PHILADELPHIA - When you listen to rock music, you might confuse about the different types. While hard rock and heavy metal are among the most popular genres, there are other types of rock music as well, such as instrumental rock and blues rock. Here, we'll talk about different types of rock music and what they have in common.


Instrumental rock

Instrumental rock is a subgenre of rock that emphasizes playing instruments instead of singing.  Examples of this style are present in nearly every sub-genre of rock. Several musicians specialize in this style. These musicians are also known as instrumentalists. Here are some examples of instrumental rock music.

Instrumental rock is an extremely popular sub-genre of rock. Instrumental rock bands feature fewer lyrics than most other rock styles and rely on instrumental music as their medium of expression. The genre peaked in the 1950s and 60s but has continued to thrive over the years. Instrumental rock artists are regarded as virtuosos of their respective instruments.

Blues rock

Blues rock is a style of music with roots in traditional American blues. It's often accompanied by rock and roll riffs. Its sound is distinctly low-fidelity, which makes it ideal for media composers. During the early '70s, the style tended to incorporate album-rock production techniques. The early '80s saw the return of the more traditional blues rock sound.

The music is lyrical, with lyrics that focus on feelings like melancholy or loneliness. The songs often express themes of oppression or love problems. In addition, blues artists often use rhythmic instruments, such as metal slides, bottlenecks, or whistles to create a distinctive sound.

Hard rock

Hard rock music is a loosely defined genre within the realm of rock music. Aggressive vocals and distorted electric guitars characterize it. Keyboards and drums often accompany the music. Its roots go back to the mid-1960s and the psychedelic and garage rock movements.

Blues originally influenced hard rock music, and its lyrics often share traits with blues. The guitars are loud, and the songs tend to have a fast tempo. Many hard rock songs feature guitar solos.

Heavy metal

There are many types of Metal music, including thrash metal, death metal, and nu-metal. They all use heavy drums and guitars, and some use orchestral elements. In addition to heavy drums and guitars, some metals use science fiction or gory themes vocals.

The term "heavy metal" is believed to have originated from a 1959 novel by William Burroughs, though this is not entirely true. In the novel, a character named "Uranium Willy" is called a "heavy metal kid." Still, the title is a reference to the periodic table, not to the music.

Jam rock

Jam rock is a style of rock music characterized by improvisation, meaning musicians perform without any preconceived plan. They often branch out from rehearsed sections of songs to develop new songs and arrangements. Their music often reflects a specific moment in time. Jam rock is best experienced in live concerts.

This rock style features a fusion of different genres and was popular in the 1980s and 1990s. It focuses on improvisation and instrumental instruments. Other styles of instrumental rock include industrial rock, which uses heavy beats, metallic sounds, and electronic samples. Some bands use traditional instruments like guitars and drums as well.

Acoustic rock

Acoustic rock is a term that describes the softer side of classic rock. It's a type of music that's often unplugged, with instruments such as acoustic guitars and keyboards. It's often played on radio stations and isn't as fast-paced as other styles.

The song "Hurt" by Johnny Cash, a renowned acoustic rocker, is an example of this genre. "Hurt" evokes the idea of art's destruction, and it has a tear-jerking message. It also features a full band singing in harmony for half the song.