Introduction
As a guitar teacher in Cambridge, I’ve found that unlocking the raw energy of Punk and New Wave is a powerful way to ignite a student’s musical journey through easy-to-learn riffs and songs. Before these genres exploded onto the scene in 1976-77, pioneers like The Velvet Underground, Iggy Pop, The Kinks and early ska artists laid the groundwork for what would come. When Punk and New Wave emerged, it swept through the music world as a much-needed breath of fresh air, challenging the dominance of Progressive Rock bands like Yes and Genesis. With its raw energy, DIY ethos, and rebellious spirit, Punk quickly captured the imagination of disaffected youth. Stripping rock music down to its basics—a handful of chords, short songs, and incendiary lyrics—Punk became the perfect outlet for a generation eager to challenge the status quo. As Punk’s initial wave began to ebb, New Wave took its place, bringing diverse influences and a polished, yet still rebellious, sound to the mainstream. This movement shaped future genres like grunge, pop-punk, indie rock, and even 2000s pop.
Key Bands: Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Undertones, Blondie, The Jam, Buzzcocks
Musical Features
As a guitar and bass teacher in Cambridge, I’ve seen firsthand how much there is to learn from Punk and New Wave, with impressive, yet, achievable guitar parts. Punk music is known for its power chords, punchy, distorted guitars, and raw, unrefined vocals. Most punk songs rely on simple, fast-paced chord progressions—often based on the I-IV-V structure—making them an excellent starting point for beginner guitarists and bassists. The lyrics are direct and confrontational, often addressing themes like political dissent, social alienation, and anti-establishment attitudes.
New Wave evolved from Punk, bringing a more polished and experimental sound. While retaining the basic structures of Punk, New Wave introduced more complex harmonies, using a mix of major and minor keys with a broader range of chords. Bass lines became more melodic and funk-influenced, and keyboards added new layers of texture. The production also became more sophisticated, providing a rich contrast to Punk’s raw simplicity. For any musician learning the guitar, New Wave offers an exciting opportunity to explore a broader range of styles and techniques that can develop you as a player
Essential Chords and Scales
To get started with Punk and New Wave, focus on mastering these skills:
- Power & Bar Chords: Learn these shapes up and down the neck. Once you’ve got them down, move on to E and A shape bar chords. These are foundational for many songs in the genre
Here are the string set one and two power chords, with the root notes marked in orange
Tab of the power chords – 5th_Chords
Here are the E and A shape bar chords
Tab of the Bar Chords – Download
- Minor Pentatonic Scale (Shape One): This scale is the foundation for many solos.
Tab of this scale – Download
- One-Octave Major and Minor Scale Boxes are often used in riffs and scale runs.
Major Scale boxes – Download
Minor Scale boxes – Download
- String Set Four Chords: These chords will elevate your rhythm playing. They’re often played with a staccato technique, so practicing that will be beneficial.
- Major Scale Diads: Learning these on the top two strings will prepare you for many lead guitar parts and riffs, this technique is also called playing double stops.
Tracks to Start With
Here are some great tracks that you can start learning today.
- “Love Will Tear Us Apart” – Joy Division
You’ll learn single-note riffs and open power chords in this simplified version. It’s a great song if you’re just starting out, Noel Gallagher says it was the first song he learned to play.
- “Three Girl Rhumba” – Wire
In this track, you’ll learn the moveable E shape bar chord in loads of positions up the neck, and an infectious chord riff that uses a staccato rhythm
- “Teenage Kicks” – The Undertones
So good John Peel played it twice in a row on his radio show. The track uses full bar chords and power chords throughout with the driving rhythm. There is a great solo in this one that’s loosely based around the minor pentatonic scale.
- “London Calling” – The Clash
This one is possibly the high point of the era and a must for any fan. This one is a real rhythm guitar workout, employing string set four chords, staccato rhythms and ska-influenced muted chops, and a backward guitar solo.
- “See No Evil” – Television
What I like to call angular guitar playing, with the double-stop riff and arpeggiated chord part.
