“Weird Fishes/Arpeggi,” a standout track from Radiohead’s seminal album In Rainbows, is celebrated for its mesmerizing and intricate guitar work. The song weaves a complex tapestry of sound built upon layers of arpeggiated guitars, creating a sonic experience that is both hypnotic and deeply rewarding to play. If you’re a guitarist looking to explore the depths of Radiohead’s genius, learning “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” is a must.
This guide provides a detailed guitar tab for “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi,” breaking down each layer of guitar to help you master this iconic song. Originally transcribed by Howard Wright (hakwright.co.uk), this tab aims to be your comprehensive resource for learning to play this arpeggiated wonder.
Decoding the Arpeggios: Guitar 1
Guitar 1 lays the foundation of “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” with a repeating 4-chord sequence: Em7, F#m7, A, and Gmaj7 (or sometimes Em9 depending on the bass line). This sequence is the bedrock upon which the song’s intricate layers are built. Guitar 1 employs a consistent 3-note rhythmic picking pattern across these chords, creating a flowing and rhythmic arpeggio.
Here are the chord shapes Guitar 1 uses:
- Em7: x757xx
- F#m7: x979xx
- A: x 12 11 14 x
- Gmaj7: x 10 9 11 x x
The 3-note picking pattern remains consistent as the chords change, meaning your picking hand maintains a continuous cycle. Each line of tab below represents one chord in the sequence and consists of 32 picked notes, all played as 8th notes. Pay attention to how the starting string for each arpeggio changes throughout the sequence.
(Em7)
E-----------------------------------------------------------------
B-----------------------------------------------------------------
G-7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----9---
D---5-----5-----5-----5-----5-----5-----5-----5-----5-----5-----7-
A-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----
E-----------------------------------------------------------------(F#m7)
E------------------------------------------------------------------
B------------------------------------------------------------------
G---9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----14-
D-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7------
A-9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9----
E------------------------------------------------------------------(A)
E------------------------------------------------------------------
B------------------------------------------------------------------
G-----14----14----14----14----14----14----14----14----14----14-----
D-11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11---
A---12----12----12----12----12----12----12----12----12----12----12-
E------------------------------------------------------------------(Em9)
E------------------------------------------------------------------
B------------------------------------------------------------------
G-11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11-----7---
D---9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9-----9------5-
A-----10----10----10----10----10----10----10----10----10----10-----
E------------------------------------------------------------------A7/A6 Variations
In subsequent repetitions of the chord sequence, Guitar 1 introduces subtle variations over the A chord, adding harmonic color. These variations incorporate A7 and A6 flavors by altering the top note of the arpeggio.
Here’s how the A7/A6 variation appears in the tab:
(A) (A7) (A6)
E------------------------------------------------------------------
B------------------------------------------------------------------
G-14----14----14----14----14----12----12----12----11----11----11---
D---11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11----11----9--
A-----12----12----12----12----12----12----12----12----12----12-----
E------------------------------------------------------------------Layering the Sound: Guitar 2
Guitar 2 enters shortly after Guitar 1, enriching the sonic texture with its own arpeggiated pattern. It joins in on the last chord of the initial 4-chord sequence (Em9) and uses a 5-note picking pattern.
Guitar 2 utilizes these arpeggio shapes:
- Em7: xxx030
- F#m7: xxx252
- A: xxx655
- Gmaj7: xxx780
Starting on the Em9 (Gmaj7 shape: xxx780), Guitar 2’s 5-note picking pattern is as follows:
(Em9)
E---------0---------0---------0---------0---------0---------0-----
B---8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8-
G-7---7-----7---7-----7---7-----7---7-----7---7-----7---7-----7---
D-----------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------Once Guitar 2 establishes its presence with the Em9, it cycles through the 4-chord sequence alongside Guitar 1, starting with Em7. Like Guitar 1, Guitar 2 maintains its 5-note picking pattern consistently throughout the chord changes.
(Em7)
E-----0---------0---------0---------0---------0---------0---------
B---3-----3---3-----3---3-----3---3-----3---3-----3---3-----3---5-
G-0-----0---0-----0---0-----0---0-----0---0-----0---0-----0---0---
D-----------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------(F#m7)
E-0---------2---------2---------2---------2---------2--------(2)--
B-----5---5-----5---5-----5---5-----5---5-----5---5-----5---5-----
G---2---2-----2---2-----2---2-----2---2-----2---2-----2---2-----6-
D-----------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------(A) (A7) (A6)
E-------5---------5---------5---------5---------5---------5-------
B-5---5-----5---5-----5---5-----5---5-----5---5-----5---5-----5---
G---6-----6---6-----6---6-----6---6-----6---6-----6---6-----6---6-
D-----------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------(Gmaj7)
E---0---------0---------0---------0---------0---------0---------0-
B-8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8---
G-----7---7-----7---7-----7---7-----7---7-----7---7-----7---7-----
D-----------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------Adding Depth: Guitar 3 and Beyond
Around 1:48 into the song, Guitar 3 enters, further enriching the texture. Guitar 3 uses only three arpeggio shapes, as the F#m and A chords share the same shape.
Guitar 3’s arpeggio shapes:
- Em7: xxx987
- F#m7 & A: x x x 11 10 9
- Gmaj7: x x x 12 12 10
Guitar 3 initially employs a 5-note picking pattern, identical to Guitar 2’s initial pattern.
In Verse 3, Guitar 2 subtly changes its picking pattern, while Guitar 3 maintains the 5-note pattern. Here’s Guitar 3’s part with lyrics and chords for context:
(Em7) ...crazy not to follow
E---------7---------7---------7---------7---------7---------7-----
B---8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8---8-----8-
G-9---9-----9---9-----9---9-----9---9-----9---9-----9---9-----9---
D-----------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------(F#m7) follow where you lead your eyes...
