1. Les Paul became one of the original pioneers of Rock music, designing the world’s first solid-body guitar (named after himself), contributing to the sound of Rock n Roll. His experimentation with effects such as overdubbing, delay and multi-track recording changed music production, along with his own work with wife, Mary Ford.
Hard Rock and Metal 4-piece bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath emerged with virtuosity, pushing boundaries further and creating a far ‘heavier’ sound (Tony Iommi losing his finger played a significant part). High pitched vocals and fast paced songs were part of the sound, along with the Blues and Progressive sounds of the 60s.
With the Rock sound growing heavier, Heavy Metal bands such as Metallica introduced an even louder, faster and more aggressive sound, with best selling ‘The Black Album’ making use of two guitars for a heavier sound. Iron Maiden have become one of the most successful touring bands of all time, making use of three guitarists for an even bigger ‘guitar harmony’ sound, previously used by Thin Lizzy.
Grunge bands were among the first to reject the ‘shred’ guitar solos of the late 1980s, although the distorted guitar sounds of Punk and Metal remained. Nirvana’s 1991 album ‘Nevermind’ was a ground-breaking moment for Grunge music, highlighting the use of power chord riffs and ‘growl’ like vocals.
With Blues Rock influences continuing into the 60s with British Blues-Rock bands such as Cream, the sound of Rock music took on a ‘Psychedelic Rock’
approach, which also influenced later ‘Progressive Rock’ bands such as Pink Floyd. ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ was a successful hit for Cream, showcasing the use of Guitar riffs and solos for many years to come.
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In America, Chuck Berry took Blues music and ‘modernised’ it, giving it a new sound by re-directing it towards younger audiences. The term ‘Rock and Roll’ was a sexual analogy, and was originally disapproved of by religious communities. Hits of Chuck Berry’s such as ‘Johnny B. Goode’ and have had a significant impact on the sound.
Without doubt one of the most influential artists in the history of Rock, Jimi Hendrix took psychedelic music to another level, using guitar effects and distortion to create sounds that many had not heard before, and performed with an air of showmanship that audiences had never seen. His performances at Monterey (1967), and Woodstock (1969) are considered to be some of the greatest rock moments of all time.
With technical ability advancing even further, guitar solos and vocal parts became even more complicated, with Glam Rock bands such as Van Halen performing with increasing showmanship. ‘Eruption’ is widely accepted as one of the most ground breaking guitar piece of all time, making use of advanced guitar techniques. Guns N Roses’ ‘Appetite for Destruction’ became the biggest selling debut album of all time.
In response to Grunge music, British bands such as Oasis and Blur decided to respond in the late 90s with a sound far more influenced by the 60s sounds of The Beatles. The resulting sound was Britpop, a far softer sound with less distorted guitars. Blur’s hit ‘Song 2’ was a retaliation to the Grunge sounds of the early 90s.
Punk Rock followed anarchistic
Culture in the late 70s, making use of simple power chord riffs from other rock styles. The Ramones and the Sex Pistols were among the first to revisit three chord songs and rebel against the virtuosity of previous years, as well as higher power through rebellious lyrics and simple compositions.