TOP 20 RADIOHEAD RIFFS (with TAB)

A list of my 20 favorite Radiohead guitar riffs
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Original Music 🎵
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0:00 My iron lung
0:20 Bodysnatchers
0:44 Go to sleep
1:02 Knives out
1:23 The Bends
1:46 I might be wrong
2:04 Airbag
2:25 2+2=5
2:51 Optimistic
3:19 Jigsaw falling into place
3:44 No surprises
4:03 Just
4:20 Paranoid android
4:43 A wolf at the door
5:03 Little by little
5:20 15 step
5:41 High and dry
6:02 There, there
6:16 Let down
6:34 Faust arp
6:58 People who support the channel

[@nikolagugoski]

Be sure to try Justin Guitar App if you are starting on guitar. It got really well structured lessons and exercises bit.ly/3Enq56S

[@benedictgibbon]

Strongly agree.

[@markthompson1796]

Just signed up for that bad boy.

[@willcresson8776]

One thing I've always loved about radiohead, as a guitar player, is their heavy use of open strings.

[@nikolagugoski]

Yeah I think they are choosing keys in which they can use open strings on purpose. They even tuned the G string to Gb on 'Jigsaw falling into place' just so that they can use an open string

[@willcresson8776]

@@nikolagugoski It gives a lot of 'texture' to their guitar work. Makes it sound like like multiple instruments playing together. Sort of like playing the riding bass line with your thumb, but with more depth.

[@chrismason4224]

Intervals, double-stops, Hendrix.

[@EricDeMilio]

They also seem to slide in an out of major and minor on that open note a lot

[@_-_-_-Prof.BoskoBiathi-_-_-_]

There u can see,it aint neccessary to use always pressed strings,.u just need to combine melodies

[@vectorjeldes]

Jigsaw Falling Into Place is a 11/10 riff

[@nathang7244]

No I'm pretty sure it's in 4/4

[@ken-lv4qf]

​@@nathang7244 he rated the riff on how good it is

[@LundinSebastian]

Airbag is monumental. That intro riff with the sound of the guitar feels like it foreshadows a doomsday.

[@user-pr5tx9ep4m]

So true. It's a proclamation of the album to come.

[@JonesWazza]

The bass line coming in on Airbag is one of my favourite moments of anything ever

[@callumalston5755]

It’s also so simple… as great a guitar player as he is… often times Radiohead licks aren’t particularly hard to play

[@nicolasmasson7573]

Airbag is absolute perfection. And the bass*drums are incredible.

[@fiacmar]

As an older dude it still amazes me that I can get this stuff on the internet. I remember as a broke kid getting caught copying tab from the bends into a notebook in a music store lol

[@autumndaze]

Hahaha did the same! Great times

[@vater513]

So true

[@arcl14543]

lmaooooooo

[@comradeobama119]

When everthing becomes available things starts to lose it's value. i would rather to live in the times that when the things are forcing you to find them

[@fiacmar]

@@comradeobama119 Perhaps there is another level of “things” to seek…

[@andrewpappas9311]

Jonny Greenwood comes up with some great riffs, man, definitely a super innovative guitarist

[@r.edward5701]

Totally. Big inspiration for me while learning

[@zombockerman]

Often I wonder if it was Jonny or thom who wrote which pieces.

[@jotarokujo1968]

​@zombockerman dont forget ed. i feel like you can often tell which ones are thoms by the use of arpeggios across all strings and the fact theyre usually cleaner like paranoid androids intro and knives out

[@zombockerman]

@@jotarokujo1968 I thought Ed was the texture/atmospheric effects man. I always thought he added his work on top of the foundation. Though it's totally possible he contributed more than I think.

[@alantorres6949]

he’s classically trained so better hope these are good

[@tygical]

HOLY SHIT MY JAW DROPPED AT THE 2+2=5 TAB WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK THAT'S SO AMAZING LITERALLY READING THE TAB TELLS A STORY

[@MegaParadiseX]

I wonder if we all expected My Iron Lung as the first pick. Such an iconic riff.

[@sneakerstring]

I certainly did! Very nice riff!

[@anthonyandrew6725]

I used to play My Iron Lung with the A string tuned down to G....I think, long time ago.

