AOS2: Rock 'n' Roll & rock music Flashcards
Where did rock ‘n’ roll music come from?
The southern states of America, in the late ’40s and early ’50s. African-Americans moved to urban areas, where their rhythm ‘n’ blues style merged with country and western music, to form a new genre.
What were the common structures of rock ‘n’ roll music?
Often 12 bar blues. Strophic, verse-chorus or AABA structure. There is often a middle 8 where instruments have solos.
What does strophic mean?
Verses and choruses where the chord patterns and melodies repeat.
Name 5 early popular rock ‘n’ roll singers.
Elvis Presley, Bill Haley, the Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly.
How did rock ‘n’ roll music develop through the 1960s?
Evolved into more guitar dominated music, known as rock.
What are the typical features of rock songs?
Based around the primary chords: 1, 4 and 5, sometimes 6. Often in common time with a steady drum rhythm and verse-chorus structure.
What guitar techniques were common in rock music?
- Power chords (ones without the 3rd)
- Palm muting
- Blues/pentatonic scales
- Hammer ons & pull offs
- Pitch bends
What rock bands were popular in the 1960s?
The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.
What were rock bands initially made up of?
Lead electric guitar, rhythm electric guitar, lead singer, bass guitar and drums.
As rock music developed, what instruments were added to bands?
Pianos, keyboards and synthesisers. Some used string, brass or wind sections.
What digital effects were used in rock music?
Distortion/overdrive, echo/delay, reverb and ADT.
What is a concept album?
One with a theme which links all the tracks- often tells a story. In the prog rock category.
Name 6 subgenres of rock music.
- Hard rock
- Heavy metal
- Glam rock
- Punk rock (70s)
- Prog(ressive) rock
- Psychedelic rock (recreated hallucinations from drugs)
How has technology played an important part in the development of rock music?
Rock bands could be amplified so could play in larger spaces: arenas or stadiums. Special effects, such as pyrotechnics and light shows, could be used.
Name 2 rock anthems.
“Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf, 1968, and “We Will Rock You” by Queen, 1977.
