Q&A for How to Write Punk Rock Songs

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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.

Tanisha Hall

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Question

In my punk lyrics, I'm provoking kids to bunk school and that it's a prison called `school.' Is that okay to do so?

Jaeda Mae

Community Answer

As long as you make it fun and not too serious. For example, the pink Floyd song that says 'we don't need no education' wasn't taken seriously, because the song was a hit.

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