Paranoid Android – Radiohead

Dive into one of the most complex and emotionally charged songs in modern rock history with our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead. This Licklibrary.com lesson breaks down the track’s unique structure and showcases the expressive and technical guitar work that defines it. Whether you're a fan of the song or looking to push your skills to new heights, this lesson is packed with techniques that will challenge and expand your playing vocabulary. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

"Paranoid Android" was released in 1997 on the critically acclaimed album OK Computer. Often described as Radiohead’s answer to "Bohemian Rhapsody", the song features multiple sections that span a wide range of moods — from melancholic and introspective to aggressive and chaotic. This makes it not just an artistic triumph but also a goldmine for guitarists interested in dynamic playing, creative phrasing, and modern guitar techniques.

The Guitarists Behind the Sound

The guitar work on "Paranoid Android" is primarily handled by Jonny Greenwood and Ed O'Brien, two players known for their contrasting but complementary styles. Greenwood is the experimentalist, blending classical influences with angular, dissonant phrasing and effects-driven soundscapes. His playing on this track showcases everything from intricate arpeggios to furious bends and aggressive picking. O'Brien, on the other hand, is the textural master — adding ambient layers and atmospheric tones that fill out the sonic space.

Together, they create a dual-guitar approach that’s rich, unpredictable, and profoundly expressive. Learning their parts gives you insight into how to craft emotion through the guitar, as well as how to build tension and release using melody, rhythm, and dynamics.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

String Bending

The solo section in "Paranoid Android" features expressive and dramatic string bending, especially during the more aggressive passages. String bending is essential for conveying emotion and mimicking the voice-like quality of lead guitar. Practicing this technique improves pitch control and finger strength — vital skills for any aspiring lead guitarist.

Slides

Throughout the track, particularly in the verse and melodic solo sections, slides are used to create smooth transitions between notes and to give phrases a fluid, connected feel. Mastering slides can help you play more expressively and improve fretboard navigation.

Alternate Picking

The rapid, staccato passages and riffing sections of the song require tight alternate picking technique. Learning this will enhance your speed and precision, making your picking hand more efficient and capable of tackling fast licks or intricate rhythms.

Arpeggios

One of the defining parts of the track’s intro and interludes is the use of arpeggios. These broken chords are used to build tension and atmosphere. Practicing arpeggios not only helps in understanding chord structure but also improves coordination between both hands and leads to more creative melodic phrasing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Melodic runs and ornamentations in this song make frequent use of hammer-ons and pull-offs, especially in the more delicate and expressive sections. These techniques make legato phrasing smoother and improve finger independence and timing.

Vibrato

The solos and sustained notes throughout the song are enhanced with tasteful vibrato, adding character and emotion. Vibrato is a key expressive tool in any guitarist's arsenal and learning to control it helps develop your personal voice on the instrument.

Power Chords

The heavier sections of the song use power chords to deliver punch and intensity. Power chords are foundational for rock guitarists and help in developing rhythm playing and palm muting techniques.

Trills

There are also moments where trills inject energy and a dramatic flair to the leads. Practicing trills improves finger dexterity and stamina, particularly on the fretting hand.

Chromaticism

Parts of the solo and riffing display subtle chromaticism, adding tension and a dissonant edge. This technique helps players break out of scale-based thinking and explore more adventurous note choices.

Palm Muting

The aggressive chugging parts, particularly in the song’s heavier midsection, make use of palm muting. This technique is key to developing dynamic contrast and tight rhythm playing.

Why Learn "Paranoid Android"?

Learning "Paranoid Android" offers more than just an opportunity to add a Radiohead classic to your repertoire. It’s a full-spectrum workout for both hands, teaching you how to:

• Navigate complex song structures
• Control dynamics from subtle to explosive
• Combine melodic and rhythmic playing fluidly
• Use effects and phrasing for emotional impact

It’s a song that challenges your technique, timing, and musical intuition, making it a must-learn for intermediate to advanced players looking to elevate their playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in this Lesson

• String Bending
• Slides
• Alternate Picking
• Arpeggios
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Power Chords
• Trills
• Chromaticism
• Palm Muting

This lesson is your all-access pass to the inner workings of one of Radiohead’s most ambitious and iconic songs. Whether you're after technical growth or artistic inspiration, the "Paranoid Android" guitar lesson on Licklibrary.com delivers on all fronts.