Radiohead’s musical legacy is defined by its unparalleled ability to push the boundaries of sound and emotion, creating intricate sonic landscapes that challenge both musicians and listeners.
Often celebrated for their complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics, Radiohead’s catalog also contains a treasure trove of songs accessible to guitarists of all levels.
In addition to Thom York’s soaring vocals and the ethereal atmosphere of each song, one of Radiohead’s staples is the guitar.
In this article, we delve into the more accessible side of Radiohead’s repertoire, uncovering 15 songs by the eccentric group that sometimes feature two and even three guitars in their haunting tunes.
From beloved acoustic classics to majestic, mellow melodies, there’s a Radiohead track for everyone.
So grab both your acoustic and electric guitars, feel the vibes of this amazing band, and dive deep into this curated collection of Radiohead songs to play on guitar!
1. High and Dry
To begin with, we have this tune from the 1995 iconic Radiohead’s second studio album The Bends.
This alternative rock ballad mainly consists of bright-sounding chords that can be easily played after some practice.
The intro involves some octave chords being their root in the 5th string.
The progression is G# – F# – E and also play the higher open strings when strumming the chords.
The verses and choruses employ the same set of chords; F#11 which can be also understood as an A5/F#, then Asus2, and finally an E that includes its 4th note to add a different color.
Although this track presents two guitar solos, both are quite straightforward to play.
The first one is played just on a single note and picks four notes and a simple slide.
Toward the end of the track, the second solo appears, it is played on the third string and likewise the intro, it also adds the open higher strings.
As you can see, this is an easy piece to learn quickly, even if you are a beginner.
2. Fake Plastic Trees
Released in 1995 and included in the album The Bends, this smooth ballad featuring an acoustic guitar has earned its place as a fan favorite.
Although it presents some variations on them, the song consists of just four simple chords.
Fake Plastic Trees opens right away with the verse which is made of a chord progression played twice.
To play it, you have to strum an A open chord then add your pinky to play an Asus4 that serves as a passing note, and play a D7M(9)/F#.
To pay the D7M(9)/F# chord you can either use your index or thumb, the one is more comfortable for you.
After that, you keep playing D7M(9)/F#, use an E as a passing note, and finally play a D9.
Next, you have to simply strike an A, a D9 again and that’s the progression you’ll have to play in the verse.
Toward the end of the second time, while playing D9 you must add the fourth fret in the fifth string to play a D9/C# which leads you to the following section.
What comes next is the chorus, just Bm and A played twice.
Now, you only should learn the structure of the track because that’s it.
I recommend you listen to the song to get the hang of the strumming pattern, which can be tricky at first.
However, if you still find it hard to learn, take a look at the guitar lesson below!
3. Creep
Needless to say, Creep is undoubtedly Radiohead’s best-known track and a rock anthem of all time.
Released in 1992 as a single and later included in the band’s debut album Pablo Honey.
Apart from being Radiohead’s staple song, this smooth, heartbreaking ballad is such a simple track to play.
I’d bet that almost every guitar player knows how to play this famous piece.
This iconic track follows the chord progression G – B – C – Cm from beginning to end.
The most common way to strum this harmonic line is using barre chords but you can play cowboy chords, power chords, or whatever you prefer.
Besides, is a great track to sing along with because it doesn’t present any changes.
In short, a popular song perfect to play at gatherings and chant in a group of friends.
4. Karma Police
As you may notice, most Radiohead songs include acoustic rhythmic guitars and Karma Police is no exception.
Released in 1997 as part of their album OK Computer, this tune is perfect for mastering a broad range of open chords and their variants.
Written on Am key, the track’s intro comprises a succession of cowboy chords which can be divided into two sections.
The first part consists of two bars: the first Am – D/F# (you can use your thumb) – Em – G and the second Am – F – Em – G.
In the second section, things change a bit because the first part follows the same tempo as the previous bars playing A – D but then it plays G – D/F# – C – Em/B, adding more chords and dividing the measures in half.
The remaining bar consists of Am played for two measures and then Bm and D.
It may sound hard but let me tell you is easy to understand when you grab your guitar and begin to strum the chord progression.
That same progression is played along with the verse, not variations at all.
Toward the chorus, everything becomes easier, four bars of chords being the first two the sequence C – D – G – F#7, the third one C – D – G, and the last one Bm – C – Bm – D.
The remaining section it is used in the bridge, the instrumental section, and the outro.
It simply employs a new chord progression: the first bar is Bm – D – G – D and the second is G – D – E7 – E7.
Just like we’ve mentioned in Fake Plastic Trees, it’s important to get into the tempo of the track but once you can follow it, you will learn to play this piece faster than you think.
5. No Surprises
6. True Love Waits
7. Lurgee
8. Lucky
9. 15 Step
10. How To Disappear Completely
11. Reckoner
12. Just
13. Separator
14. Give Up The Ghost
15. Sulk
Hello there, my name is Ramiro and I’ve been playing guitar for almost 20 years. I’m obsessed with everything gear-related and I thought it might be worth sharing it. From guitars, pedals, amps, and synths to studio gear and production tips, I hope you find what I post here useful, and I’ll try my best to keep it entertaining also.
