A Simplified Guide to Music Genres

No matter what kind of music you’re into, you can probably play it on the guitar. From rock to pop to country to blues, the guitar can be used to create a unique and expressive sound. To give you an idea of the music genres I teach on guitar, here are a few examples of songs that fall into each category.

Rock

Rock music is a broad genre that encompasses many different styles, from hard rock and heavy metal to classic rock and punk rock. In addition to a library of effects pedals, rock guitarists typically play electric guitars with distortion to create a heavy sound. They often use power chords and riffs to create the foundation of the music.

Some of the most famous rock guitarists include Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmore, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards. Here are a few of the most popular rock songs that are frequently requested by students:

• Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
• Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
• Hotel California by The Eagles
• Back in Black by AC/DC
• Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry

Rock music has a wide variety of subgenres, here are some of the most well-known:

• Classic rock: Classic Rock is a subgenre that comprises songs from the 60’s and 70’s by bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix. They are generally characterized by their catchy melodies, powerful riffs, and iconic solos.
• Hard rock: Hard rock is known for its heavier sound and more aggressive vocals. Some of the most popular hard rock bands include AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Van Halen.
• Soft rock: Soft rock is distinguished by its more mellow sound and melodic vocals. Renowned soft rock bands include Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, and Journey.
• Pop-rock: Pop rock combines elements of pop and rock music. Acclaimed pop-rock bands include Radiohead, Coldplay, and U2.

Pop

Pop music is a dynamic genre that constantly evolves and encompasses new styles. While these guitarists typically play electric or acoustic guitars, they also use a variety of techniques and effects to create different sounds.

The world of pop music has produced a wealth of iconic songwriters such as John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift. Some of the pop songs students ask to learn on guitar include:

• Viva la Vida by Coldplay
• Photograph by Ed Sheeran
• Wonderwall by Oasis
• Rolling in the Deep by Adele
• Roar by Katy Perry

Subgenres Pertaining to Pop

While pop music also has a lot of subgenres as well, the main categories are:

• Pop-rock: Their melodies are crafted to be instantly appealing and enjoyable to listen to. The often have simple harmonies, and repetitive beats. Pop-rock artists include Taylor Swift, Adele, and Ed Sheeran.
• Dance-pop: Dance-pop combines elements of pop and dance music. Some of the most popular dance-pop artists include Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga.
• R&B-pop: R&B-pop combines elements of pop and R&B music. Some of the most popular R&B-pop artists include Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, and Ariana Grande.

Country

Country music is a genre that originated in the United States and combines elements of folk, blues, and gospel music. Acoustic guitars and a variety of techniques are used to create different sounds, from fingerpicking to strumming.

The world of country music is home to some of the most celebrated guitarists, such as Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and Vince Gill. A few of the most popular country songs to learn on guitar include:

• Jolene by Dolly Parton
• The Gambler by Kenny Rogers
• Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
• Teardrops on My Guitar by Taylor Swift
• Amarillo by Morning by George Strait

Subgenres Pertaining to Country

Mostly known for its simple melodies, country uses heartfelt lyrics, and often acoustic instrumentation to paint the sound. Two major country subgenres include:

• Traditional country: Traditional country music is characterized by its distinctive sound, featuring acoustic guitars, fiddles, and steel guitars. Among the notable artists who have shaped traditional country music are Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson.
• Modern country: Modern country combines elements of traditional country music with other genres such as pop and rock. Some of the most popular modern country artists include Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Taylor Swift.

Blues

This genre is native to the United States and uses electric or acoustic guitars with a variety of techniques to create different sounds, from slides to bends.

The most famous blues guitarists include B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Songs that are a staple to blues guitar players include:

• Crossroads by Robert Johnson
• Call It Stormy Monday by T-bone Walker
• Pride and Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughn
• The Thrill is Gone by B.B. King
• Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert King

Subgenres Pertaining to Blues

Blues music is defined by its soulful vocals, expressive guitar playing, and simple chord progressions. Some of the most popular blues subgenres include:

• Delta blues: Delta blues originated in the Mississippi Delta region and features a raw, emotional sound. Widely known Delta blues artists include Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Son House.
• Chicago blues: Chicago blues originated in Chicago and features a more electric sound. Some legendary Chicago blues artists include Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf, and Magic Slim.
• Texas blues: Texas blues originated in Texas and features a more laid-back sound. A few of the groundbreaking Texas blues artists include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, and T-Bone Walker.

Closely Related Genres

Additionally, here are some other genres of music that I also teach on guitar:

• Folk: Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk guitarists generally play acoustic guitars and use simple strumming patterns.
• Funk: Funk music is distinguished by its powerful and pulsating bass grooves, syncopated rhythms, and improvisational solos. Some of the most popular funk artists include James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Sly and the Family Stone.
• Jazz: Jazz music is a genre of music that has a lot of improvisation, syncopation, and dissonance. Jazz guitarists typically play acoustic or semi-hollow electric guitars and use a variety of techniques to create different sounds.

I hope this information was helpful. If you are interested in learning to play guitar, I encourage you to contact me. I offer a variety of guitar lessons for students of all skill levels.