Alice in Chains: "Don't Follow"

Piano solo renditions of “Don’t Follow” bring a delicate, emotional clarity to the song, with gentle chord voicings and flowing melodies that highlight its sorrowful core. Stripped of vocals and guitar, the piano captures a quiet sense of resignation and longing, turning the piece into a meditative reflection on loss and letting go.

Alice in Chains: "Don't Follow"

About Alice in Chains:

Alice in Chains is a pioneering American rock band formed in Seattle in 1987, known for blending heavy metal with grunge influences. Fronted by Layne Staley in their early years and later by William DuVall alongside guitarist Jerry Cantrell, the band gained fame with dark, emotionally intense songs like “Man in the Box,” “Rooster,” and “Nutshell.” Their distinctive sound features haunting harmonies, sludgy guitar riffs, and lyrics exploring themes of addiction, isolation, and inner struggle. Despite personal and lineup changes, Alice in Chains remains a powerful force in rock, respected for their raw honesty and musical depth.


About “Don’t Follow”:

“Don’t Follow” is a poignant acoustic ballad by Alice in Chains from their 1994 EP Jar of Flies, showcasing the band’s softer, more introspective side. The song features a stripped-down arrangement with harmonica, acoustic guitar, and layered vocals from Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley, creating a mournful yet tender atmosphere. Lyrically, it deals with themes of isolation, personal struggle, and the desire to break away, with Staley’s emotionally raw delivery adding depth to the song’s sense of resignation and quiet sorrow. “Don’t Follow” stands out as one of the band’s most emotionally vulnerable tracks, highlighting their ability to convey deep pain and beauty without the heavy distortion often associated with their sound.


Why did you arrange this song?:

This song was a request by a YouTube fan who had been searching for piano solo versions of this track from Alice in Chains for years. Ask, and ye shall receive!


🎶 “Don’t Follow” Advanced Piano

Key features of this version:

  • Full recorded version of the song stylized for piano solo
  • Vocal range set an octave higher
  • Written in the original recorded key of D-flat major
  • 7 total pages
  • Includes full lyrics
  • Run time is approximately 5:00

🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:


🎶 “Don’t Follow” Intermediate Piano Solo

Key features of this version:

  • Full recorded version of the song stylized for piano solo
  • Transposed to the key of D major
  • Vocal line is written in range
  • 7 total pages
  • Includes lyrics
  • Run time is approximately 5:00

🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:


🎹 Looking for more Alternative Rock piano sheet music?


👋 Did I miss one of your favorites? I’m always open to requests so drop me a comment!


Jennifer Eklund
Written by Jennifer Eklund
Jennifer Eklund holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music from California State University, Long Beach. She is an avid arranger, composer, and author of the Piano Pronto® method books series as well as a wide variety of supplemental songbooks. She is also a Signature Artist with Musicnotes.com with a large catalog of popular music titles for musicians of all levels.

Comments

User's avatar


No comments yet
Be the first to comment.

Cruel Summer Season 2: Piano Sheet Music
Pop Sheet Music
T.V. Series Sheet Music
1990s Sheet Music

Cruel Summer Season 2: Piano Sheet Music

Cruel Summer is back for season 2 and the music is even better than the first season! This article details all of the piano sheet music arrangements by Jennifer Eklund of songs used in the second season of the series.

  • Updated
  • 5 min read
Read more
Alice in Chains: "Rotten Apple"
Alternative Rock Sheet Music
1990s Sheet Music
By Request

Alice in Chains: "Rotten Apple"

Piano solo renditions of Alice in Chains’ “Rotten Apple” transform the song’s brooding intensity into a melancholic, meditative experience, with slow, minor-key progressions echoing the original’s haunting mood. The sparse, sustained notes and gentle dynamics bring out the emotional depth of the melody, giving the piece a solemn, introspective atmosphere.

  • 4 min read
Read more
AC/DC: "T.N.T."
Classic Rock Sheet Music
By Request

AC/DC: "T.N.T."

Two piano solo arrangements of "T.N.T." by AC/DC, a 1970s classic rock favorite. Both the easy and intermediate versions will dazzle audiences at your next performance!

  • 4 min read
Read more