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Rock

Punk Drive

D · A · G · A

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D
I
A
V
G
IV
A
V
Key
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Punk Drive in D major

Punk Drive is I · V · IV · V. In D major that is D, A, G. Fast and raw. Three chords and the truth. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Knockin' on Heaven's Door · Bob Dylan
  • Wonderful Tonight · Eric Clapton
  • Roxanne · The Police

Why it works

In D major this loop is D, A, G (I · V · IV · V). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. IV moves the song forward without leaving the key. Play the chords in order and the pattern is easy to hear on ukulele.

Chords in D major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

DAG

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · G · F · GD major → D · A · G · AE major → E · B · A · BF major → F · C · Bb · CG major → G · D · C · DA major → A · E · D · EB major → B · F# · E · F#

Related progressions

Rock MajorsRock Majors RotationRock 'n RollCreepWonderwall

Frequently asked questions

What is the Punk Drive ukulele chord progression?

Punk Drive is the I–V–IV–V chord loop. In D major that is D, A, and G. Fast and raw. Three chords and the truth.

What do the roman numerals mean in Punk Drive?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. Punk Drive uses I–V–IV–V. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In D major you play D, A, G.

How do you practice Punk Drive on ukulele?

Loop D, A, and G. Change on the first beat of each bar and keep the strum steady. If one change is hard, practice that pair slowly, then play the full loop again.

What songs use the Punk Drive progression?

Songs built on Punk Drive include Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Wonderful Tonight, and Roxanne.

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