Rock and blues are two distinct music genres that may seem difficult to differentiate when it comes to technical aspects, but their differences become more apparent upon listening. Both have rich histories and have spawned various subgenres within their respective categories.
Rock
Rock music gained popularity in the 1950s, although elements of rock can be traced back to blues and country songs from the 1920s. It is considered a fusion of various genres, including country music, folk, blues, gospel songs, and jazz. Rock continuously evolves, making it challenging to define precisely; however, its modern basis is a genre that primarily uses electric guitar, drums, and bass.
Blues
Blues music is said to be one of the most significant influences from Africa that gained popularity in the West. Initially, blues were exclusively created by African-Americans for African-Americans during the post-slavery era, with strong connections to spirituality and drum music. Original blues did not have a specific form, but it is now generally accepted to have a 12-bar structure with a particular series of notes.
Key Takeaways
- Rock is a fusion of various genres, while blues has a 12-bar structure with a specific series of notes.
- Modern rock is characterized by the use of electric guitar, drums, and bass, whereas blues incorporates various instruments such as saxophone, trombone, violin, piano, and xylophone.
- Rock defied conservative norms with sexually suggestive ideas and dance steps, while blues expressed sorrow, melancholy, and a desire for liberation from difficulties faced by African-Americans.
