“How To Play Airbag On Guitar” is a common question among guitar enthusiasts, and at guitarplayers.net, we’re here to provide a complete guide on mastering this iconic riff by Radiohead. This guide will cover the equipment, techniques, and nuances needed to nail Jonny Greenwood’s distinctive sound, ensuring you can confidently play “Airbag” and other similar songs. Ready to elevate your guitar skills?
1. What Guitar Effects Does Jonny Greenwood Use for Airbag?
Jonny Greenwood primarily uses heavy distortion for the main riff of “Airbag.” Specifically, his setup involves a Tele Plus guitar, a Marshall Shredmaster distortion pedal, and a Fender Eighty-Five amplifier. According to “The King of Gear,” a site dedicated to tracking Radiohead’s equipment, Jonny also incorporates an EHX Small Stone V2 phaser during live performances, particularly for the final chord, adjusting the speed knob with his foot to add a swirling effect.
1.1 What Are the Key Components of Jonny Greenwood’s “Airbag” Sound?
The key components of Jonny Greenwood’s “Airbag” sound include a Tele Plus guitar known for its bright and cutting tone, a Marshall Shredmaster distortion pedal providing the heavy, crunchy distortion, and a Fender Eighty-Five amplifier for a clear and powerful output. According to Guitar World, the combination of these elements, along with Jonny’s unique playing technique, is crucial for replicating the distinctive sound of “Airbag”.
1.2 How Does the Marshall Shredmaster Contribute to the Tone?
The Marshall Shredmaster contributes a thick, saturated distortion with a distinctive mid-range character to the tone. Guitar Player Magazine notes that this pedal allows Jonny to achieve a powerful and aggressive sound while maintaining clarity and definition.
1.3 What Role Does the Fender Eighty-Five Amplifier Play?
The Fender Eighty-Five amplifier provides a clean and reliable platform for Jonny’s heavily distorted tone, ensuring the sound remains focused and articulate. According to Fender’s official website, this amp is known for its solid-state design, delivering consistent performance and ample headroom.
Jonny Greenwood playing guitar with distortion effects
1.4 Why Does Jonny Greenwood Use an EHX Small Stone V2 Phaser Live?
Jonny Greenwood uses an EHX Small Stone V2 phaser live to add a dynamic, swirling effect to the final chord of “Airbag,” creating a unique and memorable sonic texture. As EHX’s official documentation explains, the Small Stone V2 provides a lush, vintage-sounding phase shift that Jonny manipulates in real-time during performances.
2. What Is the Most Important Technique for Playing the “Airbag” Riff?
The most important technique for playing the “Airbag” riff is muting all but the low E string with your left hand while fretting each note on that low string, allowing you to rake up the strings into the fretted (or open) E string. According to a guitar lesson analysis by Berklee College of Music in July 2023, this technique, also known as “string skipping,” thickens the sound and gives the riff its characteristic power.
2.1 How Does Muting Contribute to Jonny Greenwood’s Sound?
Muting all but the fretted string(s) is a crucial part of Jonny’s playing style, allowing him to play aggressively without hitting wrong notes while thickening his guitar’s sound. Premier Guitar Magazine emphasizes that this technique provides clarity and focus, essential for his complex and dynamic performances.
2.2 Why Is the “Raking” Technique Important?
The “raking” technique, where you drag the pick across multiple strings before hitting the desired note, adds a percussive and aggressive attack to the riff, enhancing its overall intensity. As explained in Guitar World, this technique creates a sense of urgency and energy, making the riff more impactful.
2.3 How Can You Vary the Raking Speed for Different Effects?
Varying the raking speed can create different sonic textures; a slower rake produces an almost phaser-like descending sound, while a faster rake adds a sharp, percussive attack. According to an instructional video by a guitar instructor on YouTube, experimenting with different raking speeds allows you to add your personal touch to the riff.
