Riff Tone

Anyone Can Play Guitar

Radiohead

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (early 90s, likely Jonny Greenwood's main guitar for this track)

AmpFender 85 1x12” combo (solid state, clean channel)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb2

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionMarshall Marshall Shredmaster

Notes

Studio recording, 1992-1993. Gear confirmed for riff section by forum consensus and era-correct photos/interviews. Marshall Shredmaster pedal provides main distortion. No evidence of additional effects for riff section. Settings estimated based on amp type and genre.

Tone Character(10)

aggressive and punchytight and percussivemidrange-focused cruncharticulate attackslightly compressedminimal ambienceclear note separationBritish-inspired drivefocused low endslight top-end sizzle

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive picking and precise muting for clarity, but uses straightforward power chords and rhythm patterns, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Airbag Guitar Tone : r/radiohead

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