[@wilshire8583]

cuz its basic lmfao

[@JFullerUCSB]

@@wilshire8583 You're basic

[@wilshire8583]

@@JFullerUCSB ironically youre stupid if you disagree

[@yaboinubtheii4154]

weird fishes has a really good riff imo, personally think it's one of their best isolated riffs

[@Jacksonrox13]

Yeah, but it's technically like 4 Guitar riffs at once (though to be fair, "Knives Out" is similar with 3).

[@jacobfranzgrote]

That and Reckoner.

[@stephendudley7103]

Incredible! No street spirit or weird fishes but still 20 great riffs.

[@nikolagugoski]

Yeah, I figured late that it would be better to maybe put street spirit instead of a wolf at the door. Tried weird fishes, but couldn't make it to sound right. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@AntonioHernandezmatematico]

And Staircase, Maquiladora, India Rubber, These are my twisted words, etc, etc

[@giulioantoniali9902]

@@AntonioHernandezmatematico staircase have only chorus not even a guitar riff

[@pedroedsos]

@@nikolagugoski Paranoid Android's iconic intro is missing here.

[@blairhicks2740]

@Antonio Twisted Words is massively under rated. Absolutely haunting tune with great guitar lines the whole way through

[@andyboom2004]

Weird that "Electioneering" was overlooked. That was one of the first lead riffs I ever learned, and still one of the most satisfying things to play.

[@felixscott2002]

Bodysnatchers tone was so close to the record it’s unbelievable. Nice work as usual!

[@chasefrancis1947]

Listen to the record again

[@felixscott2002]

@@chasefrancis1947 do the same mate

[@wilshire8583]

bro no

[@frank9367]

@@wilshire8583 bro yes

[@jacobbravo8943]

I was listening to different pedals and the big muff pi can reproduce it pretty closely

[@Lynchiko]

JEEEZZZZ JIGSAW FALLING INTO PLACE WAS SMOOOTHHHH

[@MattJH]

Let Down always gives me goosebumps and a deep ache. That's a really hard part to play, I'm impressed. Thank you for the tab.

[@nikolagugoski]

I still have no idea what the second guitar is playing. I can play the notes, but couldn't figure out at what point comes in and how is exactly played

[@hafizomar3605]

all time favourite…

[@Jacksonrox13]

It's because the piece is polymetric, which makes it difficult trying to analyse the song. The Guitars are in 5/4 but the Drums are in 4/4.

[@lms702]

6:17 most underrated part of the video

[@QWRTkeyboard]

Fr fr

[@zoeytaps]

its a crime to not have weird fishes here 😭

[@lov_eli]

Well, it ain't a riff, just some chords in a very constant arpeggio

[@thetoadsong]

This made me appreciate Radiohead even more than I already did, which I wasn't sure was possible. Beautiful. Thank you.

[@neb6616]

I've always loved Radiohead, there's just something about their songs that can't be matched

[@JonesWazza]

That one 3/4 in Faust Arp cracks me up. Couldn't be normal even for a moment could you guys!

[@blues3531]

So many of these riffs give me goosebumps. As a radiohead fan this is one of the best videos on youtube. Most of these riffs are well within my skill level but I've never bothered to learn them. So having them all in a succinct video with tabs is amazing. THANK YOU!

[@restlessascension3260]

You have no clue how much time you've saved in so many peoples lives . Awesome

[@nikolagugoski]

Thanks you for watching! Hope that's true 🙂

[@formaiaguitar]

Love Radiohead and yet I’ve never done one of these songs. You’ve given me many choices here my friend!

[@nikolagugoski]

I would definitely suggest any of these riffs to try and learn. My personal favourites are My iron lung and 2+2=5 🙂

[@formaiaguitar]

@@nikolagugoski 2+2 is one of my all time favs That and The Daily Mail. I try!

[@johnluck5592]

the music legacy of radiohead is just incredible.. just getting aware of it again. Thanks for the video and the tabs

[@frankwates2737]

Little By Little and Go To Sleep are the two most underrated Radiohead songs (in my opinion!) and both have awesome guitars. Love to see them included 😍

[@colloquially]

yes! i fuckin love Go to Sleep so much. it's my top 5 HTTT songs

[@scottburton4091]

@@colloquially it's in my top 5 Radiohead songs it's so good

[@lukebradford]

I'm not a big fan of Go To Sleep, but I kinda agree with Little By Little. Most underrated for me would include a lot of Pablo Honey and the majority of TKOL/AMSP.

