Music Genres

For this assignment, I listened to jazz, rock, country, and hip hop stations.

On the jazz station, the guitar provided smooth melodic riffs to accompany usually a saxophone or a piano. One song I heard was by George Benson (I believe it was called Breezin'), and he dominated the song with his prowess on guitar, which was simply unreal. Hammer-ons and slides appear to be his forte. There's a distinct feel of jazz that separates it from guitars in other genres. Its more fluent, smooth and soothing.

On the rock station, the played music that I am more accustomed to. Along with a good jam from Bruce Springsteen, they also played the Fray and Green Day. Most of these songs have distinct and noticeable guitar riffs that people can identify with. While the guitar is a primary part of each song, without the other instruments rock would not have its unique sound.

On the country station, the guitar dominated the scene. It sounds a lot more twangy, and is accompanied more often than not by a deep male voice, but there are exceptions. I feel with country that there a lot more hit or miss songs out there, partially because of the guitar. It is featured so heavily in country that if the melody does not feel right, then the song can be lost. Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, and Taylor Swift were featured when I listened.

Finally, on the hip-hop station, there was not a guitar featured at all. Songs by Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and others were played, all using what I suppose to be synthesizers creating their beat. No giuiars were heard.