1970s - 1980s

Rock music did not end in the 1980s.  Rock music is still around today and there are many modern rock bands/artists out there.  However, the OCR Music exam only focuses on Rock music from the 1970s and 1980s.  so, if you are asked to identify a suitable decade for an extract of Rock music the correct answer is either 1970 or 1980.  Anything else will be marked as incorrect.

A typical Rock song will contain the following features.  Remember this in case you asked to list typical features of a Rock song in your exam.

Straight Rhythm

Rock music uses a straight rhythm.  A key feature of Rock music is that it has a heavy and driving drum beat.  This can only happen with a straight rhythm.  Click here to listen to a straight beat vs a swung beat.  TOP TIP: Rock n Roll music is the only type of pop music in the exam that uses a swung rhythm.

4 Beats in a Bar

Rock music uses a 4/4 time signature, meaning there are 4 beats in every bar.  This is not unique to Rock music; the majority of Pop Music will use a 4/4 time signature.

Verse and Chorus Structure

Rock music uses a Verse and Chorus structure.  This is not unique to Rock music; most styles of Pop music will use a Verse and Chorus structure.  It is important to note that the chorus repeats several times throughout the song, usually with the same lyrics.  Rock music broke away from the 12 bar blues chord progression so there is often a different chord progression in the verse and chorus, unlike Rock n Roll.

Guitar Dominated

Rock music is heavily based around the electric guitar.  The guitar will normally play a combination of riffs and chords.  The electric guitar is a very important instrument in Rock music.

Distorted Guitar

Rock music typically uses an effect called distortion on the electric guitar.  This is a VERY important feature of Rock music.  If you hear distorted guitar in an extract in your exam, there is a very good chance the questions is based on Rock music.  The only exception to this is if the extract is a Rock ballad, in which case the correct answer would be a ballad.  Take note of the tempo; a rock ballad is quite a lot slower than a rock song.  The distortion effect gives the guitar a really raspy sound.  Click here to listen to the difference between a clean and a distorted guitar.  

There are LOTS of Rock  artists.  You will NEVER be asked to name the artist playing the extract in the exam - this would mean learning every Rock artist and every song they ever performed! 

Instead, you will be asked to identify a suitable artist.  This means you only need to remember one Rock artist from the 1970s or the 1980s.  If you put a band or artist such as the Foo Fighters you will not get the mark because they are a modern Rock band and not from the 1970s or 1980s.

Remember one of these Rock artists...

• Queen

• Bon Jovi

If you are asked to identify a suitable artist for Rock music and you put one of these artists (or any other rock artist from the 1970s or 1980s), you will get the mark no matter who is performing the extract of music in the exam.

Just like Rock n Roll, Rock music has instrumental sections known as solos.  Unlike Rock n Roll, solos in Rock music will often not be improvised.  Instead, they will often be pre-written by the performer.  Here are some describing words you cn use if you are asked to describe an instrumental solo (like a guitar solo).

Fast - Solos will usually have a quick tempo, with notes being played in quick succession.

Scalic runs - this means the notes of a scale will be played in order/sequence, either ascending, descending or both!  This is usually done at a fast tempo.

Guitar specific techniques

Hammer on - this is when a guitarist plays a note a string, then forcefully places another finger on a different fret to play a second note.  So you get two separate notes with only one strike of the string.  Click here to see and hear an example.  Hammer ons and pull offs are used by guitarists so they can play notes quickly and smoothly.

Pull off - this is the opposite of a hammer on.  This is when a guitarist plays a note but then pulls there finger off the string to play a second not.  Click here to see and hear an example.  Hammer ons and pull offs are used by guitarists so they can play notes quickly and smoothly.

Slides - the correct musical term for a slide is 'Glissando.'  A slide is exactly what it sounds like; a guitarist will play a note, then slide their finger up the neck to a different note.  This is not unique to guitar, lots of instruments can play glissando's including vocals.

Double Stop - this is when a Guitarist will play two notes at the same time from within the scale.  This is used to help thicken the texture of a guitar solo.  Click here to hear an example.

The YouTube videos below are good examples of Rock Anthems.  Can you hear any of the features we have spoken about above?