Can I Just Learn the Basics of Chords and Genres to Make Punk Music? You Don’t Need Formal Music Theory
Creating punk music doesn’t require an overarching understanding of all music theory. For those with a low IQ or a fear of complex concepts, the idea of saturation with music theory can seem daunting. However, the essence of punk lies in rawness, a sense of chaos, and a focus on feeling over technical prowess. This article explores the intersection of music theory and punk, and explains why you don’t need to dive deep into formal theory to start making great punk music.
Understanding Punk
Punk music is about breaking traditions and pushing boundaries. The Raincoats, a prominent punk band, were famously quoted as having their music described by Greil Marcus: "the process of punk… the move from enormous feeling combined with very limited technique—more to the point enormous feeling unleashed by the first stirrings of very limited technique."
This description encapsulates the raw, unstructured, and emotional nature of punk music. As Iggy Pop, the frontman of The Stooges, once said, "the difference between us and other bands is they try to control what they play." This sentiment highlights the anti-establishment and unrefined character of punk, which is often seen as a rebellion against traditional music forms and structures.
The Challenges of Playing Punk
While punk encourages a certain level of rawness and lack of discipline, there are inherent challenges that come with this approach. Here are two significant issues:
Improvement through Practice: No matter how raw or unstructured you begin, playing consistently will improve your technique over time. Through constant repetition, everything you do becomes more precise and orderly. This means you can unknowingly transition from the fringe to the mainstream as your skills evolve.
Listening to Influences: In order to play punk music effectively, you must immerse yourself in the genre. This involves listening to and studying the music of other punk bands. Since music theory is crucial in understanding the elements of a particular style and how they’re constructed, this quickly defeats the purpose of punk's raw, unrefined nature.
When punk becomes mainstream, it often loses its raw and rebellious character, and this phenomenon is well-documented. Bands that start in the punk scene may evolve into more polished, marketable acts, gradually losing their initial edge.
Key Elements for Punk Music
Two vital components for punk are:
Barre Chords: Essential for punk rock, barre chords can be mastered with minimal knowledge of open chords. Many punk musicians can get away with using only their index and ring fingers to play these chords, emphasizing the simplicity and rawness required in punk.
Chord Progressions and Genre-Specific Sounds: Punk music, like any genre, relies on specific chords and sounds to define its character. While these elements can be learned through formal music theory, they can also be discovered through practice and experimentation. Ultimately, the goal is to understand what works and what doesn’t, rather than reaching a deep theoretical understanding.
Formal music theory can provide specific rules and patterns, but it is not a necessity for creating punk music. Many legendary musicians, including those in the punk genre, have internalized these principles without ever formally studying them. They have developed an intuitive understanding of harmony and chord progressions through experience and practice.
Learning Music Theory for Punk
Music theory is a broad field, and while it addresses questions about what notes sound good together and why, it is not entirely necessary to master it for punk music. Here are a few ways to learn:
Practical Application: Listen to and play punk music. Experiment with different chord progressions and sounds until you find what resonates with you. This hands-on approach allows you to develop a practical understanding of what works and what doesn’t.
Mathematical Understanding: Learn about the harmonic series and how it applies to chords and scales. This can provide a deeper mathematical understanding but may not be as necessary for punk music.
Historical Context: Study the history and evolution of punk music. Understanding the context and influences of early punk bands can help you incorporate the right elements into your own music.
Ultimately, the goal is to create music that resonates with you and your audience. Formal music theory can be a valuable tool, but it is not a requirement. As long as you are true to the spirit of punk—raw, emotional, and unstructured—you will be well on your way to creating great punk music.