The twentieth century has seen the advent and popularization of many new genres and styles of music. For example, the idea and possibility of popular music or rock played on the piano, as opposed to its use as a traditionally classical instrument. This article aims to explore the emerging genre of piano rock and the overall possibility of playing rock music on the piano.

When one thinks of rock music, the primary instrument that comes to one’s mind is the guitar with its harsh, often aggressive sound, characterizing the whole genre. However, there is something called piano rock that is basically rock music centering around the piano as its main instrument. This phenomenon most probably has its roots in the piano being considered more and more as an instrument of popular music as well, from the beginning of the twentieth or end of the nineteenth century.

Artists, such as Scott Joplin or Jelly Roll Morton significantly contributed to the popularization of the piano, as an instrument of popular or dance music, not solely confined to serious concert halls. The next step could be considered the appearance of such music pioneers as Jerry Lee Lewis or Little Richard, in the 1950s, popularizing piano music and blending it with rock and roll. Their stunts at the piano, and their energetic performance styles became widespread and commonplace in artists such as Elton John or Billy Joel. The latter also merged the rhythm and blues of Ray Charles, and all past popular uses of piano to create the current widespread utilization of the piano in rock songs. Artists such as Keane, Coldplay or Muse for example could be considered as playing some form of piano rock. Featuring keyboards or synthesizers, even classical pianos in their songs, modern rock piano artists create a unique sound using the piano, which is smoother, more chilled out and relaxing than that of many rock songs that feature solely the guitar.

The Piano Instead Of The Guitar

If you want to start playing rock music, or even start a rock band, the first instrument that would come to your mind is most probably the guitar. However, piano also occupies a steady place in many rock bands nowadays and can create, in some cases, more unique sounds than the guitar. So, if you are thinking about forming a rock band, you should consider learning to play rock piano, instead of the guitar. And if you think that learning to play the piano properly comes only after many years of practice, you would be surprised to find out that you can find some highly useful sites teaching you how to play the rock piano, without having to read sheet music, or learn complex music theory. Playing the rock piano based on chord structures and with the help of a simplified notation system has become just as easy as playing the guitar. So go ahead learn to play the rock piano and your band will have a truly unique sound.