Whammy Bar
Also called a tremolo arm or vibrato bar. A device attached to the bridge of an electric guitar that allows the player to quickly vary the tension and pitch of the strings, creating a vibrato or diving effect.
Instruments
"Eddie Van Halen's dive bombs with the whammy bar revolutionized guitar playing in the late 70s."
Double-Neck Guitar
A specialized electric guitar with two necks, typically a 6-string and a 12-string, allowing guitarists to switch between different sounds without changing instruments.
Instruments
"Jimmy Page's double-neck Gibson EDS-1275 became iconic during live performances of 'Stairway to Heaven'."
Marshall Stack
A full amplification setup consisting of a Marshall amplifier head atop one or more speaker cabinets, known for their distinctive powerful sound and visual impact on stage.
Instruments
"The wall of Marshall stacks behind AC/DC created both an impressive visual and earth-shaking volume."
Power Chord
A simplified two-note chord consisting of the root note and its fifth, often played with distortion. The foundation of most rock rhythm guitar playing.
Techniques
"Black Sabbath's 'Iron Man' opens with one of rock's most recognizable power chord progressions."
Shredding
Playing guitar with high-speed, technically demanding passages, often featuring sweep picking, tapping, and legato techniques.
Techniques
"Eddie Van Halen's shredding technique on 'Eruption' inspired a generation of guitarists."
Headbanging
A physical response to music where listeners vigorously move their head in rhythm with the beat, particularly associated with heavier rock and metal genres.
Techniques
"The synchronized headbanging of Metallica fans created a sea of movement during their arena shows."
Glam Metal
Also known as hair metal, a subgenre that combined hard rock with pop hooks and an androgynous, theatrical visual style including elaborate hairstyles, makeup, and flashy costumes.
Genres
"Poison and Mötley Crüe exemplified the glam metal aesthetic that dominated MTV in the mid-1980s."
Progressive Rock
A complex subgenre characterized by unusual time signatures, extended compositions, technical instrumental proficiency, and often conceptual or fantasy themes.
Genres
"Yes and King Crimson pioneered progressive rock's intricate arrangements and virtuosic performances."
Arena Rock
A style characterized by anthemic choruses, polished production, and songs designed to work in large stadium settings, often featuring audience participation elements.
Genres
"Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'' remains the quintessential arena rock anthem decades after its release."
Groupie
A fan who follows a band on tour and often seeks personal relationships with band members. Though sometimes used pejoratively, many were significant cultural figures in their own right.
Culture
"Famous groupies like Pamela Des Barres became cultural icons who documented rock's backstage history."
Backstage Pass
A credential allowing access to restricted areas at concerts, particularly the area behind the stage where artists prepare and relax before and after performances.
Culture
"Backstage passes became coveted collectibles, often featuring unique artwork for each tour."
Record Store Day
An annual event inaugurated in 2008 to celebrate independent record stores, featuring special vinyl releases and performances that has helped revive interest in physical music formats.
Culture
"Many classic rock albums are reissued with bonus material for Record Store Day, connecting new fans to the vinyl era."
