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Posted by: AIB234 Jul 1 2007, 05:08 AM

What defines the different genres of metal and heavy rock?

We all know that neoclassical is different from progressive and all that, but what makes them different?

Is it the scales they use or what?

I think it would be great to have a thread that had these answers to make writing and improvising certain styles easier for us.

Thanks for the help and please add any styles that you're knowledgeable in!

Posted by: Ryan Jul 1 2007, 05:49 AM

I posted somehting like this before. Nobody liked it. But i think i just said. What is it?? How would you describe it?? and like what makes neoclassical, neoclassical!!

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 1 2007, 03:12 PM

Kaneda gave a great description of what makes neoclassical http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=4857

As for the others, you'll have to ask someone more knowlegeabe than me - I know there are 9000 sub-genres of metal but I have trouble telling them apart!

Posted by: Kaneda Jul 1 2007, 05:26 PM

Should be noted that that description is the impressions of "someone" who doesn't listen to neo-classical on a regular basis - or 95% of metal for that matter Sometimes it's better to have people "outside" describe a genre, sometimes it's better with people who actually play and/or listen to it regularly. Both will be simplistic in their own way.

For example, if I heard a neo-classical guitarist saying he's using the principles of Bach, Mozart, Chopin etc. (or Paganini for that matter) "in a modern context", I'd probably either squirm or kick him. If he saw my description in that thread, he'd probably do the same

Another attempt with another genre, that I'm not an expert on is http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=4404

Posted by: steve25 Jul 1 2007, 11:15 PM

Heres a link i found on UG which pretty much sums up a lot of the genres in metal:

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=474076

Posted by: The Uncreator Jul 2 2007, 02:45 AM

What defines Genre usually is sound, and lyrical content.

Viking Metal is largely defined by its lyrics, but there are bands who have a death metal sound, to folk and power, but are still Viking.

See what i mean?

The link on UG Is a good resource, it has good definitions usually.