Elements of Rock Music - Essay Example

Elements of Rock Music It is of crucial significance to that the field of music is endowed with various forms of genres. These genres differentiate one form of music from the others. However, it is crucial to note that some genres of music may be closely related (Charlton, 37). As such, effective differentiation of such music may be very difficult. This is because different genres of music may be associated with certain elements. These elements that make up such genres may have certain similarities, especially if such music genres emerged from other genres (Charlton, 48). For instance, both rock music and pop music share certain similarities, and may be very difficult to differentiate. This calls for expertise in telling which genre a certain music falls relevant to certain key elements used to compose it. This paper is going to discuss rock music as one of the genres of interest in the modern music. In relation to the above, it is important to note that this paper is going to take into consideration some of the key elements that make up rock music as a distinct genre. This is going to focus on the basic parts needed to make up rock music, the instruments as well as vocal styles employed in rock music that accord it the reason to exist amongst the many music genres.. Rock music is one of the genres of music that originated in the nineteenth century, specifically around 1955 (McDonald, 53). Since that time, rock has been into existence and has formed strong influence in the society, especially amongst the youths. Rock gained its popularity following the appealing nature to the white youths or teenagers who considered it a new, fresh, interesting and exciting form of music as opposed to the music of old days that was enjoyed by their grandparents, as well as their parents (Kenny, 39). Relevant to the above, it is of crucial significance to note that there are several elements responsible for making rock music to be as appealing, exciting and interesting as it is today. Sounds are one of the elements that make rock music as outstanding as it is today. Typical rock music is always associated with four sounds (Scarufi, 25). The first sound in any typical rock music is always the voice. In some situations, rock music always features solo voice. The voice of the singer or soloist who is always associated with rock music is always amplified. This is very important in making the voice to become loud. Such loud voice is critical in capturing the audience. The second sound in any typical rock music is always the guitar (Charlton, 29). Bass forms the third sound, and goes together with the guitar. Guitars are always stringed instruments used in producing certain rhythmic sounds. Guitars are always electric, similar to the bass. It is important to note that in rock music, the electric guitar can always assume two different forms. These include distorted forms as well as clean forms. These produce clean sounds as well as distorted sounds (McDonald, 43). However, electric guitars with distorted sounds are always characterized by the metal rocks as well as hard rocks. It is important to note that the guitar is the best known instrument when it comes to rock music. Other than the guitar, the bass is also another feature that makes rock music an amazing music genre. The bass forms the foundation of any typical music under the rock genre. Bass always produces simple notes and sweet sounds that always follow the guitar (Kenny, 45). The bass guitar is an important aspect in the rock music as it provides a link between rhythm as well as harmony (Charlton, 31). In this manner, the bass contributes towards articulating important notes and chords. In addition, the bass also reinforces the rhythm of drums, as well as the rhythms of the guitar. The fourth sound element in any typical rock music always comes from the drums. It is quite imperative to note that drums play significant role in providing raw and percussion sounds that always go hand in hand with the sounds produced by the bass and guitars (Scarufi, 35). The drums always provide support as they complement whatever comes from the bass and guitars. Drums are always very important in establishing the tempo and meter of the rock music. Rocks are also associated with texture that always builds throughout. The other element that makes rock music so influential is the vocal styles. This genre of music is mostly influenced by the vocals of blues. In connection to the above, it is significant to note that the vocals in rock music are always characterized by loud moaning sounds (Kenny, 71). In conclusion, rock music is one of the music genres that has enjoyed a strong influence amongst the youth in the recent past. This genre came into existence in the nineteenth century, most probably in the year 1955 and was considered a new, fresh and interesting genre of music as opposed to the music of the olden days. Rock music is composed of several elements that make it attain its credit as amongst the most popular forms of music. The first element of rock music is the sound that manifests in a number of ways. in rock music, sound can manifest through the voice used. The voice is always amplified in order to make it more appealing to the audience. In addition, sounds in rock music can also emanate from the guitar, drums and bass. Guitars produce both clean and distorted sounds. The bass articulates important notes and chords while drums establish the tempo, and support whatever comes from the bass and guitars. Works Cited Charlton, Katherine. Rock Music Styles: A History. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print. Kenney, Karen L. Cool Rock Music: Create & Appreciate What Makes Music Great!Edina, Minn: ABDO Pub, 2008. Internet resource. McDonald, Chris. Rush, Rock Music and the Middle Class: Dreaming in Middletown. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 2009. Print. Scaruffi, Piero. A History of Rock Music. New York: iUniverse, 2003. Print. Read More