instrumental rock

A History of Instrumental Rock: From Guitars to Groove

Early Days: The Pioneers

Instrumental rock, a genre that celebrates the prowess of musicianship over lyrics, emerged in the 1950s, riding the wave of early rock and roll. The likes of Duane Eddy and The Ventures dominated the airwaves with their driving guitar riffs and infectious melodies.

Fun Fact: Duane Eddy’s signature “twang” was achieved by using a technique called “chicken pickin’,” which involves hitting two strings simultaneously with a pick.

The Instrumental Explosion: Surf, Spaghetti Westerns, and Beyond

The 1960s saw the rise of surf rock, with bands like The Beach Boys (though not solely instrumental) and The Shadows unleashing a wave of upbeat, reverb-laden instrumentals that captured the California sunshine.

Fun Fact: The Shadows, known for their iconic instrumental “Apache,” were so popular that they were once banned from playing the song in a Spanish town because it was considered too exciting and caused people to dance in the streets.

Meanwhile, in the world of film, Ennio Morricone was composing unforgettable instrumental scores for spaghetti westerns, captivating audiences with his dramatic and evocative melodies.

Fun Fact: Morricone’s most famous theme, the iconic “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” theme, was initially rejected by the film’s director, Sergio Leone, who thought it was too “pop” sounding. It eventually became one of the most recognizable pieces of film music ever.

The Evolution of Instrumental Rock: Prog, Fusion, and Beyond

In the 1970s, instrumental rock embraced new sounds and genres. Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Yes pioneered progressive rock, crafting epic, complex instrumentals that stretched the boundaries of popular music.

Fun Fact: ELP’s keyboardist, Keith Emerson, was known for his dramatic and flamboyant stage antics, including playing the piano with his feet and smashing instruments on stage.

The 1980s saw the rise of fusion, with bands like The Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report blending jazz, rock, and world music influences.

Fun Fact: The Mahavishnu Orchestra’s guitarist, John McLaughlin, was a pioneer of “jazz fusion” and was known for his incredible speed and virtuosity.

Instrumental Rock Today: A Continuing Legacy

Today, instrumental rock continues to thrive, with artists like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Buckethead pushing the boundaries of guitar technique and exploring a diverse range of musical styles.

Fun Fact: Buckethead, known for his signature bucket on his head, is a highly skilled musician who has released over 300 albums. He is also a former member of Guns N’ Roses.

Instrumental rock, from its surf rock roots to its progressive and fusion innovations, has always been a celebration of pure musicality. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend language and connect with audiences through the raw power of music itself.