Acid rock

Acid rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1960s, characterized by long instrumental solos, few lyrics, and musical improvisation. The term "acid" refers to the use of psychedelic substances such as LSD and marijuana, which were often used by the musicians and their audiences.

History

Acid rock originated in the San Francisco Bay Area during the mid-1960s, with bands such as The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Big Brother and the Holding Company. These bands were part of the counterculture of the time, and their music was often associated with the use of psychedelic substances and the hippie lifestyle.

Characteristics

Acid rock is characterized by long, improvised instrumental solos, few lyrics, and a loose, fluid musical structure. The music often incorporates elements of blues, folk music, and jazz, and is known for its use of distortion and feedback. The lyrics, when present, often deal with themes of social and political rebellion, and the use of psychedelic substances.

Influence

Acid rock had a significant influence on the development of heavy metal music, progressive rock, and jam bands. Many bands in these genres have cited acid rock bands as major influences. In addition, the use of improvisation and long instrumental solos in acid rock has been influential in the development of jazz fusion and post-rock.

See also

• Psychedelic rock
• Psychedelic music
• Psychedelic era