Reggae: Style

The Musical Characteristics of Reggae

Reggae often uses both major and minor keys, with the Dorian mode being common too. Chord sequences are simple, often featuring only a few chords, and extensions such as 7ths and sometimes even 9ths and 11ths are used to give the music a more complex sound. Major and minor pentatonic scales are common, especially due to the simplistic chord sequences used throughout the genre. Riffs often emphasise the 2nd and 4th beats of a bar, as this creates an off-beat sound that is one of the main characteristics of reggae. 4/4 time signature is common, with off-beat rhythms forming the foundation of the genre's sound. Reggae melodies are often simple, repetitive and memorable, with lyrical themes of politics, love or spirituality. Electric guitar and bass are common in reggae, as well as keyboards, with organ sounds also being used often. Percussion is also very important in the genre, with instruments such as congas and bongos being used, stemming from the genre's Caribbean roots. Call and response is a common texture in reggae, especially in vocal or instrumental melodies. The instrumentals of reggae are very off-beat, with staccato notes being common, especially on pianos or keyboards to accent this. Improvisation in reggae focuses more on melodic variation and rhythmic embellishment rather than long solo parts. 

Notation of Important Riffs, Melodies and Rhythms

Here is my notation of an off-the-beat rhythm, were the notes are played between each beat, an extremely common characteristic of reggae. 

Video on the chop technique on guitar, commonly played in off-beat rhythms in reggae:

Reggae rhythm guitar skank - How to play the chop - off-beat tutorial

Three Subgenres of Reggae and their Similarities/Differences

Three subgenres of reggae are ska, roots reggae and reggaeton. Ska commonly uses a walking baseline, which isn't as common in other subgenres, as well as featuring melodic brass parts with fast tempos and more politically focused lyrics. Roots reggae is slower in tempo, with a lot of the lyrics focusing on Rastafarian faith and spirituality. Overall, this subgenre is more meditative and reflective compared to other subgenres. Reggaeton mixes reggae with more Latin influences, featuring Spanish lyrics as well as elements of rap, and this subgenre is more often digitally produced, being more modern than the other 2 subgenres I have researched. Overall, each genre has its differences, but they all have focus on off-beat rhythms, as well as featuring Caribbean percussion influences and heavy basslines.

My Opinions on the Reggae Subgenres

I like reggae in general, as it is very positive and uplifting, but I also like the use of Caribbean percussion as well as the off-beat rhythms. I do, however, like ska the most, as I am a fan generally of punk and rock music, some of which stemmed from ska revivals in the 80s. 

Examples of Famous Musicians from Reggae Subgenres

Madness was a very influencial band to the ska subgenre. Madness was very commercially successful, bringing ska to the public eye whilst also combining the subgenre with elements of punk and new wave. Overall, Madness influenced ska greatly, setting new groundwork for the next bands ahead. Bob Marley was incredibly influential to roots reggae, even influencing the whole reggae genre. He is credited to have moved roots reggae from being a local phenomena to a global sensation, bringing reggae to popularity around the world. He was also a central figure in promoting Rastafarian ideals, such as unity and fighting against oppression. Puerto Rican artist Daddy Yankee was a big influence on reggaeton, helping bring the genre to the public with his hit song, Gasolina. He ultimately formed the foundations for other artists ahead of his, whilst also influencing general pop music to include reggaeton elements too. 

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley, one of the most famous reggae musicians:

Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds (Official Music Video)

Baggy Trousers by Madness, very influencial in the British ska movement:

Madness - Baggy Trousers (Official 4K Video)

How did Reggae Evolve?

Reggae developed in Jamaica in the late 60s, ultimately becoming popular worldwide through artists like Bob Marley. This worldwide popularity lead to new subgenres, blending reggae with punk and rock to form ska subgenres, or even combining with Latin elements to create the reggaeton subgenre. Overall, reggae has influenced rock and pop music of the modern day, especially through ska and reggaeton, as some pop and rock music still features influences from these subgenres today. 

What does Reggae have in Common with Other Styles

Reggae shares many elements of structure and instrumentation with rock and pop, as well as blues, but its off-beat rhythms serve as a unique, identifying feature, helping reggae stand out amongst other genres.