[@milles85]

Couldn’t aggree more 💯❤️

[@robo3007]

Not going to lie, I think the whole Hail To The Thief album is underrated

[@Hzalre]

i’m so glad faust arp was included one of their best

[@sponkmcdonk3898]

Every song sounds like an anxiety attack lmao

[@AngelicusImmortus]

as i hear Thom Yorke say "Ed o'Brien is a riff machine"

[@welltrevisan]

A wolf at door always give me chills

[@yesverygood7437]

i started guitar about two months ago but am starting to practice alittle harder recently. ive been coming back to these videos and been SLIGHTLY more successful at playing some parts that i want to play (at least parts of those parts). thanks for uploading this

[@jesushesuschrist1673]

As always amazing job

[@notsure1135]

The Bends sound like a Pumpkins song with the Cadd9 to that open B minor thing over two octaves.

[@ryanjimison1747]

Truly great video, and truly great band - recognized every riff. So creative

[@L88888l]

I would have put nude…it’s simple but adds a layer that sounds like raining falling slowly, and Jonny raking his strings is just masterful

[@stuartjones1425]

Yes @Nikola! I just started learning Bodysnatchers after watching the Smile do their NPR tiny desk concert. Perfect timing ☺️

[@nikolagugoski]

Watched that npr session the other day! Thank you for watching and for the support 😊

[@patriziotamborriello1723]

What is really shocking is how many great songs Radiohead has made in the last 30 years. Great work man :)

[@SeaCryptWeave]

Love being able to see the composition in multiple ways so fast

[@CosmicCamelClash]

Thank you so much for this video ! I'm a little bit surprised you didn't include Street Spirit (Fade Out), every guitar player I know has tried to nail it at some point in their lives.

[@livemusicshots]

Very nice work on recreating the sound of them ! Perfect use of effects

[@nikolagugoski]

Thank you! Tried my best

[@juliojosesanchezgamboa8732]

Amazing work!!

[@squarl5922]

I dreamed about this video! Thank you

[@tonilogo]

Love it. More radiohead 🤟

[@Bob-el3iw]

Every riff unique, the soul of Radiohead... well played 👋👋👋👋

[@justocorsico2538]

You nailed every tone. Impressive

[@Laniccal]

Excellent stuff, very helpful!

[@hairybusiness3759]

Epic tones on all riffs my guy

[@bbxdesign]

Wow, your selection is perfect. When I saw the video title, I immediately thought about Airbag, Knives Out, I might be wrong, and My Iron Lung. The Bends is so full of great guitar riffs and tones. And Amensiac too, my favorite album of theirs. It's like the "guitar" counterpart of Kid A. Lovely tones and melodies on that album. I think the only riff missing would be "Reckoner", which is so simple, yet so mesmerising. But you still included my 3 favorite tracks of Radiohead: No Surprises, 2 + 2 = 5, and Let Down.

[@rubbadubdub6543]

So, so good - what a fantastic band they are!!

[@joshcantrell8397]

I love videos like this. Seeing the tabs playing in real time

[@kingsecho3351]

This was badass and I’m giving you even more credit for using a Squier. I have a squire butterscotch telecaster and it is amazing. That’s cool you showed some love for Squier.

[@paulwalker8452]

Fantastic...... Great playing, beautiful tone, and a very nice selection of songs.

[@nikolagugoski]

Thank you Paul! Really glad you liked the video 🙂

[@conemedemelee20]

Amazing! thnks 4 the video!

[@adriancritchley2485]

You've absolutely nailed these!

[@nikolagugoski]

Thanks for watching Adrian! Glad you liked the video

[@WellActualllyyy]

love your tone

[@seancushnie974]

Bravo! Very well done

[@LyricsVideo4U]

Good stuff! 🔥🔥

[@soundok8214]

super nice! jonny is amazingly creative guitarist💝

[@johndobson1899]

The best band in the world. You and I have similar, eclectic, taste cause you're big on RHCP too. Thanks for the this brilliant compilation 👏

[@jonathanblairfamilymagic9289]

Awesome! I need to learn eveyone one!

[@hazeofthegreensmoke505]

All of these riffs are incredibly genius

[@travelservices1200]

Beautiful!

[@Abbaddonna]

I love these riffs, I love Radiohead, OMG!!!!!

[@uzturk6173]

Radiohead is the only one who touches me so deep. So ff__k incredible, I love’em. Thank you for good lesson!

[@matiascisneros8545]

Hola pela excelente evolución de tu canal te sigo desde los principios con los rhcp

[@ksutton1207]

Excellent work!!

