Rock Music Final

Feedback

A sound resulting from a loop between an audio input and output, used as an electronic effect for distortion.

Wah-wah pedal

An electronic device used to alter the tone of a guitar to create a "wah" sound.

Phasing

A studio technique done on a control board to create a shifting, swirling sound effect.

Fuzz tone

A type of heavy distortion achieved through an electronic device (fuzz box) to create a "fuzzy" sound.

Montuno

A repetitive harmonic foundation often used as a basis for extended improvisation.

Riff

A short, catchy, repeated melodic or rhythmic pattern that serves as the basis for a song.

Guitar ornaments

Rapid decorative notes such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, triplets, and trills.

Rasgueado

A Spanish Flamenco guitar technique involving rapid strumming with the fingers, famously used by Robby Krieger.

Tapping

A virtuosic guitar technique using both hands on the fretboard to play notes, popularized by Eddie Van Halen.

Cadenza

A virtuosic solo section within a tune that typically has no steady ongoing beat.

Power chord

A simple chord consisting of the root and the fifth, commonly used in hard rock and heavy metal.

Haight-Ashbury

The district in San Francisco that served as the epicenter of the 1960s "hippie" and psychedelic culture.

Extended harmonies

The use of complex chords beyond standard triads, such as 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths.

Syncopation

A rhythmic technique where accents are placed on the off-beats or between the main beats.

Dissonant

Chords or intervals that sound "harsh" or "unstable," often used in jazz rock and art rock.

Polyphonic

A musical texture consisting of multiple independent melodic lines played at the same time.

Concept album

An album where all the tracks are tied together by a single unifying theme or idea.

Mellotron

An early synthesizer that uses taped samples to mimic the sound of an orchestra.

Programmatic music

Music intended to convey a specific story, image, or non-musical idea (e.g., a song cycle).

MTV

Music Television; a cable channel launched in 1981 that revolutionized the industry with 24-hour music videos.

Musical fusion

The blending of two or more distinct musical styles, such as Jazz Rock or Art Rock.

Jimmy Page

Guitarist and founder of Led Zeppelin; former London session musician and member of The Yardbirds.

John Paul Jones

Bassist and keyboardist for Led Zeppelin; former London studio musician and producer.

Robert Plant

Lead vocalist of Led Zeppelin known for his wide range and powerful delivery.

John Bonham

Drummer for Led Zeppelin; his death in 1980 led to the immediate dissolution of the band.

Kurt Cobain

Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter; formed Nirvana in Aberdeen, WA.

Dave Grohl

Drummer who joined Nirvana in 1990; later founded the Foo Fighters.

Krist Novoselic

Bassist and co-founder of Nirvana.

Jim Morrison

Lead singer and lyricist of The Doors; influenced by Beat and symbolist poets.

Ray Manzarek

Keyboardist for The Doors; provided their signature sound using the Hammond organ and Fender Rhodes Piano Bass.

Alan Parsons

Producer and musician associated with Art Rock/Prog Rock.

Andy Warhol

Pop artist who managed and promoted the Velvet Underground at his studio, "The Factory."

Billy Cox

Bassist who played with Jimi Hendrix in the Army, The King Kasuals, and the Band of Gypsys.

Chas Chandler

Former bassist for The Animals who discovered Jimi Hendrix and moved him to England.

Malcolm McLaren

Manager of the Sex Pistols and boutique owner; a major influence on punk image and culture.

Jerry Garcia

Lead guitarist and singer for the Grateful Dead; known for long bluegrass and rock improvisations.

David Bowie

Major figure in Glam Rock known for personas like Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke.

Syd Barrett

Founding member and key figure of Pink Floyd's early psychedelic period.

Eddie Van Halen

Virtuosic guitarist of Van Halen who popularized the "tapping" technique.

Psychedelic Rock

Genre characterized by hazy recording quality, loud volumes, drug-oriented lyrics, and long, meandering solos.

The Grateful Dead

Archetypal San Francisco band; style based in folk, bluegrass, and blues with long, collective improvisations.

The Doors

Band known for a dark sound in minor keys, repetitive melodic lines, and hypnotic organ accompaniment.

Jimi Hendrix

Artist known for complex polyphonic textures, rapid guitar ornaments, and using the studio as a compositional tool.

Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

Lead guitar-oriented genre with thick textures, loud volumes, and lyrics often dealing with sex, drugs, or the occult.

Led Zeppelin

Band featuring a mixture of psychedelic, blues, and English folk with unusual rhythmic patterns.

Jazz Rock

Fusion of rock's rhythm and volume with jazz's extensive improvisation and extended harmonies.

Art Rock (Prog Rock)

Fusion of rock with classical music; uses orchestral instruments, complex forms, and odd meters.

Punk Rock

Reaction against Art Rock/Metal; features fast tempos, simple 2-3 chord progressions, and anti-establishment vocals.

Glam Rock

Genre emphasizing theatricality with elaborate costumes, makeup, and gender-ambiguous performances.

New Wave

A polished, dance-oriented offshoot of punk incorporating keyboards and synthesizers.

Alternative Rock

Reaction against 80s commercialism; features simple guitar-based sounds and aggressive rhythms for "Generation X."