How to Play "Karma Police" on Guitar
Introduction
"Karma Police" is a iconic song by the British rock band Radiohead, from their 1997 album "OK Computer". The song’s haunting guitar riff and atmospheric soundscapes have made it a fan favorite and a staple of alternative rock. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of playing "Karma Police" on guitar, breaking down the chords, riffs, and techniques you’ll need to master.
Chords and Chord Progression
The song’s chord progression is built around a series of power chords and arpeggios. Here are the chords you’ll need to play:
| Chord | Fingering |
|---|---|
| G5 | 320003 |
| C5 | 032010 |
| D5 | 000232 |
| Em7 | x02220 |
| G/B | 320003 |
The chord progression is:
G5 – C5 – D5 – Em7 – G/B
Riff and Technique
The song’s main riff is played on the low E string, using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes. Here’s how to play it:
Riff Pattern
| Tablature | Notes |
|---|---|
| e | ———7———5———7——— |
| B | ———7———5———7——— |
| G | ———5———3———5——— |
| D | ———5———3———5——— |
| A | ———3———2———3——— |
| E | –0———0———0———0——— |
Playing the Riff
- Start with a slow, steady strumming pattern, focusing on the downstrokes.
- As you get comfortable, try adding some variation with upstrokes and fingerpicking.
- Pay attention to your picking hand position and angle to get a clear, crisp sound.
- Experiment with different rhythms and tempos to find the one that works best for you.
Arpeggios and Chord Tones
Throughout the song, you’ll hear arpeggios and chord tones played over the chord progression. Here’s how to play them:
Arpeggio Pattern
| Tablature | Notes |
|---|---|
| e | ———3———5———7——— |
| B | ———3———5———7——— |
| G | ———2———3———5——— |
| D | ———2———3———5——— |
| A | ———0———2———3——— |
| E | –0———0———2———3——— |
Playing the Arpeggios
- Start with the G5 chord and play the arpeggio pattern over the top of the chord.
- Focus on playing the notes in a smooth, flowing manner, using a combination of fingerpicking and strumming.
- Experiment with different rhythms and fingerpicking patterns to find the one that works best for you.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- To get the song’s distinctive sound, try using a combination of clean and distorted tones.
- Experiment with different effects pedals and settings to find the right balance of tone and distortion.
- Pay attention to your dynamics and phrasing, using the space between the notes to create a sense of tension and release.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touches to the song – "Karma Police" is all about creating a sense of atmosphere and mood.
Conclusion
Playing "Karma Police" on guitar requires a combination of technical skill, musicality, and creativity. By mastering the chords, riff, and arpeggios, and experimenting with different techniques and effects, you can create a haunting and atmospheric sound that’s true to the original. So grab your guitar, plug in, and get ready to unleash the karma police!
