The Power of the Chords: Johnny Ramone In Memoriam

 The Power of the Chords

Johnny Ramone In Memoriam
October 8, 1948 – September 15, 2004


John William Cummings in real life. Known Professionally by his monicker "Johnny Ramone" was a songwriter guitarist for the Legendary punk rock band, the Ramones. Which he co-founded in 1974. The band found significant success in the late 70s and 80s and established themselves as an
Influential Punk Rock band.
The Band broke up in 1996 after tensions, conflicts, and falling out especially Johnny and singer Joey Ramone ( Jeffrey Ross Hyman)

Ramones concerts and recordings influenced many musicians central to the development of California punk, members of Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, Social Distortion, Bad Religion, and the Descendent

Johnny's Guitar Playing was immensely influential, despite being almost exclusively a rhythm guitarist, Johnny was notable for using fast downstrokes style throughout the entirety of his career, as well as his usage of full, six-string barre chords and occasional power chords. This unique technique, combined with his characteristic high gain tone from his guitar amplifier, produced a guitar sound that was amazingly aggressive and rhythmic. which perfectly fit Ramones' usually fast and short songs. and darn felt good especially on their live sets ( where they played the songs much faster and most of the times separated only by Dee Dee's signature "1..2..3...4!!! " count in between songs

Johnny seldom had guitar solos on Ramones songs, although Johnny did play few simple lead guitar parts on a small number of Ramones recordings, such as "Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue" and "California Sun". However, the other few guitar solos on the group's studio albums were usually overdubbed by producers Tommy Ramone, Ed Stasium, Daniel Rey, Walter Lure and other uncredited guests. Songs such as "We Want The Airwaves", "Poison Heart", " I Wanna Live", "Strength To Endure" which Johnny never played the Guitar solo parts in their live sets
Most of these small leads were only added in an attempt to give certain songs, certain characters that the producers felt needed in the songs. of course they were not common on the band's songwriting process.

And in this seldom times , where the Buzzsawing guitar blasting were overwhelmingly amazing enough and no amount of guitar solo or the lack of it, can take away from the sheer energy of a Johnny Ramone.