If you’re a guitar-based musician looking for an easy way to get into the iconic punk rock sound of the Ramones, then you’ve come to the right place!
The Ramones were a legendary American punk rock band that formed in New York City in 1974.
They are often cited as the first true punk band and their influence on the punk rock genre can still be heard today.
With their simple, three-chord songs and catchy melodies, the Ramones created a sound that was both accessible and powerful.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of 15 easy Ramones songs to play on guitar, complete with tabs to make it even easier.
So, if you’re looking to add some classic punk rock to your repertoire, look no further!
Table of Contents
- 15. “Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment”
- 14. “Do You Wanna Dance?”
- 13. “We’re A Happy Family”
- 12. “Cretin Hop”
- 11. “It’s Not My Place In The 9 To 5 World”
- 10. “Beat On The Brat”
- 9. “I Just Want To Have Something To Do”
- 8. “The KKK Took My Baby Away”
- 7. “Do You Remember Rock N Roll Radio?”
- 6. “Hey Ho Let’s Go (Ramones)”
- 5. “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker”
- 4. “I Wanna Be Sedated”
- 3. “Judy Is a Punk”
- 2. “Rockaway Beach”
- 1. “Blitzkrieg Bop”
15. “Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment”
“Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment” is a punk rock classic from the Ramones.
The song was released on the band’s second studio album, Leave Home, in 1977.
It is a fast-paced, energetic track that captures the band’s signature sound and energy.
The song features the Ramones’ signature three-chord power chords and high-energy drumming.
The lyrics are simple and to the point, with the chorus repeating the title phrase.
The song is seen as a classic example of punk rock’s influence on the music of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Green Day, The Offspring, and The Vandals.
The Ramones were one of the most influential bands of the punk rock era, and “Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment” is a perfect example of their unique sound and style.
14. “Do You Wanna Dance?”
The Ramones’ classic hit “Do You Wanna Dance?” is a timeless classic that has been covered by a variety of artists and remains a popular song to this day.
The band, which formed in 1974, was one of the first to pioneer a style of punk rock that influenced a generation of musicians and fans.
The song was released as a single in 1978 and was featured on their fourth studio album, Road to Ruin.
It was written by Bobby Freeman and is a cover of the same name by Cliff Richard.
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The Ramones’ version of the song has a more upbeat, punk-rock feel, with the lyrics being about a young man asking a girl to dance.
The song is characterized by its fast tempo, simple chord progression, and catchy chorus.
The Ramones’ influence on the punk-rock genre is undeniable, and this song is a great example of their impact.
It is a classic that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
13. “We’re A Happy Family”
The Ramones’ song “We’re a Happy Family” is an iconic punk anthem that celebrates the unique bond of family.
Written by the band’s lead singer Joey Ramone, the song was released in 1977 on their third studio album, Rocket to Russia.
The Ramones were a pioneering punk rock band from Queens, New York, who are credited with creating the genre.
The song is a fast-paced, upbeat track that captures the spirit of punk with its loud, distorted guitars and driving drums.
The lyrics are simple and to the point, but they express the joy of being part of a family.
Joey’s signature vocal style is instantly recognizable and his delivery of the chorus is particularly memorable.
The song has become a classic and is still performed live by the band’s surviving members.
It’s a timeless reminder of the power of family and the importance of celebrating our relationships with those closest to us.
12. “Cretin Hop”
The Ramones’ song “Cretin Hop” is a classic punk rock anthem, released on their 1977 album Rocket to Russia.
The song is a fast-paced, upbeat track that features the signature Ramones sound of simple, catchy riffs and lyrics.
The song is about a group of misfits who are outcasts from the mainstream, and it celebrates their individuality and refusal to conform to societal norms.
The lyrics are full of clever wordplay and references to popular culture, and the song is often seen as an anthem for punk rockers and outsiders.
The Ramones were an American punk rock band that formed in 1974 in New York City.
They are widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of punk rock, and their music has had a lasting influence on the punk and alternative rock genres.
The Ramones were known for their fast, energetic songs, their unique style of dress, and their irreverent attitude. “Cretin Hop” is a perfect example of the Ramones’ signature sound, and it is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by punk rock fans around the world.
11. “It’s Not My Place In The 9 To 5 World”
The Ramones’ song “It’s Not My Place In The 9 To 5 World” is a classic punk anthem that speaks to the struggles of the working class.
