Who is the keyboardist of Radiohead?

The keyboardist of Radiohead is Jonny Greenwood. Although he is best known as the band’s lead guitarist, Greenwood is a multi-instrumentalist whose keyboards and electronic instruments have helped shape Radiohead’s distinctive sound.

Greenwood initially joined the group’s predecessor, On a Friday, playing harmonica and keyboards. He later became the band’s lead guitarist, but continued contributing piano, organ, synthesizer, glockenspiel, programming, and the ondes Martenot. His keyboard and electronic work became especially prominent as Radiohead moved beyond conventional guitar rock.

A common mix-up is Colin Greenwood, Jonny’s older brother. Colin is Radiohead’s bassist, although he also plays keyboards and synthesizers on some material. Thom Yorke likewise plays keyboards, piano, and guitar, so “keyboardist” is an informal quiz description rather than an exclusive official role. Still, Jonny Greenwood is the standard answer when the question asks for Radiohead’s keyboardist.

Greenwood’s unusual instrumental palette is central to albums such as Kid A and Amnesiac, where synthesizers, sampling, and the ondes Martenot broadened the band’s sound beyond its early alternative-rock style.