- Characteristics: Raw and emotional, often with heavy guitar riffs and soulful vocals.
- Pioneering artists: Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton.
2. Country Rock
- Characteristics: Combination of country and folk melodies with rock, using instruments like guitars, fiddle, and banjo.
- Pioneering artists: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, The Allman Brothers Band.
3. Hard Rock
- Characteristics: Aggressive and highly amplified guitar riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals.
- Pioneering artists: Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Who, Deep Purple.
4. Heavy Metal
- Characteristics: Extreme version of hard rock, with intense and aggressive sounds. Often includes complex guitar solos.
- Pioneering artists: Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica.
5. Glam Metal
- Characteristics: Extravagant fashion and makeup, with catchy and anthemic songs.
- Pioneering artists: Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Poison, Def Leppard.
6. Progressive Rock
- Characteristics: Complex song structures, odd time signatures, and extensive use of synthesizers and electronic sounds.
- Pioneering artists: Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, King Crimson.
7. Punk Rock
- Characteristics: Fast-paced, aggressive music with simple chord structures, often expressing anti-establishment or rebellious lyrics.
- Pioneering artists: Sex Pistols, Ramones, The Clash.
8. Alternative Rock
- Characteristics: Diverse and experimental, encompassing various influences from punk, pop, indie, and electronic music.
- Pioneering artists: R.E.M., Pixies, Sonic Youth, Radiohead.
9. Indie Rock
- Characteristics: Independent and self-produced music outside of the major record label system. Often emphasizes creative freedom.
- Pioneering artists: Velvet Underground, Talking Heads, Pavement, Modest Mouse.
10. Rap Rock
- Characteristics: Infusion of hip-hop and rap into rock music, combining elements like rapping, sampling, and turntables with live instrumentation.
- Pioneering artists: Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine, Linkin Park.