[@nikolagugoski]

Thank you Kyle! Glad you liked the video

[@speedy7834]

Really enjoyed watching this 👍

[@nikolagugoski]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@shuvamdas6834]

Thank you for this.

[@Amartya_404]

Great representation from In Rainbows! All the riffs on that album are fire

[@djmortimer2978]

Great job mate 🙂

[@klassen978]

Спасибо, Никола! Ты делаешь огромную работу для нас) Нам остается только взять гитару и сыграть) И то, мы это не всегда делаем)

[@YorkeOK]

O começo de no surprises toca na minha alma, quando ela começa, eu sinto uma paz.

[@tgkeef]

My friend loved this video

[@seamishmusic]

when you started playing Faust Arp, I swore I could hear Thom singing

[@vanillatwilight5291]

In Limbo is very underrated imo

[@scatterkeir]

I was hoping for In Limbo!

[@alexisgomez3015]

And The Trickster and Polyethylene

[@JuanPabloVasquez]

this video is great!

[@BoofHoover]

That classic vibe jazzmaster you're using was my first guitar i got.

[@comevtr4396]

Playing as good as the idea of this video thxsm for that 🙏

[@atverde]

Fantastic! A really enjoyable listen and also a great advert for Radiohead's back catalogue. I was initially shocked not to see Street Spirit on the list as it's one of my personal favourites. But on reflection, a guitarist of that level would maybe consider it too simple.

[@nikolagugoski]

Thank you Andrew! I had Street Spirit in the list initially, but swapped it by mistake with some other song. It should have been in the video for sure

[@atverde]

@@nikolagugoski in 1997 as a student I bought myself the cheapest Strat in the store and started self teaching. One of the primary motivations was to learn that riff. I managed it, but sadly I didn't give it the dedication over the years to be at a really good level. Videos like yours inspire me to pick up the guitar much more often.

[@ShantSSS]

6:17 Let Down! ❤🥺 LOVED IT

[@calderas]

Nice riffs😊

[@samuelgarcia6160]

Permanent Daylight, Polyethylene and Pearly also have killer riffs, but they are b-sides

[@nickswettenham1877]

Took the words right out of my mouth! Or thumbs in this case

[@saladbowl85]

Awesome! I will make it my 2024 regiment to learn these!

[@andrewgonzalez6208]

The title was accurate and i appreciate it

[@tanguymusique]

Perfect !

[@soonkihong8727]

This is great work! Thank you sir. RH is the greatest band ever walked on earth! 🙏

[@seanxtastic88]

Wicked rundown! I'd have swapped 2+2=5 with myxomatosis for sure. Respect.

[@user-sf6zv2mw1j]

Great list man

[@curmidgeon8]

I love Johnny greenwood man, dude is underrated imo, innovative and able to portray emotion so effortlessly through a guitar, he can set the tone for a whole song through his compositions.

[@themarinman8339]

I started playing guitar in the uk in 1994. Radioheads street spirit was a school favourite. If you could play that you were a god…then wonderwall appeared. The fast octave chords of Just were also great

[@franciscoperezsobarzo8388]

Thank you so much

[@kkrsnn5632]

Ok thanks, great video 😁

[@jonathanstevenson6753]

Oh interesting! You do an upstroke on the e string for Let Down. Great stuff!!

[@makesome_point]

Thank you!

[@clip2eye]

super cool!!!!!!!!!!!

[@superhosster]

Radiohead is not about the riffs but they have amazing ones

[@hamish8283]

Awesome video

[@Bluedeerm]

Good stuff!

[@nikolagugoski]

Thank you!

[@thiagomiyazaki8883]

Nice! I think Electioneering would be a nice addition as well

[@mynameissol]

Honestly when I first saw the Strat I was like "Really? why would he use a strat to play Radiohead?" but i'll be damned if it doesn't sound fantastic. Flawless playing, too!

[@nikolagugoski]

Thanks for watching! Gear doesn't really matter if you ask me. I usually don't even use real pedals/amps

[@Tyrannosaurine]

Ed O’Brien plays Strats a lot.

[@SuperEstSE]

Muito boa escolhas e timbres 🔥

[@jeffreyman3519]

Appreciate for making this! Will you consider to make full song of some?

[@nikolagugoski]

Thanks for watching! I have full song lessons for Just, No surprises, Paranoid Android and a few more