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Genre Features

This page is used to write down for reference what defines "each genre" Sometimes, just saying "This makes you want to groove" isn't enough, I want to go deeper into them. Especially genres that I'm not familliar with (all of them)

Classical​

  • I don't play classical enough to comment on this. But as far as I know, classical typically has a heavy focus on playing technique and perfection.
  • In orchestras, players are often tasked with blending in with each other to form one unified sound.

Pop​

  • Repeat a chorus over and over, and finally break the pattern with a bridge to add some spice to the song.
  • Often uses basic chords. Sometimes uses non-diatonic chords to stand out.

Jazz​

  • Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz???

Funk​

  • From 8-bit Music Theory:
    • Rhythm: Heavy focus on 16th syncopation
    • Melody: Focus on Major pentatonic resolution (5->6->1)
    • Harmony: Focus on dominants, sometimes may even stay on I7 forever. You can also attempt double plagal cadences (ie IV -> I resolution twice, so bVII -> IV -> I)
    • Bassline: The bassline itself is basically another melody.

Bebop​

  • Often uses a reverse swing pattern (instead of long short, it's short long eight notes!)
  • Bebop stems from a test of virtuosity (fast hand movement while fitting to chord scales). So most songs are more like show off of techniques than actual "songs".
  • To that end, bebop scales are made. They're basically scales... with 1 passing tone. I haven't really played bebop yet, though, so I can't comment on it.

Bossa Nova​

  • Often uses Claves.