Drum Shorts: Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Drum Groove Transcription)

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Introduction

“Pyramid Song” by Radiohead, from the album Amnesiac (2001), showcases the band’s distinctive sound through its hypnotic and evocative soundscape. The composition, written by Thom Yorke, features a unique rhythmic structure, impressionist harmony, and layered instrumentation that create an immersive listening experience. Drummer Philip Selway provides a jazz-oriented groove that drives the track and enhances its reflective mood. His playing adds a gentle texture, complementing Thom Yorke’s emotive vocals. These elements make “Pyramid Song” one of Radiohead’s outstanding compositions.

Rhythmic Structure

Despite the unconventional rhythmic structure, the time signature is 4/4. The main piano rhythm is subdivided as 3+3+4+3+3. This is similar to what we can informally call “bossa nova clave,” with a recognizable 8th-note swing feel. The second figure below shows an intriguing analysis that connects the song’s rhythm and title, all coming together in a pyramid shape.

radiohead pyramid song rhythm analysis — © Jeevanrai

Drum Groove

Philip Selway initially found it difficult to follow the rhythm and felt the recording session was going badly. However, everything changed when he ceased overanalyzing the rhythm and began to connect with the nuances in Yorke’s piano and vocals, allowing the drum part to “fall into place.”

The piano chords are supported by the drummer with the bass drum and snare. The only exception is the accent on beat 2 of the second measure. The ride cymbal pattern complements the bass drum and snare part—it can be subdivided as 3+2+3: a 3/4 pattern, a 2/4, and then another 3/4. This creates an over-the-barline pattern against the main rhythm. The left-foot hi-hat is optional—even if it is not audible in the recording, it can be used to enhance the groove.

At the end of each four-bar phrase, Selway plays a drum fill. The first one starts on beat 3, as shown in the figure below. The second, closing the eight-bar period, starts on beat 2 and adds toms—opening the next section with majesty and elegance.