The Development of Rock Music

By Stewart B Johnston

Rock music is a kind of music (music genres) that began to be popular in the mid-50s. Its roots were derived from rhythm and blues, country music from the 40s and 50s as well as various other influences. Furthermore, it also took from a variety of other musical styles, including folk music, jazz and classic music.

The distinctive sound of this music often revolved around the electric guitar or acoustic guitar, and the use of a very subtle back-beat in the rhythm section on electric bass guitar and drums, and keyboards like organ, piano or synthesizers from the 70s. Besides the guitar or keyboard, saxophone and blues-style harmonica were sometimes used as solo instruments. In its pure form, rock music had three chords, a consistent and striking back-beat, and attractive melody.

In the late 60s and early 70s, it evolved into several types. Rock music that mixed with folk music (local music in the U.S.) became folk rock, the music that mixed with blues became blues-rock and the music that mixed with jazz became jazz-rock fusion.

In the 70s, rock combined the influence of soul, funk, and Latin music. Also in the 70s, rock evolved into various sub-genres (sub-categories), such as soft-rock, glam-rock, heavy metal, hard-rock, progressive rock, and punk rock. The sub-categories of rock that were popular in the 80s were New Wave, hardcore punk, and alternative rock. In the 90s, there was grunge, Britpop, indie rock and nu metal.

A group of musicians who specialize in playing this music is called a rock band or rock group. Many rock groups consist of a guitar player, a lead singer, a bass guitar player, and a drummer. In this case, they form a quartet.

Some rock groups take one or two positions above or use the main singer as an instrumentalist in addition to singing. In this case, they form a duo or trio. Another type of group has additional musicians like two rhythm guitars or a keyboardist. Somewhat less frequently, the rock group uses stringed musical instruments such as violin, cello or wind instruments, such as saxophones, trumpets or trombones.

Cheap surround sound is the right and affordable equipment to improve your experience in listening rock music. Check it out at http://wirelesssurroundsystem.org/ for further information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stewart_B_Johnston
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Development-of-Rock-Music&id=4147829