Reggae

Definition

Reggae music was developed in the late 1960s in Jamaica.

The bass guitar often plays the dominant role in reggae. The bass sound in reggae is thick and heavy, and equalized so the upper frequencies are removed and the lower frequencies emphasized. It is common for reggae to be sung in Jamaican English.

Reggae is noted for its tradition of social criticism and religion in its lyrics, although many reggae songs discuss lighter, more personal subjects, such as love and socializing.

One of the most easily recognizable elements is off beat rhythms; staccato chords played by a guitar or piano (or both) on the off-beats of the bar.

Examples

Reggae has a very distinctive and recognisable sound.

This video summarises key elements of the music whilst playing a medley of reggae excerpts in the background.