIC Jerry always delivers
one of my all time favourites . his riffs are undeniably heavy and memorable!
Such a talent! The EVH Goldtop has some hot sauce. Loved the tone.
That was at one point stolen from him and he got it back recently I think.
That one and the blue one were gifted to him by EVH after they toured with them in 91 and jerry asked if Ed would give him a "deal" on one and Ed said fuck that dude when your broke no one will give you shit but you become famous and they give you everything so let me do that for you! Jerry came home to a garage filled with 5150 cabs and head units and those 2 guitars!! He about shit!! 🤟🤟
Sludge God. Cantrell’s tone is timeless. Long live Alice 🔥
3:41
Man that part of acid bubble always gives me goosebumps...
His playing has such a great feeling, no need of flashy stuff or crazy no sense shredding... Just the right amount of notes, and not to mention that killer tone...
Really enjoyed the combination of interview and his playing.
Just found this...always loved his playing. The opening riff he plays creates an atmosphere and you are sucked strait in, like a another world. Gave me a real lift to hear it again.
Man in the box.. would.. rooster..black gives way to blue..grind..nutshell ...😍
So all of their popular songs.
@@googly311 hmm..wonder WHY those songs are popular.
@@chrisbrown3549 if you're about to say "because they're the best", just stop. Too many times people only like the hits of really good bands. Not true fans
what about all the OTHER great songs the radio doesnt touch?
Sea Of Sorrow, love hate love, Junkhead, Dirt, I know something, got me wrong, rotten apple, no excuses, over now, sludge factory....... motherfuckin FROGS!!! ...........
acid bubble, hollow, all secrets known, a looking in view, Voices.......
the list could go on and on. Jerry has been cranking out consistently incredible tunes his whole damn life.
Love hate love
I love his sound! It's so unique and powerful. He's the main reason that I love AIC! 🤘
Easily one of the best Guitarist of all time in my opinion
Living Legend
Damn... looks like I’ve been playing “Them Bones” wrong all these years LOL
skinny fist ...Yeah, it’s a tricky riff to get right. I never knew about the 5th position notes until about 10mins ago... LOL :)
Iam_Dunn it goes 5th then up to 17
Your bad ears
The almighty rifflord!
One of my favorite players! That man knows TONE!!
Met Jerry in a small burger joint in Davenport IA. AIC was playing in town that night, but we didn't have tickets. He called in 3 passes for us and we walked right up to the stage. Alice in Chains was awesome that night and we ended up getting a few guitar picks from Jerry as well. Such a nice guy and a great show. Thanks Jerry!!!!!!
Jerry is just amazing! What a lucky experience you had there!
I can still remember when I was about 13 and one of my friends had the radio on while we were hanging out. That was the first time I ever heard "Man in the Box". Up to that point, I had never heard anything that heavy in my life. Still one of my favorite songs to this day.
Had the pleasure of meeting him twice after shows. He is a total class act. The way he is in videos with people (gracious, humble, easy going, etc.) is exactly how he is with everyone.
We love you Jerry! Keep it up Brother!
I love his gritty sound! I really enjoyed this interview/video…so down to earth. I think it’s pretty incredible that someone as talented and adored as he is still seems to be the salt of the earth. When he plays, it goes right through me. I’m honored to have seen him live many times and it’s just as tight and I bang my head just as much as I did in 92. Thank you, Mr Cantrell.
Hell yeah, absolutely killer tone!
Badass. Love hearing him play Acid Bubble & Red Giant.
If anyone here never took the time to listen to the Black Gives Way To Blue album ?? It is fucking amazing . Some of Jerry's best work and a perfect way to carry on AIC while maintaining their integrity .
Wonderfully touching to hear Jerry Cantrell recall his early guitar store memories. Ernie Ball as well as Dunlop are true touchstones of the industry for all of us.
One of the most under-appreciated guitarists of all time. This guy shreds and is super chill.
What an amazing, introspective human being and musician. WOW!
Jerry Cantrell is an amazing artist overall. Period.
Great musician, great songwriter, pretty underrated singer
Love jerrys sound, it has this deep dark hollow feel, rare for his generation, its funny i hear the the style of cantrell but theres a little brian may and page in there too. His orginality does remind me of eddie. Ed wasnt afriad of creating his own siginature. He didnt follow other common patterns. He created his own. Listen to aint talkin about love or jamies cryin or even drop dead legs and you hear that difference. Jerry def has the ability to create his own marked style. His guitar playing is amazingly original. He is inspired but doesnt copy others sound.