E-----9---------9---------9---------9---------9---------9---------
B---10----10--10----10--10----10--10----10--10----10--10----10--10
G-11----11--11----11--11----11--11----11--11----11--11--11--11--11-
D-----------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------(A) (A7) (A6) .... they
E-9---------9---------9---------9---------9---------9---------9---
B-----10--10----10--10----10--10----10--10----10--10----10--10----
G---11--11----11--11----11--11----11--11----11--11----11--11----11
D-----------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------(Gmaj7) turn me
E-------10--------10--------10--------10--------10--------10------
B-12--12----12--12----12--12----12--12----12--12----12--12----12--
G---12----12--12----12--12----12--12----12--12----12--12----12----
D-----------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------From Verse 4 onwards, even more guitars join, creating a dense and immersive soundscape. Distinguishing individual guitar parts becomes increasingly challenging as the song builds to its peak.
The Break and the Worms
At the “Break” section, the song takes a dramatic turn. Only Guitar 1 continues playing, accompanied by vocals and soft electric piano. This section provides a moment of relative calm before the final crescendo.
Guitar 1’s arpeggio shapes in the break are:
- A7(no 3rd): xx798x
- A6(no 3rd): xx797x
- Bm: xx977x
- A6: xx767x
- Gmaj7(no 3rd): xx577x
The picking pattern is similar to Guitar 1’s initial pattern but shifted across one string. The notes on the D string are very subtle and can be omitted if preferred, focusing on the G and B strings.
A7(no 3rd) A6(no 3rd) Bm
I get eaten by the worms and weird fishes
A7(no 3rd) Bm
Picked over by the worms and weird fishes
A6(no 3rd) Gmaj7(no 3rd)
Weird fishes, weird fishesThe Crescendo: Final Section
As the drums re-enter, the song explodes into its final section. This is where “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” reaches its exhilarating peak. Several new guitar parts contribute to the sonic intensity.
-
Fade-in Bass Guitar: One guitar uses an envelope/volume effect to create long, sustained notes that fade in, forming the bass line. The note sequence is B, C, B, A, G (implied harmony: Bm, Cdim5, Bm, A6, Gmaj7).
-
Low Riff Guitar: A second guitar plays a repeating low riff:
(A6) (Gmaj7)
E------------------------------------------------------------------
B------------------------------------------------------------------
G------------------------------------------------------------------
D------------------------------------------------------------------
A----5--7--97---------5--7--97--------------------------------5-7
E--7------------5----7------------3------3-3-3-0-3--3-3--3--5-7----
(Bm) (Cdim5) (Bm) (A6)
E------------------------------------------------------------------
B------------------------------------------------------------------
G------------------------------------------------------------------
D------------------------------------------------------------------
A----------5-7-7h9---------5-7-9--------5-7-9--------5-7-7-7h9-----
E--7-----7----------7----7-------8----7-------7----7------------5--
(Gmaj7)
E------------------------------------------------------------------
B------------------------------------------------------------------
G------------------------------------------------------------------
D------------------------------------------------------------------
A-----5-7--------------5-7-----------------------------------------
E--/7-----7---3-----/7------3---------------------------------------
Delay Loop Guitar: Another guitar utilizes a delay pedal with high feedback to create a swirling, layered texture. This part is built up gradually and then switched on at the start of the BCBAG sequence in the final section.
-
Two-Note Arpeggio Guitar: A fourth guitar enters during the Gmaj7 portion of the riff, playing a two-note arpeggio pattern. The third note in the original transcription is very quiet and can be omitted for simplicity.
(Gmaj7)
E----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2------2----
B------0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0---------
G-------(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)------
D----------------------------------------------------------------
A----------------------------------------------------------------
E----------------------------------------------------------------As the vocals return for the “hit the bottom” sequence, the two-note arpeggio guitar continues:
(Bm) I'll hit the
E------2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-------
B--3-----3-----3-----3-----3-----3-----3-----3-----3-----3-----3-----
G---(4)---(4)---(4)---(4)---(4)---(4)---(4)---(4)---(4)---(4)----(4)-
D--------------------------------------------------------------------
A--------------------------------------------------------------------
E--------------------------------------------------------------------
(Cdim5) (Bm) bot - tom hit the bottom and escape
E--2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2---
B----5-----5-----5-----5-----5-----3-----3-----3-----3-----3-------
G-----(5)---(5)---(5)---(5)---(5)---(4)---(4)---(4)---(4)---(4)----
D------------------------------------------------------------------
A------------------------------------------------------------------
E------------------------------------------------------------------
(A6) (Gmaj7) escape
E------2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-
B--2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----
G---(2)---(2)---(2)---(2)---(2)---(2)---(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)--
D--------------------------------------------------------------------
A--------------------------------------------------------------------
E--------------------------------------------------------------------
E------2-----2-----2-----2-------------
B--0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----------
G---(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)---(0)--------
D--------------------------------------
A--------------------------------------
E--------------------------------------This “hit the bottom” sequence repeats, with all guitar parts working together to build the song’s powerful climax before its abrupt ending.
Conclusion
“Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” is a testament to Radiohead’s ability to craft intricate and emotionally resonant music. Mastering the guitar parts for this song is a rewarding challenge for any guitarist. By carefully studying each layer and practicing the arpeggio patterns, you can unlock the secrets of this modern classic and add a truly impressive piece to your repertoire. Dive in, explore the depths of these weird fishes, and enjoy the journey!
