Radioactive
by Imagine Dragons
Album: Night Visions
Released: 2012
Genre: Alternative Rock/Indie Rock
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
BeginnerRhythm
BeginnerLead
BeginnerBass
BeginnerMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding B minor:
B minor has a darker, more introspective character. The Aeolian (Natural Minor) mode creates tension and emotion. This key is perfect for expressing melancholy or aggressive themes in rock music.
Pro Tip: Power chords (5ths) work exceptionally well in this key for rock/metal, as they avoid the major/minor quality and focus on raw power.
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in B minor
B natural minor
Notes: B - C# - D - E - F# - G - A - B
Application: Primary scale for melody and harmony throughout the song
Fretboard Pattern
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
Four-chord minor progression cycling through Bm-D-A-E, creating a cinematic, anthemic feel with the unexpected IV chord (E major) adding brightness
Theory Insight:
This progression creates a specific harmonic movement that defines the song's emotional character. Understanding the relationship between these chords helps in improvisation and songwriting.
Chord Shapes Used:
Bm
D
A
E
Harmonic Functions:
- Bm (i):Tonic minor, establishes the dark, brooding center of the song
- D (III):Relative major, brightens the harmony and provides lift
- A (VII):Subtonic major chord, creates openness and momentum
Key Techniques
Power Chord Strumming
BeginnerSteady, rhythmic power chord strumming that forms the backbone of the song, alternating between muted ghost strums and open hits
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
Bm - D - A - E
Tips:
- • Keep strumming hand moving in constant eighth-note motion even when muting
- • Use ghost strums (muted strings) to maintain rhythm during chord changes
- • Start with simplified chord shapes if barre chords are too difficult
- • Focus on the dynamic contrast between verse and chorus
Dynamic Contrast
BeginnerThe signature element of this song is the dramatic shift from quiet, restrained verses to explosive, powerful choruses
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
Bm - D - A - E (all sections)
Tips:
- • Practice the volume transition separately before combining with chord changes
- • Use picking hand position (neck vs bridge) to control tone and volume
- • The contrast is more important than the absolute volume level
- • Record yourself to check that the dynamic range is audible
Palm Muting
BeginnerLight palm muting during verse sections creates a percussive, contained sound that contrasts with the open chorus
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
Bm - D - A - E (verse sections)
Tips:
- • The palm mute should soften the sound, not kill it completely
- • Practice finding the sweet spot where notes are dampened but still audible
- • Keep the wrist relaxed to avoid tension during extended palm-muted sections
- • Combine with lighter strumming for maximum verse-chorus contrast
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of B minor. Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Intro
0:00-0:25Rhythm Palm Muting Exercise
Atmospheric opening with light percussive guitar and electronic elements establishing the Bm tonality before the vocals enter
Rhythm Palm Muting Exercise
- • Guitar enters subtly beneath electronic percussion
- • Keep strumming very light and controlled
- • Establish the rhythmic pattern that continues into the verse
Verse
0:25-0:50Rhythm Palm Muting Exercise
Quiet, restrained strumming over Bm-D-A-E with vocal melody carrying the section; guitar stays in the background
Rhythm Palm Muting Exercise
- • Play softly to leave room for the vocal melody
- • Use light palm muting for a contained, percussive feel
- • Keep strumming pattern consistent but quiet
Pre-Chorus
0:50-1:05Chord Voicing Exercise
Transitional section where dynamic intensity gradually increases, building anticipation for the powerful chorus
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Gradually increase strumming strength through this section
- • Release palm muting as you approach the chorus
- • Feel the energy building with each measure
Chorus
1:05-1:30Power Chord Movement Exercise
Explosive, full-volume strumming of the same Bm-D-A-E progression now played with maximum attack and open ringing chords
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • This is where the song explodes - play with full conviction
- • Let all strings ring out without any palm muting
- • Use strong downstrokes mixed with up-strums for fullness
Bridge
2:05-2:25Chord Voicing Exercise
Brief bridge section with sustained chord hits and space, providing a moment of tension before the final chorus
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Sparser strumming with more space between chord hits
- • Let chords sustain and ring out
- • Creates tension through the reduced harmonic rhythm
Outro
2:40-3:06Chord Voicing Exercise
Final repetition of the chorus progression that gradually fades with the chord cycle continuing to the end
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Maintain chorus energy initially
- • Gradually reduce intensity as the song fades
- • Final chord can be allowed to ring out and sustain
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Recommended:
Any electric guitar with humbuckers
Pickup Type:
Humbucker or single coil - clean to slight overdrive tone
Alternatives:
- • Acoustic guitar (works well for stripped-down version)
- • Electric guitar with single coils
- • Acoustic-electric guitar
Amplifier
Recommended:
Settings:
Gain: 3 (mostly clean with slight edge)
Treble: 6 (bright but not harsh)
Middle: 5 (balanced midrange)
Bass: 5 (moderate low end)
Presence: 5 (natural presence)
Alternatives:
- • Fender Blues Junior
- • Vox AC15
- • Any clean-channel amp with slight breakup
Effects
Distortion:
Light overdrive for chorus sections only
Reverb:
Light room reverb for ambiance
Other:
Optional chorus or delay for atmospheric texture
Learning Path
Time Estimate: 1-2 weeks
- • Learn open D, A, and E chord shapes - these are standard beginner chords
- • Practice the Bm barre chord or use a simplified two-finger power chord shape
- • Work on transitioning between all four chords smoothly at a slow tempo
- • Develop a consistent eighth-note down-up strumming pattern
Time Estimate: 2-3 weeks
- • Practice playing the verse softly with palm muting technique
- • Work on the explosive transition from pre-chorus to chorus
- • Develop control over strumming dynamics from quiet to loud
- • Play along with the recording to match the feel and timing
Time Estimate: 3-4 weeks
- • Dial in the amp and effects settings for authentic tone
- • Add subtle ghost strums and rhythmic variations to the strumming pattern
- • Practice seamless transitions between all song sections
- • Perform the complete song from memory with accurate dynamics
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Playing the verse too loud - the quiet-loud contrast is the heart of this song
- • Rushing chord changes and losing the steady 68 BPM tempo
- • Neglecting palm muting in the verse, making all sections sound the same
- • Struggling with the Bm barre chord and breaking rhythm during the change
Practice Routine
- • Warm up with the four-chord cycle (Bm-D-A-E) at 50 BPM for 5 minutes
- • Practice palm muting on each chord individually for a clean dampened sound
- • Work on the dynamic shift: play 4 bars soft then 4 bars loud, alternating
- • Play through the full song structure with the recording at least twice
Focus Areas
- • Clean chord transitions, especially to and from Bm barre chord
- • Steady eighth-note strumming rhythm without speeding up or slowing down
- • Dynamic control between whisper-quiet verses and powerful choruses
- • Palm muting technique for controlled, percussive verse tone
Metronome Work
- • Start at 50 BPM with quarter-note chord changes to build muscle memory
- • Increase to 68 BPM (song tempo) with full eighth-note strumming pattern
- • Practice the pre-chorus crescendo with metronome to keep tempo steady during buildup
- • Work on chord changes at 80 BPM to build comfort above song tempo