Creep Chords: Radiohead

"Creep" by Radiohead, released in 1992, uses four chords that move in an unusual chromatic pattern through G major. G-B-C-Cm. The B major in the second slot is borrowed from outside the key, which creates the song's restless, off-balance feel. The chord progression is so distinctive that you can name it from a single change.

The Chords

• G major (open)
• B major (barre at 2nd fret with A-shape, or B7 as a substitute)
• C major (open)
• Cm (barre at 3rd fret with Em-shape, or partial barre)

The progression: G-B-C-Cm, repeated for verse and chorus. The B and Cm chords give the song its distinctive harmonic motion.

The B Major Chord

B major is the V chord of E minor (the relative minor of G). Its presence in a G-major song is what classical theory calls a secondary dominant. The chord pulls toward Em, but the song moves to C instead, creating a sense of unresolved tension.

If the full B barre is too much, B7 substitutes well. The 7th adds a slightly different flavor but the harmonic function is the same.

The Cm Chord

The Cm at the end is borrowed from G minor. It creates the descending half-step from C to Cm to G that gives the song its melancholy slide.

For Cm, you can use a barre at the 3rd fret with an Am shape on top. Or use a partial barre. The chord is a quick passing change so even an imperfect Cm works.

The Strumming Pattern

Down-down-up-up-down-up at about 92 BPM. The verse is quiet; the chorus is louder and more aggressive. Use dynamics, not just volume, to mark the transition.

The Famous Lead Lick

Jonny Greenwood's lead guitar plays a stabbing rhythm on three notes that punctuates the chord changes. For solo acoustic, you can ignore the lead and just strum.

Common Mistakes

• Substituting Bm for B major. The major chord is the whole point. Bm sounds wrong.
• Skipping the Cm. The Cm is what makes the song sound like Creep. Without it, the progression is just G-B-C.
• Treating verse and chorus the same. The chorus needs more energy. Strum harder. Hit the strings differently.

FAQ: Creep Questions

What key is "Creep" in?

G major (with borrowed chords from G minor). The G is the home chord but the harmonic motion borrows freely from outside the key.

Is "Creep" hard for beginners?

The G and C are easy. The B and Cm require barre chords or substitutions. Plan for some hand strength work.

Can I use B7 instead of B major?

Yes. B7 is much easier (no barre) and substitutes well in this song. The vibe is slightly different but the song still works.

What's the chord progression?

I-III-IV-iv in G major. G-B-C-Cm. The III (B major) and the iv (Cm) are borrowed chords that give the song its character.

Why does the song sound so off-balance?

Because the B major and the Cm both sit outside the key of G major. The harmony keeps stepping away from home and stepping back. That tension is the song.