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Radiohead - Paranoid Android Pt.1 - Guitar Lesson

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Key C minor
Radiohead - Paranoid Android Pt.1 guitar lesson video
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Classic Rock

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Roll back the gain slightly and pick near the neck for a warmer, more open crunch.
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Radiohead Progressive Rock C minor
Capo Advisor 0 C minor · Original key

About Paranoid Android Pt.1

Few rock songs shift gears as dramatically as "Paranoid Android," and the opening section sets the stage with a deceptively tricky acoustic guitar figure in C minor. Radiohead built the song in distinct movements, and this first part centers on an arpeggiated fingerpicking pattern that sits just uncomfortably enough in the fretting hand to catch beginners off guard. The chord shapes themselves are not exotic, but moving cleanly between them at tempo while keeping the picking hand consistent is where most players slip up. Getting the right amount of muted string noise, which is part of the texture here rather than something to hide, takes a little deliberate practice. Use the Practice Toolbar to loop just the main repeating figure slowed down until each note rings clearly before you push the tempo back up. Pay close attention to how the left hand releases pressure slightly between chord changes, that subtle detail is what gives the part its slightly restless, unsettled feel.

  • The opening section is built around a fingerpicked acoustic guitar figure in C minor, demanding clean fretting-hand movement between closely voiced chord shapes.
  • Controlled string noise is part of the texture in this section, so focus on consistent pick-hand pressure rather than eliminating all muted sounds.
  • Looping this part slowed down is especially useful, as the tricky moments come from sustaining even, arpeggiated motion across chord transitions.

How to Play Paranoid Android Pt.1

Key: C minor · Tempo: 82 BPM

Loop each section and focus on clean, even timing rather than speed, with the metronome at 82 BPM.

Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

Ed O'Brien's Eric Clapton Signature Strat with active mid-boost circuitry gives him the jangly, shimmering foundation for Radiohead's layered textures. The Gold Lace Sensors push cleaner signals hotter into his sprawling effects chain, essential for the band's evolving experimental sound.

Fender Telecaster
Guitar

Fender Telecaster

Jonny Greenwood's 1975 Telecaster Plus with Lace Sensor pickups delivers the focused, noiseless midrange that cuts through dense mixes without hum. Its slightly compressed character became Radiohead's workhorse tone from 'Pablo Honey' through 'OK Computer,' defining the band's early guitar voice.

Fender Twin Reverb
Amp

Fender Twin Reverb

Greenwood's Twin Reverb provides the crystalline clean headroom that lets intricate arpeggios shine on tracks like 'Paranoid Android.' Its natural sag and headroom allow him to run effects-driven signals without breaking up the clarity essential to Radiohead's complex arrangements.

Vox AC30
Amp

Vox AC30

Both Greenwood and O'Brien rely on the AC30's warm compression and rich harmonic response for its chimey, breaking-up British crunch across 'The Bends' and 'OK Computer.' The amp's natural breakup character makes it ideal for layering with pedals while maintaining tonal coherence.

DigiTech Whammy
Pedal

DigiTech Whammy

The Whammy is central to Radiohead's compositional approach, creating the iconic pitch-shifting octave effects on 'Paranoid Android' and countless other tracks. Greenwood uses it as a core songwriting tool rather than simple embellishment, transforming the guitar's harmonic possibilities.

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