Radiohead – Creep Riff

Dive deep into the hauntingly iconic sounds of the 1990s with LickLibrary’s "Radiohead – Creep Riff" guitar lesson. This note-for-note breakdown captures every emotive nuance and powerful chord strike of one of alternative rock’s most recognisable songs. Our lesson will not only teach you how to master the riff in "Creep", but also help you develop essential guitar techniques that elevate your playing across multiple styles. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Riff

Released in 1992, "Creep" by Radiohead became an anthem of alienation and angst. The song’s dynamic structure—soft verses contrasted with explosive choruses—is anchored by a deceptively simple yet emotionally charged guitar riff. This riff, played primarily by Jonny Greenwood, is instantly memorable and showcases both melodic subtlety and aggressive strumming, creating a dramatic and raw sonic experience.

The riff itself acts as the backbone of the entire song, using strategically placed techniques to evoke tension and release. In our lesson, we dissect each part of the riff, ensuring you understand both how and why these techniques work together to create its unique atmosphere.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Power Chords

The riff in "Creep" relies heavily on power chords to create its punchy, driven tone. These are essential tools for rock and alternative players, providing a fat and aggressive sound without the complexity of full chords. Learning to switch smoothly between power chords will significantly improve your rhythm guitar playing and song versatility.

Palm Muting

The muted, controlled feel of the verse section uses palm muting to reduce sustain and emphasise rhythm. This technique is great for dynamic control and creating contrast between sections of a song. It also enhances your timing and picking hand precision.

Slides

As part of the chord transitions and expressive fills, slides are used to create a smooth and connected feel. Sliding between notes not only sounds musical and fluid, but also helps build finger control and fretboard navigation.

String Bending

One of the song’s most memorable moments is Jonny Greenwood’s aggressive bent note leading into the chorus. This dynamic moment is achieved with string bending. Mastering bends helps players inject emotion into their leads and riffs, as well as improve ear training and pitch accuracy.

Pick Slides

The screeching build-up before the chorus is created with pick slides—a technique that adds raw energy and punk attitude. Learning pick slides gives players a gritty sound effect perfect for alternative and grunge tones.

About the Guitarist: Jonny Greenwood

Jonny Greenwood, lead guitarist of Radiohead, is known for his innovative and experimental approach to guitar playing. In "Creep", his performance showcases both subtlety and aggression, demonstrating his ability to build emotion through dynamic contrast. Beyond "Creep", Greenwood’s influence can be felt across multiple genres—from rock to electronic to orchestral scoring. His distinctive sound and unconventional techniques have inspired countless modern guitarists to push the boundaries of what guitar playing can be.

Benefits of Learning This Riff

Learning the "Creep" riff will strengthen your:

• Rhythmic accuracy through palm muting and strumming control.
• Tone expression with power chords and pick slides.
• Articulation via slides and bends.
• Dynamic control, helping you shift between soft and loud playing.
• Understanding of song structure, as this riff plays a crucial role in the emotional pacing of the track.

Whether you're a beginner looking to explore alternative rock or an intermediate player refining your technique, this lesson provides valuable insights and practical guitar skills that go far beyond just one song.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Pick Slides

Ready to master the unmistakable riff that helped launch one of the most innovative bands of our time? Join the lesson now on LickLibrary and bring the sound of "Creep" to life on your own guitar.