Jonny Greenwood has always been one of the most unique guitarists in modern music. As the lead guitarist of Radiohead, he doesn’t just play the guitar — he transforms it. Over the years, Greenwood has delivered countless unforgettable moments on the six-string, helping to push the instrument into brand-new territory.
A Guitarist Who Breaks the Rules
What makes Greenwood special is his approach. He doesn’t treat the guitar like a traditional rock instrument. Instead, he mixes textures, unusual sounds, and creative effects. His playing can be atmospheric, aggressive, delicate, or completely experimental — sometimes all within the same song.
Radiohead’s music is full of these moments, where Greenwood’s guitar adds tension, emotion, or surprising twists. Because of him, the boundaries of what a guitar should sound like have completely changed for many listeners.
The Question Everyone Asks: What’s His Best Guitar Moment?
With such a powerful career behind him, fans often debate what Jonny Greenwood’s greatest guitar moment is. His influence is huge, similar to earlier British guitar legends like Johnny Marr. But in true British fashion, Greenwood himself doesn’t boast about his playing.
When asked about his favourite guitar part, he usually gives quiet, thoughtful answers. He rarely talks about showing off — instead, he focuses on how the music works as a whole.
Greenwood’s Own Picks
In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, Greenwood talked a bit about guitar parts he’s proud of. He didn’t choose just one, but he did mention a few he finds especially satisfying.
One is “Ful Stop” from A Moon Shaped Pool. He said the phasing arpeggios in that song feel particularly good to play. They swirl and pulse in a way that fits perfectly with the rest of the track.
He also mentioned the version of “Present Tense” filmed by director Paul Thomas Anderson. It features just Greenwood and Thom Yorke performing in Anderson’s backyard. Greenwood loves how the guitar line supports the song — gentle, rhythmic, and full of movement.
Why Greenwood Still Loves the Basics
Even though he’s known for experimenting, Greenwood still enjoys simple, stripped-back playing. In the same interview, he talked about how exciting it is to plug an electric guitar into an amp and play in a small room with a good drummer. No tricks, no big setup — just the raw sound of music.
He also joked that sometimes these moments are worth recording and sharing… but not always.
A Guitarist Who Never Stops Moving Forward
One reason Greenwood may choose more recent songs as his favorites is because Radiohead is always changing. They rarely look back, and they famously avoid performing their biggest early hit, “Creep.” Instead, they focus on evolving, trying new ideas, and challenging themselves.
Listening to the songs Greenwood mentioned, it’s easy to hear why. His parts are subtle, emotional, and beautifully crafted. They capture the spirit of who he is as a musician — someone who cares more about musical ideas than flashy technique.
The Quiet Force Behind Radiohead
Jonny Greenwood may not shout about his talent, but his guitar work speaks loudly. He has shaped Radiohead’s sound for decades, constantly pushing the guitar into new emotional and sonic spaces. Whether he’s creating gentle patterns, wild noises, or layered textures, his playing always brings something special to the music.
And that’s why fans and musicians alike see him as one of the most important guitarists of his generation — even if he would never say that himself.