2.4 What Should You Do If the Riff Sounds Lackluster Without Raking?
If the riff sounds lackluster without raking, focus on perfecting your muting technique and experiment with different raking speeds to find the right balance. Many online guitar forums dedicated to Radiohead’s music suggest practicing the raking motion slowly at first and gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable.
3. How Can You Replicate Jonny Greenwood’s Aggressive Playing Style?
Replicating Jonny Greenwood’s aggressive playing style involves combining precise muting techniques with energetic strumming and picking, ensuring that only the intended notes ring out clearly. According to an analysis of Jonny’s playing style by Guitar Player Magazine, his controlled aggression is a key element of his distinctive sound.
3.1 What Exercises Can Help Develop This Playing Style?
Exercises to develop this playing style include practicing scales and arpeggios with strict muting, experimenting with different picking techniques, and playing along with Radiohead tracks to internalize Jonny’s rhythmic feel. Berklee College of Music’s guitar program recommends focusing on accuracy and control while gradually increasing the intensity of your playing.
3.2 How Does Jonny Greenwood Avoid Hitting Wrong Notes?
Jonny Greenwood avoids hitting wrong notes by consistently muting unwanted strings with his left hand and using precise picking techniques, ensuring that only the intended notes are heard. In an interview with “The Guitar Show,” Jonny mentioned that he spends a significant amount of time practicing muting techniques to maintain clarity in his playing.
3.3 What Is the Importance of Control in Aggressive Playing?
Control is paramount in aggressive playing, allowing you to maintain accuracy and prevent sloppiness while still conveying energy and intensity. As noted in “Total Guitar Magazine,” controlled aggression is about channeling your energy into precise and deliberate movements, rather than uncontrolled thrashing.
3.4 Can You Recommend Any Radiohead Songs to Practice This Style?
Recommended Radiohead songs to practice this style include “Paranoid Android,” “Just,” and “There There,” all of which feature Jonny’s aggressive yet controlled guitar playing. Many guitar instructors suggest starting with slower tempos and gradually increasing the speed as your technique improves.
4. What Other Guitarists Use Similar Raking Techniques to Thicken Their Sound?
Many guitarists use similar raking techniques to thicken their sound, including blues guitarists like Billy Gibbons and rock guitarists like Jimmy Page, who often employ raking to add texture and aggression to their riffs. According to Guitar Aficionado, raking is a versatile technique that can be adapted to various musical genres.
4.1 How Does Billy Gibbons Use Raking?
Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top uses raking to add a gritty, blues-infused texture to his riffs, often combining it with pinch harmonics for a signature sound. As noted in “Guitar World,” Gibbons’ raking technique is an integral part of his distinctive blues-rock style.
4.2 What Are Some Examples of Jimmy Page’s Raking?
Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin uses raking in songs like “Whole Lotta Love” to create a powerful, driving rhythm, often layering multiple guitar tracks to enhance the effect. According to “Classic Rock Magazine,” Page’s innovative use of raking contributed to Led Zeppelin’s iconic sound.
4.3 How Can You Incorporate Raking into Your Own Playing Style?
To incorporate raking into your own playing style, experiment with different picking angles and speeds, and practice applying the technique to simple riffs and chord progressions. Many online guitar lessons suggest starting with basic power chords and gradually introducing more complex rhythms and melodies.
4.4 What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Raking?
Common mistakes to avoid when raking include excessive force, which can lead to unwanted noise, and inconsistent picking angles, which can result in uneven sound. Guitar Player Magazine recommends practicing with a metronome to develop a consistent and controlled raking technique.
5. How Can You Master the Nuances of the “Airbag” Riff?
Mastering the nuances of the “Airbag” riff involves paying close attention to the rhythmic variations, subtle changes in dynamics, and the overall feel of the song, capturing the unique character of Jonny Greenwood’s playing. According to a detailed analysis on guitarplayers.net, understanding these subtleties is key to truly nailing the riff.
5.1 What Are the Key Rhythmic Variations in the Riff?
The key rhythmic variations in the riff involve slight pauses and variations in the timing of the raked notes, creating a sense of push and pull that drives the song forward. Berklee College of Music’s music theory courses emphasize that understanding these rhythmic nuances is essential for capturing the song’s groove.
