John Lennon’s song “Cold Turkey,” for example, is about his experience quitting heroin. [2] X Research source
A quick rule of thumb for determining a hook’s catchiness: if a lyrical or melodic phrase sticks in your head, it will probably stick in other people’s heads. A variation of the title of the Rolling Stones’ song “Paint It, Black,” for instance, serves as part of the hook: “I see a red door and I want it painted black. ”[4] X Research source
The chorus of the David Bowie song “Starman,” for example, introduces the song’s hook, “There’s a starman waiting in the sky,” in the first line of the chorus. [5] X Research source
In the first verse of “Take It Off,” for instance, The Donnas sing “I’m on my second drink/But I’ve had a few before/I’m trying hard to think/And I think that I want you on the floor. ”[7] X Research source
In the second verse of “When Doves Cry,” for example, Prince sings “Dream if you can a courtyard/An ocean of violets in bloom/Animals strike curious poses” in the same rhythm as the first verse. [9] X Research source
The bridge in “Barracuda” by Heart, for example, uses a different rhythm to stick out from the rest of the song: “‘Sell me, sell you, the porpoise said/Dive down deep to save my head/You, I think you got the blues too. ”[10] X Research source
Search online to find out what rhythm and beats the particular genre of rock music you want to play uses.
The G power chord, for example, would be formed by pressing on the third fret on the top string, then the fifth fret on the 2 strings below the top string. [13] X Research source Nirvana’s song “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” for example, uses the power chords for E, A, G, and C. [14] X Research source Power chords are particularly popular in grunge music. Acid rock songs use the same type of chords, but they distort the chords by using a distortion pedal hooked up to the amplifier. Indie rock, on the other hand, tends to go for a smoother, softer sound, and may even use traditional chords. Glam rock also uses smoother sounds, and tends to experiment with music from other genres entirely.
You should also remember to strum your guitar like you’re trying to break the strings. Rock music isn’t rock music without a destructive vibe. Funk rock, for example, emphasizes a heavy beat from the bass guitar and drums. Singer-songwriters like Joan Armatrading tend to focus heavily on melody instruments like guitar and piano and use other instruments mostly just to achieve a fuller sound.
Psychedelic rock in particular features long, improvised instrumental solos, usually by an electric guitar. Punk rock, on the other hand, tends to see instrumental solos and pretentious and unnecessary. The iconic guitar part in the Guns N’ Roses song “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” for example, is a simple variation of a scale that Axl Rose heard guitarist Slash playing in rehearsal. [16] X Research source