Although not mentioned here, his lyrical ability is strong id not stronger than his playing. I think he is one of the best songwriters, although his stuff is more abstract then most other writers. Id call him a rock poet instead. As i songwriter myself, i understand the difficulty to write a good song and he does it quite well.
Jerry is very diversified in his talents and exploration is key to creating such exceptional wrk. I dont know many musicians who tackle both with those kinds of results. Jerry is gifted in both, a brilliant all a round musician with no signs of slowing down despite his age. He is only beginning to discover those layers as he continues his craft. I just cant wait to see what he does next.😎
In my next life I sure hope I'm Jerry Cantrell he's got to be the heaviest sounding guitar player ever I can never turn up the stereo loud enough when their songs come on so clean and crisp and loud I'm sure grateful I still have the ears to listen
The playing, the tone, the lyrics, the voice. Such a dude.
Dudes a legend, one of the greats! Such a unique player. Responsible for so many incredible riffs.
I love jerry!!! So humble.
Insane awesome tone , I ❤️this man .
Jerry's riffs are like giants who stomp a village.
I swear he does not write a bad riff..and down to fucking earth..
One of my greatest inspirations on guitar. Absolutely captivating with his creativity in driving riffs and amazing solos.
Master Cantrell, too underrated
Jerry Cantrell and Mick Mars are my two favorite riff Lords! I actually at one time worked with Jerry Cantrell brother David Cantrell.
I'm glad this is all jerry. He needs to be recognized for his incredible talent and holding together alice in chains. Too many times he's been interviewed about Layne nad mike' death.. he needs some focus solely on what a beautiful easy going person he is besides that fact that he os one of the best guitarists ever!
I love that Jerry paid tribute to EVH, by playing the gold musicman he gifted him. Glad to see he got it back!
Easily one of my all time favorite guitar players. I love that Jerry tells a story with his strings...amazing. Now off to listen to Jar of Flies...
Thanks Jerry for all the killer music. You have always inspired me as a guitarist. I learned a bunch of AIC tunes and enjoy chasing your tone and technique. You are a majestic, visionary musician with tons of talent. Thanks again Jerry.
Friggin love Jerry and love Ernie Ball strings (8's for life!). Great video
Them Bones just flows so effortlessly here without the rest of the instruments....the 2nd guitar part in the bridge is so good and I always have to back it up like 3 or 4 times to relisten to it
Saw AIC last night. After all these years they still put on 1 hell of show!
I keep coming back to this interview and it's so awesome that it's accompanied with Jerry playing Them Bones for us front and center. Can't wait to see him at the end of his Brighten tour at the Pantages Theater, Tacoma
When Jerry played "Its Over Now" live on MTV unplugged. That shit was fuckin badass. Great guitar player
Jerry Cantrell from an unknown to a Popular king of the guitar! Thank you Jerry for your will to succeed.
So many years later, Jerry's use of chord voicings and note harmonies continue to blow my head off. Glad to see him happy and healthy. I'll be a Jerry Cantrell fan as long as I live.
He's such a great and inspiring guy, I respect him a lot. He's just awesome.
Jerry is so humble and an amazing artist.
Jerry's tone is dark as hell. It oozes heaviness and it's thick and massive.
Jerry is da man. I'm huge AIC fans! 🤘💪
Crazy how accurate his tone is. Sounds exactly the same as it did on the records!
What an honor for Ernie Ball to have Jerry Cantrell in their " Rooster"...
Jerry and Kurt taught me how to play. Jerry has been a huge influence on me. I’d give anything to play with AIC! Hopefully I’ll get to open for them one day soon
I remember meeting him, Layne and members of AIC and Jerry said let me put my guitar on the bus and I’ll be right back and he came back and was as friendly as can be same with Layne just a sweet guy!
Legend!
I finally saw him play in person last year and it was amazing.
Damn.. his description of trying to learn how to play is like exactly what I did.. no formal lessons or programs.. being inspired and just listening and trying to play it for hours and hours until one day you're listening to your favorite album and playing along the whole way through as best you can