5.2 How Do Dynamics Affect the Impact of the Riff?
Dynamics play a crucial role in the impact of the riff, with subtle changes in volume and intensity adding depth and emotion to the performance. As noted in “Premier Guitar Magazine,” varying your dynamics can make the riff sound more engaging and expressive.
5.3 What Is the Best Way to Internalize the “Feel” of the Song?
The best way to internalize the “feel” of the song is to listen to it repeatedly, paying close attention to the interplay between the guitar, bass, and drums, and trying to capture the overall mood and atmosphere. Many experienced guitarists recommend practicing along with the original recording to develop a strong sense of timing and feel.
5.4 How Can You Practice These Nuances Effectively?
To practice these nuances effectively, record yourself playing the riff and compare it to the original, focusing on areas where you can improve your timing, dynamics, and overall feel. Online guitar communities often suggest using loop pedals to practice specific sections of the riff repeatedly.
6. How Do Live Performances of “Airbag” Differ from the Studio Version?
Live performances of “Airbag” often differ from the studio version, with Jonny Greenwood incorporating improvisation, extended instrumental sections, and variations in his effects settings to create a unique and dynamic experience. According to a live concert review by Rolling Stone, these variations keep the song fresh and exciting for both the band and the audience.
6.1 What Improv Techniques Does Jonny Greenwood Use Live?
Jonny Greenwood uses improv techniques such as extended feedback passages, altered chord voicings, and spontaneous variations in his effects settings to add a unique flavor to live performances. As noted in “Guitar World,” these improvisational elements showcase Jonny’s creativity and musicality.
6.2 How Does the Use of Effects Vary in Live Performances?
The use of effects often varies in live performances, with Jonny Greenwood experimenting with different combinations of distortion, delay, and modulation to create unique sonic textures. According to a gear analysis on guitarplayers.net, Jonny often tweaks his pedal settings in real-time during performances to suit the venue and the mood.
6.3 What Can You Learn from Studying Live Performances?
Studying live performances can provide valuable insights into Jonny Greenwood’s creative process, his approach to improvisation, and his ability to adapt his playing to different environments. Many guitar instructors recommend watching live videos to learn new techniques and approaches to playing.
6.4 How Can You Incorporate These Elements into Your Own Performances?
To incorporate these elements into your own performances, experiment with improvisation, try out different effects settings, and focus on creating a dynamic and engaging experience for your audience. Online guitar communities often suggest practicing improvisation exercises to develop your creativity and spontaneity.
7. What Are Some Alternative Guitar Setups for Achieving a Similar Sound?
Alternative guitar setups for achieving a similar sound to Jonny Greenwood’s “Airbag” tone include using a Fender Telecaster or similar single-coil guitar, a versatile distortion pedal like the ProCo RAT, and a clean amplifier with good headroom. According to a gear guide on guitarplayers.net, these alternatives can provide a similar sonic palette without requiring the exact equipment used by Jonny Greenwood.
7.1 Which Guitars Can Replicate the Tele Plus Sound?
Guitars that can replicate the Tele Plus sound include other Fender Telecasters with single-coil pickups, as well as guitars from brands like G&L and Suhr that offer similar tonal characteristics. Guitar Player Magazine notes that the key is to find a guitar with a bright, clear tone and good sustain.
7.2 What Distortion Pedals Can Substitute for the Marshall Shredmaster?
Distortion pedals that can substitute for the Marshall Shredmaster include the ProCo RAT, the Boss DS-1, and the Fulltone OCD, all of which offer a range of distortion tones suitable for replicating the “Airbag” sound. As noted in “Premier Guitar Magazine,” these pedals provide different flavors of distortion, allowing you to experiment and find the one that best suits your playing style.
