ReggaeIn this lesson you will learn the origins of reggae music, the main characteristics of reggae music, some reggae musicians and also begin rehearsing a reggae piece.

ReggaeReggae music comes from the Caribbean Island of Jamaica.

Reggae is a fusion of traditional Carribean folk music (called Mento), Jazz and Rhythm and Blues (both from America)

Reggae first appeared as popular music in the mid 1960s

Reggae's Musical Origins Ska and Rocksteady are forms of early Reggae.Ska has many more elements of jazz, such as the use of saxophones and can have quite fast temposRocksteady has a very steady bass and drum beatBut, Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae all share one very important element which sets them apart from other pop music styles

Musical Characteristics of ReggaeIn most pop music there are 4 beats in the bar. This is true for Reggae as well. Though, in reggae, beats 2 and 4 are the strong beats.

The guitar and keyboard emphasise beats 2 and 4. This technique has many names, including skank, chop, and riddim. You can them make these parts more interesting by using a double-chop (on guitar) or using the bubble or shuffle technique on the piano/organ.

Reggae drum beats have three main variations, the One-drop, Steppers and Rockers. All the rhythms feature rim shots on the snare and the hi-hat also has a prominent part. The snare drum is tuned higher than usual, often sounding like a timbale.

Instruments in ReggaePiano/organDrum kitElectric guitarBass guitarTrumpetSaxophoneVoice