Blues rock

Eric_"slowhand"_Clapton

Blues rock is a fusion genre combining elements of blues and rock music. It is primarily an electric ensemble-style music with instrumentation similar to electric blues and rock and roll: electric guitar, electric bass guitar, and drums, often with keyboards and harmonica.

History

Blues rock emerged in the mid-1960s, with bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and The Animals in the United Kingdom, and Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Canned Heat in the United States. These bands were influenced by the Chicago blues and Delta blues traditions, and they sought to bring a more amplified and rock-oriented sound to the blues.

Characteristics

Blues rock typically features a strong backbeat, a prominent bass line, and the use of the 12-bar blues structure. The electric guitar is often the focal point, with extensive use of blues scales, pentatonic scales, and guitar solos. Vocals in blues rock are often gritty and emotional, reflecting the genre's blues roots.

Notable Artists

Some of the most influential blues rock artists include:

• Eric Clapton
• Jimi Hendrix
• Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Led Zeppelin
• Cream
• ZZ Top
• The Allman Brothers Band

Influence and Legacy

Blues rock has had a significant impact on the development of rock music, influencing genres such as hard rock, southern rock, and heavy metal. The genre continues to be popular, with contemporary artists like Joe Bonamassa and Gary Clark Jr. carrying the torch.

Related Pages

• Blues
• Rock music
• Electric blues
• Chicago blues
• Delta blues
• 12-bar blues
• Guitar solo
• Pentatonic scale