Jerry Cantrell

Jerry Cantrell (born 1966) is the guitarist, primary songwriter, and co-vocalist of Alice in Chains, one of the definitive grunge bands. His guitar style — heavy, down-tuned riffs combined with dissonant intervals and a wah-pedal-drenched lead tone — created a sound that was darker and more metal-influenced than Seattle's other major bands. His harmony vocals with Layne Staley (and later William DuVall) produced one of rock's most distinctive vocal sounds. Man in the Box, Rooster, Would?, Down in a Hole, and Them Bones are among grunge's essential recordings. His solo albums Boggy Depot (1998) and Degradation Trip (2002) continued Alice in Chains' heavy approach. He plays a signature G&L Rampage guitar and has used a variety of Gibson and Fender instruments throughout his career.