Music Glossary: genres-and-forms category

Chord scheme built on I–IV–V over 12 bars; foundational for blues, rock, and jazz. more

Popular/jazz standard song form: two As, a contrasting B (bridge), and a final A. more

West African groove fusion combining highlife, jazz, and funk with extended jams. more

Fast, virtuosic jazz with complex harmony and irregular phrase accents; small combos. more

Acoustic string-band music with virtuosic picking and close harmonies. more

Genre rooted in African American traditions; expressive bends/blue notes; 12-bar form common. more

90s hip-hop style with punchy kick–snare patterns, sampled loops, and lyrical focus. more

Brazilian style blending samba rhythms with jazz harmony and intimate vocals/guitar. more

Vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment; sacred or secular, multi-movement. more

Variations over a repeated harmonic progression; expressive large-scale set-piece. more

Broad umbrella for Western art music from Medieval to contemporary concert traditions. more

Work for solo instrument(s) and orchestra emphasizing contrast and virtuosity. more

Relaxed, lyrical jazz emphasizing tone color, counterpoint, and arrangement. more

American roots genre with narrative lyrics, twang timbres, and strong songcraft. more

Gritty hip-hop substyle with sliding 808s, triplet hats, and stark narratives. more

Fast breakbeats (160–180 BPM) with heavy basslines and intricate programming. more

Reggae-derived studio form using mixing-board effects, dropouts, and heavy bass. more

Broad umbrella for club-oriented electronic genres focused on rhythm and drops. more

Study piece focusing on a technical challenge while often standing as concert music. more

Andalusian art form combining cante, toque, and baile with complex compás. more

Traditional and contemporary song forms emphasizing lyrical storytelling and acoustic textures. more

Contrapuntal form with subject entries in imitation; uses episodes, stretto, and sequence. more

Indonesian ensemble tradition with metallophones, gongs, and cyclical forms. more

Grittier bebop variant incorporating blues, gospel, and R&B elements. more

Ghanaian genre with interlocking guitars, horns, and upbeat dance rhythms. more

Culture/genre featuring rap, DJing, sampling, and beat-making; rhythmic speech over grooves. more

Four-on-the-floor dance music; soulful to tech variants; emphasis on groove and repetition. more