Rock N Roll Genres
Rock’-n’-roll is always changing and evolving into specific sub-genres. Sub-genres break down a general genre of music into a more specific and sophisticated type of that category. For example, rock has many different branches, including soft rock, southern rock, and hard rock. Rock in general typically has a lead electric guitar with a vigorous 4/4 beat produced by the drums. Yet, in the sub-genre of southern rock, a southern country rhythm is combined with a touch of rock and roll. Hard rock separates itself by sustaining a loud, powerful, voluminous sound, whereas soft rock maintains a slower and smoother rhythm while still possessing the rock tone. Each sub-genre contributes their own uniqueness while also preserving rock characteristics
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The role of the guitar is highlighted immensely in this form of rock. Many songs include complicated guitar solos or are heavily dependent upon the rhythms and tunes provided by these instruments. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s single Free Bird which contains a five minute triple guitar solo is an example of the large role the guitar plays in hard rock. Aggressive vocals are another defining aspect to this branch of rock. Hard rock was first heard in the 1960’s and became popular about a decade later. The 70’s introduced some of the most well known hard rock groups such as Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Van Halen, and Aerosmith. These defining figures of hard rock have been enjoyed by many for the past decades. Hard rock is unique from the larger umbrella of the rock genre because it exemplifies harsher and louder sounds. This special form of rock also contains more of a focus on guitar riffs and prominent drum beats. Aerosmith’s classic song, Walk This Way provides a good example of this genre of rock. The harshly sung chorus loudly exclaims, “Walk this way /walk this way / just gimme a kiss / like this” (Aerosmith). The chorus is then followed by a short guitar solo before entering into the next verse. Walk This Way is a perfect model of the aggressive vocals, guitar embellishments, and prominent beats known to hard rock. This sub-genre contributes an upbeat and heavier style to rock while also increasing the popularity of the guitar in rock music. Just like its name, hard rock is the hardest, most aggressive form of
The role of the guitar is highlighted immensely in this form of rock. Many songs include complicated guitar solos or are heavily dependent upon the rhythms and tunes provided by these instruments. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s single Free Bird which contains a five minute triple guitar solo is an example of the large role the guitar plays in hard rock. Aggressive vocals are another defining aspect to this branch of rock. Hard rock was first heard in the 1960’s and became popular about a decade later. The 70’s introduced some of the most well known hard rock groups such as Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Van Halen, and Aerosmith. These defining figures of hard rock have been enjoyed by many for the past decades. Hard rock is unique from the larger umbrella of the rock genre because it exemplifies harsher and louder sounds. This special form of rock also contains more of a focus on guitar riffs and prominent drum beats. Aerosmith’s classic song, Walk This Way provides a good example of this genre of rock. The harshly sung chorus loudly exclaims, “Walk this way /walk this way / just gimme a kiss / like this” (Aerosmith). The chorus is then followed by a short guitar solo before entering into the next verse. Walk This Way is a perfect model of the aggressive vocals, guitar embellishments, and prominent beats known to hard rock. This sub-genre contributes an upbeat and heavier style to rock while also increasing the popularity of the guitar in rock music. Just like its name, hard rock is the hardest, most aggressive form of