Jonny Greenwood life and biography

Jonny Greenwood is the lead guitarist in the British alternative band Radiohead from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England. He also plays piano, organ, viola, synths, Glockenspiel, harmonica and the Ondes Martenot, among a host of other devices used to enhance the soundscape of many Radiohead songs. Years active since 1985.

He also uses modular synthesizers, a Korg Kaoss Pad, and a laptop (for voice clips/modulation) on newer tracks. Jonny is one of the most prominent users of the Ondes Martenot, an early electronic musical instrument with a keyboard and slide. Jonny uses the Ondes Martenot on the soundtrack to the film Bodysong.

Apart from his work with Radiohead, Greenwood is also a composer and has produced several neo-classical works as part of his tenure as the BBC’s composer-in-residence. He also composed the soundtracks to the films Bodysong (2003), There Will Be Blood (2007) and Norwegian Wood (2010).

Greenwood has inspired many with his guitar playing and style. He is also known for his aggressive guitar playing style. Guitarists such as Russell Lissack of the English rock band Bloc Party and many others count Greenwood as an influence. Greenwood was also ranked number 60 in Rolling Stone magazine's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" When Rolling Stone Magazine updated their list in November 2011, Greenwood's rank had jumped to number 48.

On the last date of Radiohead's summer 2008 tour with Grizzly Bear in support, Greenwood spoke of his love for them on stage, saying they are his "favourite band in the world". Greenwood has also stated that John McGeoch is one of his favourite guitarists. He said: "no guitarist inspired me more than John McGeoch".

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