- “Pretty Vacant” – Sex Pistols
Again one of the era’s high points, with its battle call-like opening riff and drum part, the song then kicks through some brilliant driving rhythm parts and call-and-response lead lines. Here we have the iconic opening riff tabbed.
Get in Touch
Have fun learning these tunes! If you’re looking to take your playing further, I teach all the songs mentioned in this guide and many more. Whether you’re in Cambridge or prefer online lessons, I’m here to help you reach your musical goals. Check you the fetures below, key albums, essentials playlist, and film guide.
Key Albums
1: Never Mind the B***ocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols
Guitarist: Steve Jones
Bassist: Steve Jones & Glen Matlock
Date: 1977
Key Tracks: “Anarchy in the U.K.,” “God Save the Queen,” “Pretty Vacant”
2: London Calling by The Clash
Guitarist: Mick Jones & Joe Strummer
Bassist: Paul Simonon
Date: 1979
Key Tracks: “London Calling,” “Train in Vain,” “Clampdown”
3: Parallel Lines by Blondie
Guitarist: Chris Stein & Frank Infante
Bassist: Nigel Harrison
Date: 1978
Key Tracks: “Heart of Glass,” “One Way or Another,” “Hanging on the Telephone”
4: Marquee Moon by Television
Guitarist: Tom Verlaine & Richard Lloyd
Bassist: Fred Smith
Date: 1977
Key Tracks: “Marquee Moon,” “See No Evil,” “Friction”
5: Sound Affects by The Jam
Guitarist: Paul Weller
Bassist: Bruce Foxton
Date: 1980
Key Tracks: “Start!,” “That’s Entertainment,” “Pretty Green”
Playlist
- “God Save The Queen” – The Sex Pistols (1977)
- “London Calling” – The Clash (1979)
- “Hanging on the Telephone” – Blondie (1978)
- “See No Evil” – Television (1977)
- “I Don’t Want to Go to Chelsea” – Elvis Costello (1978)
- “Cool for Cats” – Squeeze (1979)
- “Teenage Kicks” – The Undertones (1978)
- “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t)” – Buzzcocks (1978)
- “Three Girl Rhumba” – Wire (1977)
- “Another Girl, Another Planet” – The Only Ones (1978)
- “Love Will Tear Us Apart” – Joy Division (1980)
- “Hong Kong Garden” – Siouxsie and The Banshees (1978)
- “Psycho Killer” – Talking Heads (1977)
- “Cruel to Be Kind” – Nick Lowe (1979)
- “A New England” – Billy Bragg (1983)
- “Town Called Malice” – The Jam (1982)
- “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” – Joe Jackson (1979)
- “Just What I Needed” – The Cars (1978)
- “New Rose” – The Damned (1977)
- “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick” – Ian Dury & The Blockheads (1978)
- “Peaches” – The Stranglers (1977)
Here are some recommendations for videos and films:
- Punk Britannia, 2012: This in-depth documentary from the BBC’s Britannia series delves into the history of the punk movement.
- Good Vibrations, 2012: Discover the inspiring story of a record shop and label that nurtured a thriving music scene in Northern Ireland during turbulent times.
- Songs That Changed Music: Hong Kong Garden – Siouxsie and the Banshees: This episode from the excellent Produce Like a Pro explores the iconic track and its impact. It’s a must-watch for music enthusiasts.
- Albums That Changed Music: London Calling: Also well worth a watch
Summary
Punk and New Wave exploded onto the music scene in the late ’70s, laying the groundwork for countless genres that followed. As a Cambridge guitar teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how exploring these vibrant styles can ignite students’ passion for music. For budding guitarists and bass players, learning Punk and New Wave offers a powerful way to develop their skills and immerse themselves in a diverse and exciting musical tradition. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your repertoire, these genres provide a vibrant and inspiring journey through music history.
If you would like guitar, bass and instrument lessons in Cambridge or online get in touch via the link below.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.