"Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead

Dive deep into the hauntingly beautiful "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead with this note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary. This iconic track from their 1995 album The Bends showcases lush textures, emotional depth, and powerful guitar techniques that will elevate your playing and deepen your understanding of expressive guitar work. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, mastering this song will introduce you to a variety of techniques that enhance tone, dynamics, and musicality. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists Behind the Song

"Fake Plastic Trees" is a testament to the genius of Radiohead’s lead guitarist, Jonny Greenwood, and the supporting rhythm work of Ed O’Brien. Jonny Greenwood is renowned for his innovative and emotive playing style, which blends technical prowess with atmospheric soundscapes. In this track, his ability to balance delicate arpeggios with dramatic strums underscores his profound influence on modern guitarists. Ed O’Brien contributes essential texture, often using subtle effects to create layers that amplify the song’s emotional resonance. Together, they shaped a generation of guitarists with their inventive approach to tone and arrangement.

Guitar Techniques in "Fake Plastic Trees"

1. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song opens with a series of arpeggiated chord progressions that set the mood. This technique involves picking individual notes of a chord in a flowing, melodic sequence. It enhances finger independence and timing, crucial for creating dynamic, expressive playing.

Benefit: Improves precision and introduces a sense of fluidity to your rhythm playing.

2. Slides

Slides are prominent in transitioning between chords and single-note phrases throughout the song. These smooth shifts add a lyrical quality to the music, mirroring the emotional tone of the lyrics.

Benefit: Builds control and helps achieve seamless movement across the fretboard.

3. String Bending

While not overused, tasteful string bending is employed to emphasise key melodic notes, adding a touch of vocal-like expressiveness to the lead guitar parts.

Benefit: Develops pitch accuracy and adds emotional depth to solos and melodies.

4. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The interplay of hammer-ons and pull-offs in the song adds texture to melodic passages. These techniques are essential for achieving legato phrasing and maintaining a smooth flow.

Benefit: Enhances finger strength and articulation, allowing for faster, more fluid lines.

5. Barre Chords

As the song builds, barre chords are used to deliver a fuller, more resonant sound. Mastering these shapes is essential for playing across the neck with confidence.

Benefit: Increases hand strength and introduces versatility in chord playing.

6. Chord Progressions

The harmonic structure of "Fake Plastic Trees" relies on beautifully crafted chord progressions that underscore its melancholic beauty. Understanding these progressions will deepen your grasp of songwriting and arrangement.

Benefit: Helps in composing and recognising patterns in other songs.

7. Finger-Picking

The delicate introduction and softer sections of the song incorporate finger-picking techniques, emphasizing dynamics and sensitivity.

Benefit: Enhances coordination and enables expressive playing, perfect for quieter or acoustic arrangements.

8. Capo Use

The use of a capo in the original version highlights how altered tunings and capo placement can transform simple chords into rich, resonant textures.

Benefit: Teaches adaptability and offers new tonal possibilities.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning "Fake Plastic Trees" provides more than just the satisfaction of mastering a classic song. It’s a gateway to understanding subtle dynamics, emotional playing, and creative arranging. The techniques covered in this lesson can be applied across genres, making it a valuable addition to your guitar repertoire. Whether you're performing for an audience or enjoying a quiet practice session, this song is a timeless piece that resonates deeply with players and listeners alike.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Barre Chords
• Chord Progressions
• Finger-Picking
• Capo

By working through these techniques, you'll unlock the tools to not only play "Fake Plastic Trees" but also enrich your overall guitar playing.