Reggae

Fusion music

A music genre which combines two or more genres

Ska

A fusion of Rhythm 'n' Blues and Mento.

Rhythm 'n' Blues

A sped up version of the blues played on electric guitar and bass

Mento

Similar to calypso. Usually features acoustic guitar, banjo, drums and a rhumba box. Lyrics deal with everyday life and political issues

5 musical features of Ska

Uses Jazz instruments. Usually has a walking bass line. Four crochet beats per bar. Off-beat rhythms. Some instrumental pieces, some has lyrics.

Reggae

A fusion of ska and rocksteady music

Rocksteady differs to ska

Half-speed, trombone replaced by piano and more prominent brass

Delay

A note is played and the same note is then played back. Delay is produced by taking a recording of the initial sound and then playing it back. It gives a type of echo effect.

Reggae instruments

Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Drum kit, Organ

Reggae beats per bar

4 beats per bar

Reggae rhythms

Repeated off-beat quavers

Reggae effects

Delay

Reggae chords

Simple chord sequences

Reggae structure

Verse and chorus form

The skank

Emphasis on beats 2 and 4

Reggae lyric themes

Usually political