Hey guys! Let's dive deep into one of Radiohead's most iconic and complex songs: Paranoid Android. This track is a masterpiece of modern rock, blending multiple sections, time signatures, and moods into a seamless whole. If you're a guitarist looking to challenge yourself, learning Paranoid Android is a fantastic way to improve your skills and understand Radiohead's unique approach to music. In this article, we'll break down the guitar parts, offer some tips for playing them accurately, and explore the song's overall structure and meaning.

Understanding the Structure of Paranoid Android

Before we jump into the tabs, let's get a grip on the song's structure. Paranoid Android is famous for its unconventional arrangement, which can be roughly divided into four distinct sections: the intro/verse, the transition/chorus, the heavy section, and the outro. Each section has its own mood, tempo, and set of guitar parts, making it essential to understand how they fit together. The song begins with a gentle, almost lullaby-like intro featuring clean guitar arpeggios. This section establishes a sense of unease and sets the stage for the lyrical themes of alienation and paranoia. As the song progresses, it transitions into a more driving and intense chorus, characterized by distorted guitars and Thom Yorke's soaring vocals. This section provides a brief moment of catharsis before the song plunges into its heaviest and most chaotic section, featuring aggressive guitar riffs and dissonant harmonies. Finally, the song concludes with a serene and melancholic outro, reprising elements of the intro and offering a sense of resolution. Understanding this structure is crucial for learning the guitar parts, as each section requires a different approach and technique. For example, the intro demands precision and delicacy, while the heavy section requires power and aggression. By breaking down the song into its component parts, you can more easily master each section and piece them together into a cohesive whole. Additionally, understanding the structure will help you appreciate the song's overall narrative arc, from its initial sense of unease to its eventual resolution. This will allow you to connect with the music on a deeper level and bring more emotion to your playing. So, before you start practicing the tabs, take some time to listen to the song carefully and familiarize yourself with its structure. This will make the learning process much easier and more rewarding.

Gear and Tuning

To get that authentic Paranoid Android sound, you'll need a few key pieces of gear and the correct tuning. Radiohead is known for using a variety of guitars, amps, and effects, but you can get close with a fairly simple setup. First, let's talk about guitars. Jonny Greenwood often uses a Fender Telecaster Plus, known for its bright and articulate tone. Thom Yorke frequently plays a variety of guitars, including a Fender Jazzmaster and a Gibson ES-335. However, any guitar with a decent clean tone and the ability to handle distortion will work. For amps, Radiohead often uses Vox AC30s and Fender amps, which provide a warm and versatile sound. If you don't have access to these specific amps, any amp with a good clean channel and a decent overdrive or distortion pedal will do the trick. Speaking of effects, chorus, delay, and reverb are essential for recreating the atmospheric textures of Paranoid Android. A good overdrive or distortion pedal is also necessary for the heavier sections of the song. Jonny Greenwood is famous for his use of a ProCo RAT distortion pedal, which gives his guitar a unique and aggressive sound. In terms of tuning, Paranoid Android is played in standard tuning (E A D G B e). This makes it relatively easy to learn compared to some of Radiohead's other songs, which often feature alternate tunings. However, it's important to make sure your guitar is properly intonated to ensure that the chords and melodies sound in tune. Before you start playing, take some time to set up your gear and dial in the right tones. Experiment with different combinations of guitars, amps, and effects to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new things. The most important thing is to have fun and find a sound that you enjoy.

