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Riff Tone

The Bends

Radiohead

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Telecaster Plus V1
AmpFender Eighty-Five solid state combo
PickupsLace Sensor Red (bridge), Lace Sensor Blue (neck)

Amp Settings

gain6.5
bass6
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb2.5
presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionPro Co Pro Co Turbo RAT

Notes

Studio recording, 1994-1995. Jonny Greenwood used the Telecaster Plus V1 with the bridge humbucker for the main riff. Amp is the Fender Eighty-Five, as cited for The Bends-era distorted tones. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for the studio recording.

Tone Character(10)
aggressive and punchybright but not harsharticulate with clear note separationtight, percussive attackdynamic response to pickingslightly compressedfocused midrangepresent upper midscrunchy distortion with claritycutting, energetic rhythm sound

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated rhythm, dynamic picking, and the need to keep clarity with a crunchy, articulate distortion sound.

Sources

Learn to play My Iron Lung on guitar from Radiohead's classic ...Radiohead – The Bends - Gear & Equipment Used on the AlbumWhat distortion/overdrive pedal does Jonny use on The Bends - RedditWhy does The Bends have such good guitar tone? : r/radiohead

This tone has been researched 5 times by the community

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The Bends settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

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The Bends by Radiohead — Riff Tone Settings | ToneAdapt