Rock Music
Rock music exploded in the 1950s and changed the world! It is loud, energetic, and built around electric guitars and drums.
Key features of rock:
ELECTRIC GUITAR: the star instrument of rock! Electric guitars can play crunchy chords, screaming solos, and powerful riffs. A riff is a short, catchy guitar pattern that repeats.
DRUM KIT: rock drums are loud and driving. The beat is usually strong on beats 2 and 4 (the backbeat).
BASS GUITAR: plays low, deep notes that connect the drums and guitar. You feel the bass more than you hear it!
VOCALS: rock singers often have strong, powerful voices. Some scream, some croon, some growl.
LOUD VOLUME: rock is meant to be played LOUD! At concerts, the amplifiers and speakers fill arenas with sound.
Famous rock artists: The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and many more. Rock has many sub-genres: classic rock, punk rock, metal, alternative, and indie rock.