Are you ready to unleash your inner shredder and stick it to the taxman, all while learning a killer guitar riff? Excellent! Because today, we're diving deep into how to play "Abolish the IRS" on guitar. This isn't just about learning a song; it's about mastering a rebellious anthem and adding some serious punk rock swagger to your playing. Let's get started, shall we?
Mastering "Abolish the IRS" on Guitar: A Step-by-Step Rebellion
This guide will break down "Abolish the IRS" into manageable chunks, perfect for guitarists of all levels. We'll cover everything from tuning up to nailing that iconic riff. So, grab your axe, plug in (if you're electric), and let's make some noise!
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| How To Play Abolish The Irs On Guitar |
Step 1: Gear Up and Tune In – The Foundation of Your Rebellion
Before we even touch a chord, we need to ensure our weapon of choice is ready for battle.
1.1 Choose Your Weapon: Acoustic or Electric?
While "Abolish the IRS" is often associated with a raw, electric punk sound, you can absolutely learn and play it on an acoustic guitar.
- Electric Guitar: This will give you that authentic, gritty tone. Consider a guitar with humbucker pickups for more punch.
- Acoustic Guitar: Perfectly fine for practicing the chords and strumming patterns. You might lose some of the aggressive edge, but the core song will still be there.
1.2 Get Tuned Up: The A440 Standard
This song, like most, is played in standard E tuning. This means your strings, from thickest to thinnest, should be tuned to:
- E (low E string)
- A
- D
- G
- B
- E (high E string)
Don't skip this step! An out-of-tune guitar sounds terrible and will make learning much harder. Use a digital tuner, a clip-on tuner, or even an online tuner to get it perfect.
Step 2: The Core Riff – The Heart of the Protest
"Abolish the IRS" is driven by a relatively simple yet incredibly effective punk rock riff. We'll be focusing on power chords, which are your best friends in this genre.
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
2.1 Understanding Power Chords: Your New Best Friends
Power chords are essentially two-note or three-note chords played on the lower strings, emphasizing a thick, powerful sound. They are highly versatile and relatively easy to move around the fretboard.
- How to form a basic power chord:
- Place your index finger on the root note on the E or A string.
- Place your ring finger two frets higher on the next string (A or D).
- (Optional but common) Place your pinky finger on the same fret as your ring finger, but on the string below it (D or G).
2.2 The Main Riff Breakdown: Frets and Fingers
The main riff revolves around a few key power chords played with a driving rhythm. Let's break it down:
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Chord 1: E5 Power Chord
- Place your index finger on the open Low E string (0th fret).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
- Strum these three strings.
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Chord 2: A5 Power Chord
- Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the Low E string.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the D string.
- Strum these three strings.
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Chord 3: B5 Power Chord
- Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the Low E string.
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the D string.
- Strum these three strings.
2.3 The Strumming Pattern: Down, Up, Down, Up!
Punk rock is all about aggressive, consistent downstrokes, often with some upstrokes thrown in for rhythm. For "Abolish the IRS," aim for a steady, driving rhythm.
- Start slow: Practice just the changes between E5, A5, and B5 without worrying about speed.
- Downstrokes: Focus on consistent downstrokes for each chord. This gives it that driving punk feel.
- Add upstrokes: As you get comfortable, try a down-down-up-down pattern for each chord to add more rhythm and aggression.
- Muting: Crucial for punk! Use the palm of your picking hand to lightly mute the strings near the bridge. This creates that chunky, percussive sound. Experiment with how much pressure you apply.
Step 3: Song Structure – Putting the Pieces Together
"Abolish the IRS" is typically a straightforward punk song, often following a verse-chorus structure.
3.1 The Verse Progression
The verses will primarily use the E5 and A5 power chords, often alternating between them. Pay attention to the song's specific arrangement, but generally, it will be a back-and-forth between these two.
- Example progression (listen to the song for exact timing):
- E5 (4 counts)
- A5 (4 counts)
- E5 (4 counts)
- A5 (4 counts)
- ...and repeat.
3.2 The Chorus/Main Riff Section
This is where the B5 chord often comes into play, leading into the main "Abolish the IRS!" chant.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
- Example progression:
- E5 (2 counts)
- A5 (2 counts)
- B5 (4 counts)
- (Repeat)
3.3 The Bridge (If Applicable)
Some versions might have a short bridge section that breaks from the main verse/chorus. This could involve holding a chord for a longer duration, or a slight variation in the power chord progression. Listen carefully to the version you are trying to learn.
