"High and Dry" by Radiohead

One of the standout tracks from Radiohead’s seminal album The Bends, "High and Dry" is a masterclass in melodic guitar playing, understated technique, and atmospheric tone. In this exclusive LickLibrary guitar lesson, we break down the song note for note, revealing the subtle but effective techniques that contribute to the track’s emotional weight and sonic character. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your chord vocabulary or an intermediate player wanting to sharpen your expressive phrasing, this lesson will help you build a solid foundation of essential techniques while learning a modern classic. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Guitar Work

"High and Dry" stands out in Radiohead’s catalogue for its clean tone, intimate mood, and rich harmonic textures. The song’s guitar parts are deceptively simple yet loaded with expression, relying on rhythmic finesse, melodic embellishments, and dynamic strumming patterns. It’s the perfect track for players looking to master the art of subtlety in guitar playing.

Guitarists Behind the Track

The guitar work on "High and Dry" was performed by Jonny Greenwood and Ed O’Brien, two of the most innovative and influential guitarists in modern alternative rock. Greenwood, known for his experimental approach and cinematic soundscapes, combines traditional techniques with off-kilter voicings and effects. O’Brien’s rhythm guitar and textural layering give Radiohead its unique sense of space and depth. Together, their parts on this track create a delicate balance between melody and atmosphere, giving players a great example of how to build emotion through minimalism.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

1. Finger-Picking Patterns

The intro and verses of "High and Dry" employ an arpeggiated picking pattern using finger-picking. This technique involves plucking individual notes from chords, allowing each note to ring clearly. Practicing finger-picking enhances dexterity and control, especially useful for players who want to add clarity and nuance to their playing.

2. Capo Usage

A capo is used on the second fret in this song to alter the guitar’s key without changing the chord shapes. This lets the guitarist play familiar open chords while achieving a brighter, chiming tone. Learning how to use a capo expands your musical range and makes it easier to play in different keys.

3. Open-String Riffs

A key part of the song's hypnotic vibe comes from its use of open strings ringing alongside fretted notes. This approach provides a resonant, spacious quality to the chord voicings. Practicing open-string riffs helps improve your string skipping accuracy and develops a more expressive sound palette.

4. Chord Progressions

The harmonic backbone of "High and Dry" lies in its simple yet evocative chord progressions. These progressions support the vocal melody and add emotional weight to the arrangement. Mastering chord progressions is essential for songwriting, improvisation, and understanding musical structure.

5. Slides

Subtle slides between chord shapes and melodic notes give the song a smooth, vocal-like phrasing. Slides can add fluidity to your playing and help connect notes in a way that feels more organic and expressive.

6. Barre Chords

The song incorporates barre chords in some sections, requiring good finger strength and precision. Learning barre chords improves your fretboard knowledge and allows you to play a wide variety of chord shapes across the neck.

7. Sustain and Dynamics

"High and Dry" places great emphasis on note sustain and dynamic strumming. Practicing this teaches control over your touch and attack, which are vital for creating mood and emotional resonance in your playing. Learn more about sustain and how it shapes the feel of a note.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Every technique explored in this lesson not only helps you master this particular song but also builds a stronger, more expressive playing style overall:

• Finger-picking and slides enhance phrasing and control.
• Using a capo teaches you how to adapt familiar chords to new keys.
• Understanding chord progressions strengthens songwriting and improvisation.
• Playing with dynamics and sustain adds depth to your musical expression.

Whether you're aiming to perform this song live, record a faithful cover, or simply improve your skill set, each element you’ll practice in this lesson can be applied to countless other songs and styles.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Capo
• Finger-picking
• Open-string riffs
• Chord progressions
• Slides
• Barre chords
• Sustain

Ready to learn every note? Dive into the LickLibrary lesson for "High and Dry" and take your playing to the next level with authentic Radiohead guitar tones and techniques.