Punk Chords on Guitar: Power Chords and Fast Downstrokes
Punk rests on three or four chords, a fast even rhythm and energy. The base is power chords: one shape that moves along the neck. Below are the chords to take, how to play fast and how to train speed.
What is played in punk
Almost all punk harmony is power chords on the sixth, fifth and fourth strings. Three or four are enough to start: E5, A5, D5 and G5. Many classic punk songs are built on such a set. The chord shape is always the same, only the string and fret change, so the changes are quick.
Listen to a typical progression
A typical progression is E5, A5, D5, A5. These are degrees I, IV and flat VII. Press Play the progression, then play the same chords yourself, moving one shape.
Downstrokes
Eighth notes in punk are played with downstrokes only: the sound is denser and more aggressive than with alternate picking.
- Keep the wrist loose: at high tempo a tense hand tires quickly.
- Start slowly and raise the tempo only when all strokes are the same.
- Mute the strings with the palm near the bridge to get a dense, muted sound.
A metronome for building speed
Punk is usually 150-200 beats per minute, sometimes faster. Learn the riff slowly with a metronome: start at 60 percent of the target tempo and raise it by 5 beats when several rounds in a row are clean.
What to read next
How to play power chords: power chords on guitar. Picking technique: downpicking and palm muting. For more about the genre see the Punk on Guitar page in the genres section.
Try it in practice
Open chord trainer