Rock & Roll is a style of music that became popular during the 1950's that's known for it's simple 12 bar blues chord patterns, upbeat tempos & dancing.
What? 12 bar blues Rock & Roll music developed in the USA during the 1950's
Where? High school gyms, theatre halls & Town halls.
When? 1950's & 1960's
Who? Chuck Berry, Elvis, Dion & The Belmonts, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys etc.
Structure - The structure of the songs was fairly simple - most were either strophic or had a verse-chorus structure. Some had an AABA structure. A lot of hits featured at least one instrumental section, where a soloist (usually a lead guitarist) would improvise.
Instruments - Drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, vocals.
How the instruments interact - The bass & drums were used to keep the high tempo, rarely playing any solos or melodic lines. The Melodies would switch between vocals & guitar (see Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry).
What? 12 bar blues Rock & Roll music developed in the USA during the 1950's
Where? High school gyms, theatre halls & Town halls.
When? 1950's & 1960's
Who? Chuck Berry, Elvis, Dion & The Belmonts, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys etc.
Structure - The structure of the songs was fairly simple - most were either strophic or had a verse-chorus structure. Some had an AABA structure. A lot of hits featured at least one instrumental section, where a soloist (usually a lead guitarist) would improvise.
Instruments - Drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, vocals.
How the instruments interact - The bass & drums were used to keep the high tempo, rarely playing any solos or melodic lines. The Melodies would switch between vocals & guitar (see Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry).
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Tempo
Fast (Allegro) – ideal for dancing. 165-185 bpm. 4/4 Time Signature. |
Harmony & Tonality
Major tonality using mainly simple and repetitive Primary Chords – I, IV & V with slow Harmonic Rhythm often in the 12-Bar Blues Structure: I, I, I, I, IV, IV, I, I, V, IV, I, I. Close Harmonies used in the vocals. |
Melody
Often uses ‘blue notes’ (flattened 3rd, 5th and 7th against a major chord). “Catchy” Melodies have a narrow vocal range. Vocal and guitar melodies use repeated phrases, riffs and hooks. |
Dynamics
Consistent loud volume – Forte (f) often louder in the choruses – Fortissimo (ff) achieved through amplification. |