Hard rock

Hard Rock
Stylistic origins:	Rock and roll, Blues rock, Psychedelic rock
Cultural origins:	1960s, United Kingdom
Typical instruments:	Electric guitar - Bass guitar - Drums
Mainstream popularity:	Popular among teenagers in 1970s, 1980s, 1990s. The maximum peak of mainstream popularity was reached in 1980s.
Derivative forms:	Alternative rock - Heavy metal - Punk rock
Subgenres
Alternative rock - Heavy metal - Punk rock - Grunge
Other topics
Back beat - Rock opera - Rock band - Performers - Rock anthem - Hall of Fame - Social impact

Hard rock is a variation of rock and roll music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage and psychedelic rock. It is typified by a heavy use of distorted electric guitars, bass guitar and drums. The term "hard rock" is often used as an umbrella term for genres such as punk, grunge and heavy metal in order to distinguish them from the more radio-friendly pop rock genre.