SAEDNEWS: When it comes to the most famous music genres in the world, music enthusiasts always have questions. What is the complete list of music styles globally? In this article, we will introduce you to the best and most popular music genres in Iran and around the world. Stay with us until the end to explore them all.
A music genre is a conventional category or term used to describe the characteristics of musical pieces that belong to shared traditions or a set of conventions. Globally, music is recognized as both an art form and a cultural expression, with each country following its unique musical style. Styles vary due to historical periods, geographic regions, types of instruments, and performance methods.
Overall, musical styles can be divided into three main categories: artistic, pop, and traditional. The most prominent styles include classical, pop, rock, minimal, traditional Iranian, jazz, hip hop, rap, and others.
This style is considered the “mother” of musical genres worldwide. It differs from traditional music and is regarded as a form of academic music. In this context, it refers to European traditional art music. Currently, it remains one of the most popular styles, with origins tracing back to the Middle Ages (around 500 years B.C.). Notable composers include Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Antonio Vivaldi, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Chopin, and Arnold Schoenberg.
Classical music employs a wide range of instruments, including piano and string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass), woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, piccolo), brass instruments (horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba), and percussion (timpani and large drums). Improvisation is very limited, and musical notes are generally predetermined.
Rock music originated from rock and roll in the 1950s in the United States. Its primary fan base is in America. The roots of early rock are found in African-American gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz. Common instruments include guitar (acoustic, electric, and bass), keyboard, synthesizer, and piano. One of the defining features of rock is the use of amplified sound with a steady rhythm.
Other typical instruments include vocals, drums, bass guitar, and electric guitar, often with distortion effects. Well-known artists and bands include The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa, Tom Waits, Pink Floyd, Tim Buckley, Bob Dylan, Klaus Schulze, and The Rolling Stones. Sub-genres of rock include rock and roll, heavy metal, metal, punk, R&B, alternative, pop, reggae, blues, country, hip hop, jazz, and funk. A key characteristic is the use of amplifiers to create loud, distorted sounds.
Minimal music emerged in the 1960s and is also known as “minimalist music.” It emphasizes simplicity in melody and harmony, focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm, melody, chords, and tempo so that the basic elements of music remain unaltered.
One of the oldest musical styles, dating back to ancient times before Christ. This music uses specific notes that distinguish it from other regional traditions. Traditional Iranian music consists of seven Dastgahs (Shur, Segah, Chahargah, Homayoun, Nava, Rast-Panjgah, and Nava) and five Avazes (Abou’ata, Afshari, Dashti, Bayat-e-Tork, and Esfahan).
Jazz emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through African-American musicians, using instruments such as trumpet, double bass, drums, trombone, saxophone, piano, bass guitar, and guitar. Its features include pauses, swing rhythms, polyrhythms, improvisation, and call-and-response patterns. Prominent jazz musicians include Norah Jones, Jelly Roll Morton, Coleman Hawkins, Kermit Ruffins, Louis Armstrong, and others.
Hip hop emerged in the mid-1970s as a combination of sound and scratching, often narrating life stories rhythmically. Music is performed in “beats,” created by a DJ and accompanied by a rapper.
Pop music is perhaps the most popular music style worldwide, emerging between the 1930s and 1950s. It is most prevalent in America, Europe, and Africa. Instruments include various guitars (bass, acoustic, electric), piano, drums, wind instruments (saxophone, flute, trumpet), string instruments (violin, cello, viola), percussion (tambourine, shaker), harmonica, and synthesizer. While instrumental sound is similar to classical music, bass is heavily amplified, and the overall musical structure is simplified.
Rap music originated to express social protests against life challenges and racial discrimination by African-Americans. It is still used globally for protest against discrimination, poverty, drugs, and unemployment. Rap emerged in the 1960s with fast-paced rhythms and continuous lyrical delivery. Initially, African-Americans lacked the resources to record music and performed in the streets.
Metal music developed after rock, sharing many similarities. It is characterized by fast, chaotic rhythms, shouting, and very loud amplified sound. Metal often expresses social, political, or cultural criticism. Instruments primarily include electric and bass guitars and drums, though strings (violin, cello), keyboards, and acoustic guitars are also used. Metal’s chaotic melodies are said to reflect the tumultuous human mind while potentially reducing critical thinking capacity.