7.3 What Amplifiers Work Well for This Style of Music?
Amplifiers that work well for this style of music include Fender amps like the Twin Reverb and the Deluxe Reverb, as well as Vox AC30s and Marshall JCM800s, all of which offer a clean and versatile platform for heavily distorted tones. According to “Guitar World,” the key is to find an amp with good headroom and a clear, balanced sound.
7.4 How Can You Adjust Your Setup to Suit Different Playing Environments?
To adjust your setup to suit different playing environments, consider using a smaller amplifier for practice and recording, and a larger amplifier for live performances, and experiment with different pedal settings to compensate for the acoustics of the room. Online guitar forums often suggest using an EQ pedal to fine-tune your sound and address any frequency imbalances.
8. How Does the “Airbag” Riff Fit into Radiohead’s Broader Discography?
The “Airbag” riff fits into Radiohead’s broader discography as a prime example of their innovative use of guitar textures, rhythmic complexity, and dynamic arrangements, showcasing their ability to blend rock, electronic, and experimental elements into a cohesive and compelling sound. According to a Radiohead retrospective by Rolling Stone, “Airbag” is a pivotal track that helped define the band’s unique sonic identity.
8.1 What Other Radiohead Songs Feature Similar Guitar Techniques?
Other Radiohead songs that feature similar guitar techniques include “Paranoid Android,” “Just,” and “My Iron Lung,” all of which showcase Jonny Greenwood’s inventive use of distortion, muting, and rhythmic variations. As noted in “Guitar Player Magazine,” these songs demonstrate Jonny’s mastery of a wide range of guitar techniques.
8.2 How Did “Airbag” Influence Radiohead’s Subsequent Music?
“Airbag” influenced Radiohead’s subsequent music by demonstrating the band’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and textures, paving the way for their more electronic and experimental albums like “Kid A” and “Amnesiac.” According to a musicology study by a Professor at Oxford University, “Airbag” marked a turning point in Radiohead’s artistic development.
8.3 What Is the Significance of “Airbag” in the Context of the “OK Computer” Album?
In the context of the “OK Computer” album, “Airbag” serves as a powerful opening track that sets the tone for the album’s themes of technology, alienation, and modern life, establishing the band’s unique sonic and lyrical vision. As noted in a track-by-track analysis by NME, “Airbag” is a bold and innovative statement that captures the anxieties and uncertainties of the late 20th century.
8.4 How Can Understanding Radiohead’s Musical Context Enhance Your Playing?
Understanding Radiohead’s musical context can enhance your playing by providing a deeper appreciation for the band’s creative process, their innovative use of guitar techniques, and their ability to blend different musical genres. Many guitar instructors recommend studying Radiohead’s discography to gain a broader understanding of modern rock music.
9. What Are Some Common Challenges When Learning the “Airbag” Riff?
Common challenges when learning the “Airbag” riff include mastering the muting technique, coordinating the raking motion with the fretting hand, and maintaining consistent timing and dynamics. According to a guitar lesson analysis on guitarplayers.net, these challenges can be overcome with practice, patience, and a focus on technique.
9.1 How Can You Improve Your Muting Technique?
To improve your muting technique, practice muting individual strings with your left hand, focusing on preventing unwanted noise while allowing the intended notes to ring out clearly. Berklee College of Music’s guitar program recommends using a metronome to develop a consistent and controlled muting technique.
9.2 How Can You Coordinate the Raking Motion and Fretting Hand?
Coordinating the raking motion with the fretting hand involves practicing the riff slowly at first, gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable, and focusing on synchronizing your movements. Many online guitar forums suggest using video tutorials to observe the proper technique and timing.
9.3 What Strategies Can Help You Maintain Consistent Timing?
Strategies to maintain consistent timing include practicing with a metronome, using a drum machine or backing track, and recording yourself playing the riff and comparing it to the original. As noted in “Premier Guitar Magazine,” consistent timing is essential for capturing the groove and feel of the song.
9.4 How Can You Overcome Frustration When Learning Difficult Passages?
To overcome frustration when learning difficult passages, break the riff down into smaller sections, focus on mastering each section individually, and take breaks when needed to avoid burnout. Online guitar communities often suggest setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories along the way.
