Punk Rock

Punk Rock was started early on in the seventies with bands like The Ramones and the Sex Pistols leading the movement. Like much other Rock and Roll there was a focus on the electric guitar, small ensembles, four beat cycle, and simplified progression. However, punk took many of these elements to an extreme level.

Punk has always been known specifically because it has some of the most simple progressions of all, almost always staying in the I IV and V chords. They not only use the four beat cycle, but also always keep it going, with drummers never letting off eighth notes. Though the emphasis on singing may seem like it is less, the genre survives off simple catchy hooks, also usually with an emphasis on fast eighth notes.

All of this can be demonstrated in the very famous song "I Wanna Be Sedated" by The Ramones.

0:00 The song starts in with a simple guitar line and the drums start a basic pattern using constant eighth notes. The pattern changes slightly but the eighth note backing is there for the rest of the song.

0:03 The first vocal line starts. One of very few in the song, which focuses on short hooks.

0:17 The second vocal melody starts.

0:54 The "guitar solo" of the song which features only one note begins.

1:08 Key change!

2:04 The last vocal change is introduced.