Rock music in the 1960s and 1970s
1960s rock music evolved from rock 'n' rollA music style in the 1950s that includes guitars, drums, vocals and double bass. Often orientates around the 12-bar blues. and became much more guitar-dominated. Many famous rock bands emerged in this decade including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Doors, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.
Most rock songs follow a verse-chorus structure and are in 4/4 time. The harmonic patterns often revolve around chords I, IV, V and vi.
A rock band is traditionally made up of lead and rhythm electric guitar, a lead singer, a bass guitarist and a drummer. As rock developed and became more experimental, chord patterns became more complicated and new instruments were added into songs. Bands incorporated keyboards, synthesizers, orchestral instruments and new electric effects pedals Guitar effects are electronic devices that modify the sound of the instrument eg, wah-wah pedal. . They also experimented with different instrumental techniques to find new sounds.
Developments in technology also played an important role in rock music. Advances in recording equipment allowed bands to expand the original rock band line-up and record multiple instruments using four and eight-track recorders. Songs also became longer and often had melodic or harmonic themes that developed in different ways throughout their structure. Sgt. Pepper鈥檚 Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles and The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd are both examples of concept albums because each has a continuing theme.
Many subgenres of rock emerged during this period including psychedelic rockA type of rock music inspired by the psychedelic culture. , hard rock, punk rock, glam rock, progressive rock and heavy metal.
Main features of rock in Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
- psychedelic rock
- song from a 鈥榗oncept鈥 album
- expanded rock band line-up
- new instruments added, such as acoustic guitar, tamburaA long-necked folk string instrument. , and Lowrey DSO Heritage organ
- pioneering recording technology, such as double trackedAudio recording technique where a performer sings or plays along with their own recorded performance, recording another layer.
The rock band
A rock band is traditionally made up of lead and rhythm electric guitar, a lead singer, a bass guitarist and a drummer. As rock evolved, new and exciting instruments and effects were added. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds combines the standard rock line-up with acoustic guitar, tambura and Lowrey organ.