Radiohead’s OK Computer album cover art
10. Where Can You Find Resources to Learn More About Playing Guitar Like Jonny Greenwood?
Resources to learn more about playing guitar like Jonny Greenwood include online guitar lessons, instructional videos, gear guides, and transcriptions of his playing, as well as books and articles about Radiohead’s music and Jonny’s unique style. At guitarplayers.net, we offer a variety of resources to help you master Jonny Greenwood’s techniques and develop your own creative voice.
10.1 What Are Some Recommended Online Guitar Lessons?
Recommended online guitar lessons include courses on platforms like TrueFire, JamPlay, and Coursera, as well as free tutorials on YouTube and other video-sharing sites. Many of these lessons focus on specific techniques used by Jonny Greenwood, such as muting, raking, and effects processing.
10.2 Where Can You Find Accurate Guitar Tabs and Sheet Music?
Accurate guitar tabs and sheet music can be found on websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com, Songsterr, and Musicnotes.com, as well as in books and magazines dedicated to guitar instruction. Be sure to verify the accuracy of the tabs and sheet music by comparing them to the original recordings.
10.3 What Gear Guides Can Help You Recreate Jonny Greenwood’s Sound?
Gear guides that can help you recreate Jonny Greenwood’s sound can be found on websites like guitarplayers.net, Premier Guitar, and Guitar World, as well as in books and magazines dedicated to guitar gear. These guides provide detailed information about the guitars, amplifiers, pedals, and other equipment used by Jonny Greenwood.
10.4 How Can guitarplayers.net Help You Learn More?
guitarplayers.net offers a wealth of resources for guitar enthusiasts, including lessons, gear reviews, artist interviews, and a community forum where you can connect with other players and share tips and techniques. Visit our website at guitarplayers.net to explore our extensive collection of resources and take your playing to the next level.
FAQ: Mastering “Airbag” on Guitar
1. Is “Airbag” a difficult song to learn on guitar?
Yes, “Airbag” can be challenging due to its unique techniques, particularly the muting and raking, but with practice, it’s achievable. Focus on mastering each technique individually.
2. What is the key effect Jonny Greenwood uses for “Airbag”?
The key effect is heavy distortion, achieved with a Marshall Shredmaster, along with a Tele Plus guitar and a Fender Eighty-Five amplifier.
3. What is the raking technique in guitar playing?
Raking involves dragging the pick across multiple strings before hitting the desired note, adding a percussive and aggressive sound.
4. How important is muting in Jonny Greenwood’s playing style?
Muting is crucial, allowing him to play aggressively without unwanted noise, creating a clean and thick sound.
5. Can I use a different guitar to play “Airbag”?
Yes, a Fender Telecaster or any single-coil guitar can replicate the tone. The key is a bright, clear sound.
6. Are there live versions of “Airbag” that differ from the studio version?
Yes, live versions often include improvisation, extended instrumental sections, and variations in effects settings.
7. What other Radiohead songs use similar guitar techniques?
“Paranoid Android,” “Just,” and “My Iron Lung” feature similar techniques like distortion, muting, and rhythmic variations.
8. How does “Airbag” fit into Radiohead’s “OK Computer” album?
“Airbag” sets the tone for the album’s themes of technology, alienation, and modern life, showcasing Radiohead’s unique sound.
9. Where can I find accurate tabs for “Airbag”?
Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com and Songsterr offer tabs, but always verify their accuracy against the original recording.
10. Can guitarplayers.net help me learn more about Radiohead’s guitar techniques?
Yes, guitarplayers.net offers lessons, gear reviews, artist interviews, and a community forum to help you master these techniques.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of guitar playing and master iconic riffs like “Airbag”? Visit guitarplayers.net today for a wealth of lessons, gear reviews, and a vibrant community of fellow guitar enthusiasts. Don’t just play the notes, understand the music, only at guitarplayers.net!
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