Karma Police by Radiohead

Radiohead’s "Karma Police" is a timeless classic that combines haunting melodies, evocative lyrics, and unique guitar work. At Licklibrary.com, we’ve crafted a comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson that delves into every nuance of the song. This lesson not only teaches the song in meticulous detail but also explores the techniques used, ensuring guitarists gain valuable skills to enhance their playing style. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Work on "Karma Police"

The guitar work on "Karma Police" is a testament to Jonny Greenwood and Ed O’Brien’s innovative playing styles. Their approach to guitar transcends traditional boundaries, blending minimalism with atmospheric textures. Greenwood’s ability to create tension and release through sparse yet impactful chord progressions is complemented by O’Brien’s textural layering and rhythmic precision. Together, they craft a sound that is both emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated, making their contributions to the Radiohead catalog highly influential in modern guitar music.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

"Arpeggiated chord progressions" are central to the song's verse sections, where the chords are broken down into individual notes to create a flowing, melodic texture. This technique teaches guitarists how to bring motion and musicality to static chords, adding depth and sophistication to their rhythm playing.

Slides

Slides are used in the transitions between notes and chords, adding a smooth, fluid quality to the playing. Mastering slides helps guitarists improve their fretboard navigation and expressiveness, essential for achieving the emotive style that Radiohead is known for.

Sustain

The song relies on long, ringing notes that sustain beautifully, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Understanding sustain involves refining your touch and tone control, ensuring that your notes resonate fully and with clarity.

Barre Chords

Barre chords are foundational in "Karma Police," particularly in the song's dynamic changes. Learning these shapes enhances your ability to play across the neck, enabling a greater command of harmony and chord voicings.

String Bending

Subtle "string bending" techniques add expressive nuance, allowing notes to rise with tension or resolve smoothly. Practicing string bending improves pitch accuracy and adds emotional weight to solos and melodies.

Chord Progressions

The song’s progression shifts seamlessly between major and minor tonalities, reflecting its emotional depth. Studying these progressions will strengthen your understanding of harmony and song structure, equipping you to compose or interpret songs more effectively.

Finger-Picking

The delicate intro of the track can be played with "finger-picking," offering a gentle, intimate feel. Finger-picking develops independence in your picking hand and introduces a versatile technique applicable to many styles.

Slides Between Octave Melodies

Toward the climactic moments, "slides between octave melodies" stand out, showcasing the power of creating movement within harmonic intervals. This technique enhances your phrasing and introduces a dynamic, melodic layer to your playing.

Why Learn "Karma Police"?

Mastering "Karma Police" equips guitarists with an arsenal of techniques and musical insights. From perfecting the subtlety of arpeggios to understanding how dynamics shape a song’s impact, this lesson provides practical tools to elevate your playing. Moreover, it deepens your appreciation for the artistry of Greenwood and O’Brien, inspiring creativity in your musical journey.

Guitar Techniques in the Lesson

Here is a list of guitar techniques covered in our Karma Police lesson, with helpful links to expand your understanding of each:

• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Sustain
• Barre Chords
• String Bending
• Chord Progressions
• Finger-Picking
• Octave Melodies

Whether you’re a Radiohead fan or a guitarist seeking to expand your repertoire, our "Karma Police" lesson offers a rewarding exploration of technique, tone, and musicality.