Q&A for How to Write Punk Rock Songs

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  • Question
    How do you write a Ramones song?
    Tanisha Hall
    Vocal Coach
    Tanisha Hall is a Vocal Coach and the Founder and Executive Director of White Hall Arts Academy, Inc. an organization based in Los Angeles, California that offers a multi-level curriculum focused on fundamental skills, technique, composition, theory, artistry, and performance at a conservatory level. Ms. Hall's current and previous students include Galimatias, Sanai Victoria, Ant Clemons, and Paloma Ford. She earned a BA in Music from the Berklee College of Music in 1998 and was a recipient of the Music Business Management Achievement Award.
    Vocal Coach
    Expert Answer
    If you want to write a song like the Ramones, listen to the Ramones! Study the song structure, lyrics, and chords. Sing along, or listen to karaoke versions of their songs and sing along to try and replicate what they're doing on their songs. This will help you internalize what the Ramones are doing in their music, which will help you replicate their style and technique with your own work.
  • Question
    Can a punk band have just a guitar and a singer?
    Community Answer
    Punk is whatever you want it to be -- you fighting authority, not bowing to it. Check out Billy Bragg for a good example of a guitar and voice doing something other than folk.
  • Question
    Can I mix a ska-style song with a metal riff?
    Community Answer
    This can turn out very successfully with the right song. There are many songs that crossover or combine two different musical styles, such as alt-rock, country-rock, or jazz fusion.
  • Question
    When playing punk bass, can I play with my fingers?
    Jelke de Jong
    Community Answer
    Yes! While the pick sound is the norm in most punk music, it's not a necessity. Using your fingers can make your band stand out from other punk bands!
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