The song was released on the band’s fourth album, Road to Ruin, in 1978.
The Ramones were an American punk rock band formed in 1974 in New York City, and they are often cited as the first punk rock group.
The song’s lyrics are about an individual’s desire to break free from the monotony of the typical nine-to-five job, and it is an anthem for those who want to live life on their own terms.
Musically, the song is characterized by its fast-paced, high-energy sound, with Joey Ramone’s signature vocals and Johnny Ramone’s iconic guitar riffs.
The song is a classic example of the Ramones’ punk rock sound, and it has been covered by several other bands over the years.
It’s a timeless classic that speaks to the struggles of the working class and their desire to break free from the constraints of the everyday grind.
10. “Beat On The Brat”
“Beat On The Brat” by the Ramones is an iconic punk rock classic that has been covered by many artists since its release in 1976.
The Ramones were an American punk rock band that formed in 1974 in Queens, New York.
They are often cited as the first punk rock group and their influence on the genre is undeniable.
“Beat On The Brat” is a fast-paced, energetic song that was written by the band’s lead singer, Joey Ramone, and released as a single from their second album, Leave Home.
The song is about a bratty kid who is causing trouble and the narrator’s desire to beat him up.
The song’s lyrics are tongue-in-cheek and humorous, but the music is intense and raw.
It is a perfect example of the Ramones’ signature sound and has become one of their most beloved songs.
9. “I Just Want To Have Something To Do”
The Ramones’ 1978 song “I Just Want To Have Something To Do” is a classic punk anthem that captures the energy and attitude of the band.
The song is a perfect example of the Ramones’ signature sound, with its fast-paced, driving guitars, and Joey Ramone’s signature nasal-voiced vocals.
The lyrics of the song express the frustration of being young and bored, and the desire to find something to do.
The Ramones were one of the first bands to bring punk music to the mainstream, and their influence can still be heard in modern punk bands.
The song was featured on their third album, Road to Ruin, and has become a fan favorite over the years.
The Ramones were known for their unapologetic and often humorous lyrics, and this song is no exception.
The song is a great example of the Ramones’ ability to capture the spirit of punk and make it accessible to a wider audience.
8. “The KKK Took My Baby Away”
“The KKK Took My Baby Away” by the Ramones is a classic punk rock song that was released in 1981.
The song was written by the band’s lead guitarist Johnny Ramone, and is one of the few Ramones songs to feature lead vocals by bassist Dee Dee Ramone.
The song is about Dee Dee’s ex-girlfriend, who left him for another man, and the lyrics imply that the man in question was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
The song has become a fan favorite, and is often cited as one of the Ramones’ best songs.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including The Offspring, The Misfits, and The Vandals.
The song is also featured on the Ramones’ album Pleasant Dreams, which was released in 1981.
The Ramones were one of the most influential punk bands of the 1970s and 1980s, and their music has had a lasting impact on the punk and alternative rock genres.
7. “Do You Remember Rock N Roll Radio?”
“Do You Remember Rock N Roll Radio?” by the Ramones is an iconic punk rock anthem that captures the spirit of the genre.
Released in 1980, the song was the first single from their fourth studio album, End of the Century.
The Ramones were one of the most influential bands of the punk rock movement, and their songwriting style was a major influence on other punk bands.
The song is an ode to the days of rock ‘n’ roll radio, when bands like the Ramones were played on the radio and people could discover new music.
The lyrics are a nostalgic look back at the days when rock ‘n’ roll was the dominant form of music, and the band expresses their frustration at the fact that it is no longer as popular as it once was.
The song is an anthem for the punk rock movement, and it has become an enduring classic.
It is a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and to create a sense of community.
6. “Hey Ho Let’s Go (Ramones)”
“Hey Ho Let’s Go (Ramones)” by Ramones is a classic punk anthem that has been inspiring generations of rockers since it was first released in 1979.
The song is credited with helping to launch the punk rock movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Ramones, the band behind the song, were a New York-based quartet of punk rockers who formed in 1974 and quickly gained a cult following.
The group was known for their fast-paced, three-chord songs and their signature leather jackets and ripped jeans.
“Hey Ho Let’s Go (Ramones)” is a perfect example of the band’s style, with its simple yet powerful lyrics and driving beat.
It was an instant hit and remains one of the most recognizable punk anthems of all time.
