Riff Tone

Backdrifts

Radiohead

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Telecaster Plus

AmpMesa/Boogie DC-5 Combo

PickupsLace Sensor single coils (Red, Blue, Silver configuration)

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble6

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2002-2003 (Hail to the Thief sessions). Ed O'Brien is credited for the main riff on 'Backdrifts.' No direct evidence for alternate guitars or amps for this song; Mesa/Boogie DC-5 is confirmed as Ed's main studio amp for this era. No explicit evidence for pedal use on this track, but modulation and delay are clearly audible in the recording.

Tone Character(10)

modulated and swirlinglush and ambientsoft attack with subtle overdrivespacious and atmosphericfiltered, phasey movementwarm, rounded highsslightly compressed dynamicsgentle modulation sweepclear note definitionpronounced stereo panning

Difficulty

The riff requires careful timing with delay and modulation effects, as well as dynamic control for a soft, even attack, but does not involve advanced technical challenges.

Sources

Radiohead – The Bends - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Jonny Greenwood's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard Jonny greenwood's guitar pedals : r/radiohead Potent Pairings: The Guitar Sounds of Radiohead

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