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Rock
Rock is all the music from the last 50+ years that retains the musical characteristics we attribute to rock music. The category of rock also includes music that has been influenced or is somehow connected to rock music. TERM 2
Rock
Era
DEFINITION 2 Referring to a period of time, 1964-1977, where rock music had fully taken shape, was well defined, and was creatively thriving. The Rock Era began in the early-mid 60s, with such events as the British Invasion and Dylan going electric The period ended in the late 70s, having produced many subcategories of rock including, hard rock, heavy metal, acid rock, etc TERM 3
Rock and Roll
DEFINITION 3 Specifically refers to the music of the 1950s that would lead directly to Rock music. Rock and Roll formed to include elements of Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Country, Gospel, and Folk music. TERM 4
Form
DEFINITION 4 The specific sections of a piece of music and where they exist in time. Different styles/periods of music have specific song forms (Sonata, Fugue, Theme and Variation, 12 Bar Blues). The most common form in rock music is the verse/chorus form. TERM 5
Rhythm
DEFINITION 5 How beats are organized in music.
Tempo
The speed of the beat. TERM 7
Measure
DEFINITION 7 Also known as a bar. A grouping of beats, usually 4 or 8 in one full measure. Ex. 12 Bar Blues a chord progression that has 12 measures, each one having 4 beats in each. TERM 8
Rock Beat
DEFINITION 8 Mainly referring to a dual beat pattern where one of the two beats is twice as fast as the other. The rock beat for the most part defines rock music. Often expressed as eighth notes on the high-hat/ride cymbal (fast) and a slower backbeat on the snare (beats 2 & 4). Most often heard after 1956. TERM 9
Backbeat
DEFINITION 9 Most often when the snare is played on beats 2 and 4 of the measure. TERM 10
Shuffle beat
DEFINITION 10 A Shuffle is when eighth notes (8 beats per measure) are played on the high-hat/ride cymbals and the snare with a swing feel (long-short pattern of eighth notes). Most often heard in boogie-woogie, swing, blues, rhythm and blues and rock and roll.
Key Elements of Rock Style
Verse/chorus form, often with an instrumental intro and outro (ending). The verse sections often tell a story or describe a scene. The chorus sections often emphasize the main theme of the song. Steady beat at a medium to fast tempo Rock beat and strong back beat Rhythm section (usually electric guitar, electric bass, and drums). Other secondary instruments (piano, horns, ) Riffs (played or sung), Hooks (usually being the most prominent riffs or me TERM 17
Rock Style/Attitude
DEFINITION 17 Often provocative, loud, aggressive, rebellious Subject matter often eludes to sex Sense of honesty in its expression
