The goal of the paper was to analyze the current distribution of a high-power salient-pole synchronous machine damper winding. A few methods were considered but only two analytical methods are highlighted. Both methods arc based on parameter calculation by considering the bars of the damper winding grouped in symmetrical loops referred to the direct and quadrature axis. Based on the developed procedures the damper bars currents in a large machine in the case of an asynchronous starting were calculated.