It has been covered by numerous bands over the years, and is still played regularly at punk shows and festivals.
The Ramones’ influence on the punk rock genre is undeniable, and this song is a perfect example of why they remain one of the most influential bands in the history of rock and roll.
5. “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker”
“Sheena Is a Punk Rocker” by the Ramones is a classic punk rock anthem that has been inspiring generations since its release in 1977.
The song was written by the band’s lead singer, Joey Ramone, and is one of the most recognizable songs in the Ramones’ catalogue.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including Joan Jett and Green Day, and was even featured in the movie Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.
The song is a celebration of punk culture and the freedom it brings, with lyrics that describe Sheena as a girl who doesn’t care what other people think and is unafraid to express her individuality.
Musically, the song is fast-paced and energetic, with a driving beat and simple, catchy guitar riffs.
It has been credited with helping to popularize punk rock and inspiring a whole generation of punk musicians.
It remains a beloved classic to this day and is a testament to the Ramones’ enduring legacy.
4. “I Wanna Be Sedated”
“I Wanna Be Sedated” by Ramones is a classic punk rock anthem that has been covered by many artists since its release in 1978.
It was written by the band’s lead singer, Joey Ramone, and is one of the most recognizable songs from the band’s repertoire.
The song is about feeling overwhelmed by life and wanting to escape it, and the lyrics are simple and direct.
The song is driven by a fast, driving beat and a catchy guitar riff, and the chorus is instantly recognizable.
It has become an anthem for punk rock fans around the world and has been featured in films, television shows, and video games.
It has also been used in commercials and has been covered by artists ranging from Green Day to U2.
The Ramones were one of the most influential punk rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s, and “I Wanna Be Sedated” is a testament to their legacy.
3. “Judy Is a Punk”
The Ramones are an iconic punk rock band from the 1970s, and “Judy Is a Punk” is one of their most recognizable songs.
The track was released as the B-side to their debut single, “Blitzkrieg Bop,” in 1976.
The song is a fast-paced and energetic punk rock anthem, with simple and straightforward lyrics that focus on the title character, Judy.
The song is a tribute to the punk movement of the time, and it has become a classic in the punk rock genre.
Musically, the song is driven by the classic Ramones sound, with its fast and aggressive guitar riffs, pounding drums, and quick, punchy vocal delivery.
The Ramones were known for their stripped-down sound, and “Judy Is a Punk” exemplifies this approach.
The song has been covered by a number of artists over the years, and it has been featured in a variety of films and television shows.
It remains a classic of the punk rock genre and a testament to the influence of the Ramones.
2. “Rockaway Beach”
“Rockaway Beach” by the Ramones is a classic punk anthem that captures the essence of the band’s sound.
Written by band members Dee Dee Ramone and Johnny Ramone, the song was released in 1977 on the band’s third studio album, Rocket to Russia.
The song is an ode to the titular beach located in Queens, New York, and it has become a staple of the band’s live shows.
The Ramones’ fast-paced, three-chord punk sound is perfectly showcased on this track, with its driving drum beat and catchy chorus.
The lyrics are simple and direct, but they capture the spirit of the beach and the youthful energy of the band’s fans.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Beach Boys, and it has become a classic of the punk genre.
It is a testament to the Ramones’ influence that a song about a beach in Queens has become so beloved by generations of music fans.
1. “Blitzkrieg Bop”
“Blitzkrieg Bop” by the Ramones is an iconic punk rock song that has become a staple of the genre.
Released in 1976, it was the lead single from the Ramones’ self-titled debut album, and it has become one of the most recognizable and beloved punk songs of all time.
Written by the band’s guitarist and songwriter, Johnny Ramone, the song is a fast-paced, upbeat, and energetic anthem that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of punk music.
The song’s lyrics are a call to arms, urging listeners to “shoot ’em in the back now” and “what they want, I don’t know”.
The song’s title is a reference to the German term for “lightning war”, and the song’s militaristic tone is a nod to the band’s love of war movies.
The song has been covered by numerous bands, including Green Day and U2, and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
The Ramones were one of the most influential punk bands of all time, and “Blitzkrieg Bop” is a testament to their legacy.
More than 10 years of experience playing and writing about guitars! When not writing, I can be found strumming away some Johnny Cash tunes. Favorite all time guitar is the Gibson Les Paul. #TeamGibson