Step 4: Adding Attitude and Speed – Unleashing the Inner Punk
Once you have the notes and rhythm down, it's time to infuse the song with the energy it demands.
4.1 Increase Your Tempo: Slowly but Surely
Don't jump straight to full speed. Use a metronome!
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- Start at a slow tempo (e.g., 60 bpm).
- Once you can play through the song flawlessly at that tempo, increase it by 5-10 bpm.
- Repeat until you reach the desired speed. Consistency over speed initially!
4.2 Palm Muting: The Secret Sauce
We touched on this earlier, but it deserves its own spotlight. Palm muting is essential for that tight, percussive punk sound.
- Rest the edge of your picking hand gently on the strings right where they meet the bridge.
- Experiment with the amount of pressure to find the sweet spot for a muted yet resonant sound.
- Too much pressure will kill the sound entirely. Too little pressure and it will sound open.
4.3 Amp Settings (for Electric Guitarists): Dialing in the Aggression
If you're playing electric, your amp settings are crucial.
- Gain/Distortion: Turn it up! This is what gives you that characteristic punk grit. Start with it around 7-8 and adjust to taste.
- Bass: Keep it solid, around 6-7.
- Mids: Often scooped (turned down) in punk to give a clearer, more aggressive tone, but experiment. Around 4-5 is a good starting point.
- Treble: Around 6-7 to ensure your notes cut through.
Remember: These are starting points. Every amp is different, so tweak until it sounds right to your ears.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Step 5: Play Along and Perform – Your Moment of Rebellion
Now for the fun part!
5.1 Play Along with the Original
Once you're comfortable with the riff and structure, put on the original track (or a live version) and play along. This is the best way to get the timing and feel right.
5.2 Practice Consistently
Like any skill, guitar playing requires dedication. Even 15-20 minutes a day of focused practice will yield significant results.
5.3 Don't Be Afraid to Get Loud!
"Abolish the IRS" is meant to be played with energy and conviction. Don't be shy – let that rebellious spirit shine through your playing!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to tune my guitar without a physical tuner?
You can use free online guitar tuners accessible via a web browser or download a tuning app on your smartphone (e.g., GuitarTuna, Fender Tune). These apps use your phone's microphone to detect the pitch.
How to make power chords sound clearer?
Ensure your fingers are pressing down firmly right behind the fret. Avoid touching adjacent strings that aren't part of the chord. Practice muting unwanted strings with the tips of your fretting fingers or the side of your picking hand.
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
How to improve my strumming rhythm?
Practice with a metronome at slow tempos. Focus on keeping your strumming hand moving consistently, even when you're not hitting the strings. Try counting out loud "one-and-two-and-three-and-four-and" as you strum.
How to increase my guitar playing speed?
Start slow with a metronome and gradually increase the tempo. Focus on accuracy at each tempo before moving up. Practice exercises that build finger strength and dexterity, like chromatic runs.
How to get a good punk rock tone on my amplifier?
Max out your gain/distortion, boost your bass and treble, and often scoop (reduce) your midrange. Experiment with different pickup selections if you have them, with bridge humbuckers typically offering the most aggressive tone.
How to mute strings effectively while playing?
Practice palm muting by resting the edge of your picking hand near the bridge. For individual string muting, use the fleshy part of your fretting fingers or the tip of your index finger to lightly touch unwanted strings.
How to learn songs by ear?
Start with simpler songs. Listen for the bass notes first, as they often outline the chord progression. Try to identify if chords are major or minor (though punk is often just power chords). Use online resources like chord charts or tabs to verify after you've made an attempt.
How to practice guitar without disturbing others?
Use headphones with an amplifier that has a headphone jack, or use an audio interface with your computer and headphones. Acoustic players can use quieter picks or practice unplugged in a sound-dampened room.
How to keep my guitar strings from hurting my fingers?
Your fingertips will develop calluses over time. In the meantime, ensure your action (string height) isn't too high. Use lighter gauge strings if you're a beginner. Take short breaks if your fingers start to hurt excessively.
How to join a band to play punk music?
Attend local open mic nights, frequent local music stores, or check online forums and social media groups dedicated to local musicians. Be open to jamming and networking with other like-minded players.
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