Jonny Greenwood

Jonny Greenwood is an English musician and composer best known as the lead guitarist of Radiohead.

Jonny Greenwood is an English musician and composer best known as the lead guitarist of Radiohead. Born in Oxford on 5 November 1971, he joined Radiohead while still at school and later left university to focus on the band. Beyond his work with Radiohead, Greenwood is a multi-instrumentalist and has built a parallel career as a film and classical composer.

Early life and education

Jonny Greenwood was born in Oxford, England, in 1971 and grew up in England. He studied psychology and music at Oxford Brookes University but left after one term when he signed with EMI and focused on Radiohead.

Radiohead

Greenwood joined Radiohead while still at school and became known for his distinctive guitar work and arranging role. The band achieved major international success, and Greenwood was inducted with them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

Composition and film music

Outside Radiohead, Greenwood has composed contemporary classical works and film scores. His film credits include major award-recognized scores such as There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread and The Power of the Dog.

Musical style and instruments

Greenwood is known as a versatile multi-instrumentalist with interests in experimental and contemporary classical music. Sources note his use of instruments including the ondes Martenot, keyboard instruments, viola and harmonica.