Nutshell by Alice in Chains

Key: F# · 136 BPM · 4/4

Nutshell by Alice in Chains is written in F# major. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 5-chord loop — D#m-B-D#m-C#-B — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 136 BPM, it moves at a brisk, upbeat pace.

The progression

This song cycles a 5-chord progression in F# major: D#m-B-D#m-C#-B. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Play it in other keys

Capo	Shape key	Chords to play
Capo 2	E	C#m-A-B
Capo 4	D	Bm-G-A
Capo 6	C	Am-F-G

Chord chart

0:00 D#m7
0:02 B
0:09 D#m7
0:13 C#
0:14 B
0:21 D#m7
0:24 C#
0:25 B
0:32 D#m7
0:36 C#
0:37 B
0:44 D#m7
0:47 C#
0:48 B
0:55 D#m7
0:58 C#
0:59 Bmaj7
1:06 D#m7
1:09 C#
1:10 B
1:17 D#m
1:20 C#
1:21 B
1:27 D#m7
1:30 C#
1:31 B
1:38 D#m7
1:41 C#
1:42 B
1:49 D#m
1:53 B
1:59 D#m
2:03 Bmaj7
2:10 D#m7
2:13 C#
2:14 B
2:20 D#m
2:23 C#
2:24 Bmaj7
2:31 D#m7
2:34 C#
2:35 B
2:41 D#m
2:45 Bmaj7
2:52 D#m7
2:55 C#
2:56 B
3:03 D#m
3:05 C#
3:06 B
3:13 D#m
3:16 C#
3:17 B
3:24 D#m
3:27 C#
3:27 B
3:34 D#m7
3:37 C#
3:38 B
3:44 D#m
3:47 C#
3:48 B
3:54 D#m
3:57 C#
3:58 B
4:05 D#m7
4:08 C#sus4
4:09 B

Frequently asked questions

What key is Nutshell in?

Nutshell is in F# major.

What chords does Nutshell use?

The core of Nutshell cycles through D#m, B, C# (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Nutshell?

Nutshell runs at 136 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Nutshell use?

Nutshell doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 5-chord loop: D#m-B-D#m-C#-B.

What capo should I use for Nutshell?

Capo 2 and play E major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in F# major.