"Just" by Radiohead

Radiohead’s “Just,” featured on their seminal 1995 album The Bends, is a guitar-driven alternative rock anthem that blends intricate rhythms, aggressive lead lines, and innovative textures. In this exclusive note-for-note lesson at LickLibrary.com, we break down every section of the track in detail, guiding you through the essential guitar parts that define the song's character. Whether you're looking to improve your timing, develop more expressive phrasing, or master complex riff construction, this lesson will sharpen your skills and broaden your musical vocabulary. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitar Work

“Just” showcases the combined guitar work of Jonny Greenwood and Ed O’Brien, two of modern rock’s most inventive and influential guitarists. Jonny Greenwood’s playing is marked by angular phrasing, bold chord choices, and a mastery of both chaos and control. His background in classical music and love of sonic experimentation have made him a standout figure in contemporary guitar playing. Ed O’Brien’s role in the band leans toward atmospheric layering, harmonic support, and rhythmic accents that give Radiohead's songs a broader dynamic range.

Together, their contributions to “Just” create a tension-filled tapestry of sound, driven by aggressive rhythm playing, melodic flourishes, and unexpected shifts in energy. This dual-guitar interplay is key to the track's identity and provides a rich learning opportunity for any guitarist seeking to understand how to build intensity and emotion through layered guitar parts.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

Our lesson takes you through each section of “Just” with a focus on technique, timing, and tone. Below are some of the key techniques you'll encounter and master.

Alternate Picking

The main riffs throughout the verse sections rely on tight, rhythmic alternate picking. It gives the guitar line a sharp, staccato quality that drives the energy forward and keeps the timing crisp.

Benefit: Practicing alternate picking builds right-hand accuracy and speed, especially when working through syncopated or rapidly shifting patterns.

String Bending and Unison Bends

Greenwood employs expressive string bends and unison bends in the lead phrases. These techniques add emotional intensity and help his lines cut through the mix with a vocal-like quality.

Benefit: Learning to control pitch through bending improves your expressiveness and adds dynamics to your lead playing.

Slides

Slides are used to transition between chord shapes and riff fragments. This helps maintain fluidity and adds a subtle melodic flow between static notes.

Benefit: Slides enhance legato technique and can make your playing smoother and more connected across the fretboard.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The chorus sections hit hard with gritty power chords and tight palm-muted rhythm work. The contrast between muted and open notes gives the part its explosive punch.

Benefit: These techniques are fundamental to rock guitar, teaching you how to manage dynamics and maintain control in high-gain settings.

Arpeggios and Chord Progressions

Clean-tone arpeggios are used in the intro and verse to provide harmonic movement and textural contrast. The song also features unconventional chord progressions that break from traditional rock formats.

Benefit: Understanding arpeggios and non-standard chord progressions helps develop fretboard awareness and compositional creativity.

Rakes and Harmonics

Throughout the song, subtle rakes and natural harmonics are sprinkled in to add grit and sparkle to transitional parts and lead lines.

Benefit: These techniques improve your ability to control dynamics and articulation, adding finesse and nuance to your phrasing.

Syncopated Rhythms

A defining feature of “Just” is its rhythmically complex guitar work. Many of the riffs and chord hits are built around syncopated patterns that create tension and unpredictability.

Benefit: Practicing syncopated rhythms will develop your internal timing and improve your groove when playing with a band.

About the Guitarists: Jonny Greenwood & Ed O’Brien

Jonny Greenwood stands as one of the most forward-thinking guitarists in rock music. His unorthodox use of scales, chord voicings, and gear has influenced generations of guitarists. Whether blending atonal textures or delivering razor-sharp riffs, his playing is always inventive and emotionally charged.

Ed O’Brien, often the understated backbone of Radiohead’s guitar section, brings ambient soundscapes, rhythmic textures, and layered harmonies that elevate the band’s sound. His subtle but vital contributions offer a masterclass in taste and restraint.

Together, their guitar work on “Just” is a study in contrast, power, and synergy — making it a must-learn for guitarists serious about elevating their craft.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Unison Bends
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Rakes
• Harmonics
• Syncopated Rhythms

Whether you’re looking to unlock new expressive techniques or simply want to dig into one of Radiohead’s most riff-heavy tracks, our lesson on “Just” provides the tools and insights you need. Jump in and explore one of alternative rock’s defining guitar anthems — note-for-note, only at LickLibrary.com.