Fake Plastic Trees Guitar Lesson - Radiohead

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"Fake Plastic Trees" was released in 1995 on Radiohead's second album The Bends.

Written by vocalist/guitarist Thom Yorke, "Fake Plastic Trees" is a simple melancholic masterpiece performed primarily on acoustic guitar.

In this Fake Plastic Trees guitar lesson, I will demonstrate how to play the chords to this simple yet extremely effective Radiohead hit.

The main chord progression is based around an A major chord, occasionally altering it with a suspended chord.

Thom Yorke creates a descending bass line around the A major chord that create an interesting series of chords as a result.

We will just be using simple open position chords here so nothing will probably be too problematic for you. Pay close attention to the timing of the Asus4 chord. It usually signals a coming chord change.

The second chord progression starts with a very cool Bmin11 chord. I know it sounds like it would be hard to play, but it isn't. That entire chord progression is based around just that Bmin11 and the A major chord.

I think "Fake Plastic Trees" would be great for the beginning level guitarist, or simply anyone who is a fan of the song. The fact that there is no barre chords makes this song accessible to just about any player on a technical level.

So I hope you enjoy this Radiohead classic. It truly is one of my favorite songs on the 90's.

Carl...

[mitchellgehrmann]

learnt high and dry yesterday and this today happy days

[gertvanrooy]

A few easy chords and very effective use of some sus transitions. Genius.

[anijay]

Thom Yorke is such an amazing acoustic guitarist.

[patrickswayze]

I was stuck on the "it wears me out part', I just could work out the notes but I was only missing one finger to crack it!
Thanks for sharing, great appreciated

[jeremiahgallagher]

Proof that keeping things simple can still be genius. This guy is awesome

[tungstenfil]

I've been trying this for a couple of hours and I have the bones of it. I can play along with the song in the background but can't sing along abs play yet.

Thank you very much for this tutorial, I love this song.
Steve 🤘🏻🇮🇪

[paulowens]

Not that simple, lol, but it is so effective. Thanks, you have, made it easier for me! Love your videos man.

[sherwintavarez]

Beautiful song, and the chords are so simple yet to creative and unique

[mattkirkwood]

I really like the fake out back to the A chord which feels like it's natural conclusion but at the wrong time and then the real conclusion feels very satisfying when it does happen

[aylapantswb]

oh my god! thank you so much for making this! it's so much simpler than the other websites were making it, AND it sounds better

[ryano]

Such a beautiful deep song. Truly unique.

[branvd]

Perfect. To the point. Great job. Adding text for tab and chord names so beginners can write it down could open yourself up to a wider audience. It was easy to follow. You found yourself a new fan. Keep up the good work!!

[jupiterdropsmusic]

Great song - it's simple, yet so beautiful! Thank you!

[ItamarZ]

You make learning guitar accessible and straightforward... thanks so much

[Popinazo]

Me watching this: How the f did he do that?

Him: So this is a pretty simple one.

[anthonyjaswinski]

Thanks for your lessons. Not long but informative.

[mpf]

Hey Great tutorial, i checked out three others but you explained it the best! just simple instruction without all the extra chatter a sign of a good teacher. Thanks again!

[loudrockacdc]

Haha no way, I just recently like two days ago started listening to Radiohead and this song!  Great timing man.

[perepere]

This channel is ridiculously awesome...

[neilperrin]

Just learning this great track and this lesson has helped Alot. Many thanks 👍