Intro and Verse Guitar Tabs

The intro and verse of Paranoid Android feature delicate and intricate guitar arpeggios. These parts are crucial for establishing the song's melancholic and uneasy atmosphere. The main riff in the intro is based around a series of arpeggiated chords, played with a clean tone and a hint of reverb. The tab for this riff looks something like this:

e|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|--------5-----------5-----------5-----------5----------------------------|
G|-----6-----6-----6-----6-----6-----6-----6-----6-------------------------|
D|--7-----------7-----------7-----------7----------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|

This riff is repeated throughout the intro and verse, with slight variations. Pay close attention to the fingerpicking pattern, as it's essential for getting the right feel. The key is to maintain a consistent rhythm and avoid rushing the notes. In the verse, the guitar part becomes slightly more complex, with the addition of some subtle embellishments and variations. The tab for this section might look like this:

e|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|--------5-----------5-----------5-----------5----------------------------|
G|-----6-----6-----6-----6-----6-----6-----6-----6-------------------------|
D|--7-----------7-----------7-----------7----------------------------------|
A|--0-----------0-----------0-----------0----------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Notice the addition of the open A string, which adds a subtle drone to the sound. This part requires a bit more dexterity and coordination than the intro riff. Practice it slowly at first, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable. When playing these sections, focus on maintaining a light touch and avoiding excessive finger pressure. The goal is to create a delicate and ethereal sound that complements Thom Yorke's vocals. Experiment with different fingerpicking techniques to find what works best for you. Some players prefer to use a combination of finger and thumb, while others prefer to use all fingers. The most important thing is to be comfortable and relaxed. Also, pay attention to the dynamics of the guitar part. The intro and verse should be played relatively quietly, with a gradual increase in volume as the song progresses. This will help to build tension and create a sense of anticipation. Remember to listen to the original recording carefully and try to emulate the nuances of Jonny Greenwood's playing. He has a unique and distinctive style that is worth studying. By mastering the intro and verse guitar parts, you'll be well on your way to mastering the entire song.

Chorus/Transition Guitar Tabs

The transition section, often referred to as the chorus, in Paranoid Android marks a shift in intensity, with the guitars becoming more prominent and driving. This section is characterized by a combination of power chords and melodic lines, creating a sense of urgency and release. The main guitar riff in the chorus is based around a series of ascending power chords, played with a distorted tone. The tab for this riff might look something like this:

e|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|--4--4--4--4--6--6--6--6--7--7--7--7--9--9--9--9-------------------------|
D|--4--4--4--4--6--6--6--6--7--7--7--7--9--9--9--9-------------------------|
A|--2--2--2--2--4--4--4--4--5--5--5--5--7--7--7--7-------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|

This riff is repeated throughout the chorus, with slight variations. Pay attention to the rhythm and timing, as it's essential for getting the right feel. The power chords should be played with a strong attack and a consistent volume. In addition to the power chords, the chorus also features a melodic line that adds a layer of complexity to the song. The tab for this line might look something like this:

e|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|--12--12--12--12--14--14--14--14--15--15--15--15--17--17--17--17--------|
G|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|

This line is played higher up on the neck, creating a sense of contrast with the power chords. It requires a bit more dexterity and precision than the power chords. Practice it slowly at first, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable. When playing the chorus, focus on maintaining a balance between the power chords and the melodic line. The power chords should provide a solid foundation, while the melodic line should add a layer of interest and complexity. Experiment with different voicings and inversions of the power chords to find what sounds best to you. Also, pay attention to the dynamics of the guitar part. The chorus should be played louder than the intro and verse, with a gradual increase in intensity as the song progresses. This will help to create a sense of release and excitement. Remember to listen to the original recording carefully and try to emulate the nuances of Jonny Greenwood's playing. He has a unique and distinctive style that is worth studying. By mastering the chorus guitar parts, you'll be one step closer to mastering the entire song.

Heavy Section Guitar Tabs

The heavy section of Paranoid Android is where the song reaches its peak in terms of intensity and aggression. This section is characterized by heavy distortion, dissonant harmonies, and complex rhythmic patterns. The main guitar riff in the heavy section is based around a series of syncopated power chords, played with a very distorted tone. The tab for this riff might look something like this:

e|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|--4--4--4--4--x--x--6--6--6--6--x--x--7--7--7--7-------------------------|
D|--4--4--4--4--x--x--6--6--6--6--x--x--7--7--7--7-------------------------|
A|--2--2--2--2--x--x--4--4--4--4--x--x--5--5--5--5-------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Notice the use of the