Why Are Sundays So Depressing Tabs Chords The Strokes

There’s a quiet melancholy in the air when Sunday evening rolls around—deadlines loom, freedom slips away, and a sense of inevitability sets in. It’s no surprise that The Strokes captured this feeling so precisely in their unreleased demo “Why Are Sundays So Depressing.” Though never officially released on an album, the song has gained cult status among fans for its raw emotional tone and signature garage-rock minimalism. More than just a mood piece, it offers guitarists a straightforward yet evocative progression perfect for intermediate players looking to expand their repertoire with emotionally charged indie rock.

The Emotional Weight of Sunday Nights

Sundays carry a unique psychological burden. The weekend’s brief escape from routine ends as night falls, replaced by the anticipation of Monday’s demands. Psychologists refer to this as “Sunday scaries”—a form of anticipatory anxiety rooted in work-related stress and lost leisure time. The Strokes, known for their detached cool and urban introspection, tap directly into this modern unease.

“Why Are Sundays So Depressing” doesn’t offer solutions. Instead, it mirrors the numbness and resignation many feel. Julian Casablancas’ vocals, delivered in his trademark half-spoken, half-sung style, float over a sparse instrumental backdrop that feels both intimate and indifferent—much like the fading light of a winter Sunday.

“Music like this doesn’t try to fix the sadness—it holds space for it.” — Lena Peters, Music Therapist & Indie Rock Analyst

Chords and Structure: Breaking Down the Song

The song is built around a simple but effective chord progression that repeats throughout, emphasizing mood over complexity. Played in standard tuning (EADGBE), it uses common open chords with a descending bassline that enhances the somber tone.

Key: D minor
Tempo: ~96 BPM (slow, deliberate)
Time Signature: 4/4

Verse Progression

• Dm → C → Bb → A
• Each chord gets one measure (4 beats)
• Strumming pattern: Down, down-up, up-down-up (emphasizing beat 1 and 3)

The shift from Bb to A creates a subtle tension—a harmonic sigh that mirrors the lyrical theme. The A major chord, brighter in isolation, feels jarring here, underscoring the discomfort of forced optimism at the end of the weekend.

Tip: Use palm muting lightly on the lower strings during verses to enhance the subdued atmosphere.

Tabs for Main Riff

Beneath the chords runs a minimalist bassline played either on a rhythm guitar or actual bass. Here's the tab for the main riff on guitar (played on the low E and A strings):

e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|-----------------|
D|-----0---2---3---|
A|---3---1---2---0-|
E|-1---------------|
    Dm  C   Bb  A

This descending line walks from D (1st fret E string) down to A (5th fret A string), reinforcing the melodic descent. The simplicity allows room for expressive timing—slight delays on certain notes can deepen the emotional impact.

Capo Option

If you're struggling with the key or want to match live bootleg recordings more closely, consider using a capo on the 3rd fret and transposing the chords accordingly:

• With capo III: Play Cm → Bb → Ab → G
• Sounds in original key due to capo

This makes finger transitions smoother while preserving the intended tonality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Learning the Song

1. Familiarize yourself with the mood. Listen to available live recordings or fan uploads to internalize the tempo and vocal phrasing.
2. Practice the chord changes slowly. Focus on clean transitions between Dm, C, Bb, and A. Use a metronome at 60 BPM and gradually increase speed.
3. Add the bassline. Play the tabbed riff slowly, syncing it with your strumming hand.
4. Incorporate dynamics. Play verses softly; if performing live, consider slightly increasing intensity on repeat sections.
5. Sing along (optional). Even if you’re not a vocalist, practicing the melody helps internalize the phrasing.

Do’s and Don’ts When Playing This Song

Do	Don't
Keep your strumming relaxed and consistent	Rush through the progression trying to “finish” it
Embrace silence between phrases	Overplay with unnecessary embellishments
Use light distortion or clean tone with reverb	Apply heavy effects that bury the emotion
Record yourself to assess timing and tone	Ignore intonation issues—check tuning frequently

Real Example: A Fan’s Journey Learning the Song

Mark, a 28-year-old software developer and amateur guitarist from Portland, first heard “Why Are Sundays So Depressing” during a late-night YouTube dive into The Strokes’ bootlegs. “It hit me like a memory I didn’t know I had,” he says. “That Sunday dread, the gray sky outside my window—it was all there in the music.”

He spent two weeks learning the progression, initially frustrated by the Bb to A transition. “My fingers wouldn’t move fast enough without buzzing.” After slowing down and isolating the movement, he began adding subtle vibrato on sustained chords. Now, he plays it weekly during solo sessions. “It’s not about sounding perfect. It’s about letting the mood speak.”

Common Questions About the Song

Is “Why Are Sundays So Depressing” an official release?

No, it remains an unreleased demo recorded during the *First Impressions of Earth* sessions. However, live versions have circulated online, and fan transcriptions are widely accepted as accurate.

What tuning does The Strokes use for this song?

Standard tuning (EADGBE). There is no evidence of alternate tunings in bootleg recordings or performances.

Can beginners play this song?

Yes, with some practice. The chords are foundational, though the Bb may be challenging for new players. Use simplified voicings (e.g., partial barre or Bbmaj7) if needed.

Final Tips for Authentic Performance

Tip: Emulate Julian Casablancas’ vocal delivery by speaking the lyrics rhythmically before singing them. This helps capture the conversational, almost disinterested tone that defines the track.

• Play with minimal gain—clean amp settings with slight reverb work best.
• Let chords ring slightly longer than usual to create atmospheric decay.
• Sync your breathing with phrase endings to maintain natural pacing.
• Close your eyes while playing. The song responds well to instinctive expression.

Conclusion: Turn Melancholy Into Meaningful Expression

“Why Are Sundays So Depressing” isn’t just a song—it’s a shared emotional experience crystallized in four chords and a walking bassline. Whether you're drawn to its lyrical honesty or its understated musicianship, learning to play it offers more than technical growth. It invites reflection. It gives voice to the quiet unease so many feel but rarely discuss.

By mastering this piece, you’re not only expanding your guitar skills—you’re connecting with a deeper current in modern music: the beauty of imperfection, the power of restraint, and the resonance of simple truths. Pick up your guitar this Sunday night, even if you don’t feel like it. Let the chords echo the stillness. And remember, you’re not alone in finding Sundays hard.

💬 Played this song? Have your own interpretation or tips? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s build a community around the music that speaks when words fall short.