Dictionary of musical genres and subgenres

Musical genres help to identify traditions, scenes, and ways of organizing sound. This dictionary brings together short definitions and starting points for listening, from Brazilian music to genres such as pop, rock, electronic, jazz, and hip-hop.

Boundaries shift over time, and a work can cross multiple fields. Use these examples to begin research, without treating an artist's entire career as belonging to a single style. Instrumentation, cultural context, production, and circulation also play a role in these classifications.

How to consult this dictionary of musical genres

Find a family, read the description, and compare a few works. You can start by... pop and related genres, Brazilian music or synthwave and retrowave. To hear differences more clearly, observe voice, instruments, rhythm, texture, and form, rather than relying solely on labels.

Pop and Derivatives

Pop

An eclectic musical genre that originated in the 1950s in the USA and the UK, characterized by songs of medium to short length, verse-chorus structure, catchy melodic hooks, and lyrics about universal themes. Representative artists: Madonna, Michael Jackson, Anitta, Luan Santana

Dance Pop

A fusion of pop music with elements of dance music, creating fast-paced songs and danceable beats intended for the dance floor. Representative artists: Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Pabllo Vittar, Gloria Groove

Synth-pop

Pop song language in which synthesizers and electronic production play a central role. Voice, melody, chorus, and timbre design relate to each other in different ways across artists and eras. References to get you started: Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys. Delve deeper into synth-pop guide.

K-Pop

South Korean pop music characterized by genre fusion, impeccable production, elaborate choreography, and a striking visual aesthetic. Representative artists: BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, EXO

J-Pop

Japanese pop music that incorporates elements of local culture, anime, and video games, featuring vibrant melodies and sophisticated arrangements. Representative artists: AKB48, Utada Hikaru, BABYMETAL, Perfume

Indie Pop

A more alternative version of pop, usually produced by independent labels, with an experimental and less commercial approach. Representative artists: Vampire Weekend, Tame Impala, Jovem Dionisio, Tuyo

Discover even more subgenres of pop music.

Rock and its derivatives

Classic Rock

It evolved from 1950s rock and roll, characterized by prominent electric guitars, bass and drums, with straightforward song structures. Representative artists: The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Raul Seixas, Os Mutantes

Alternative Rock

It emerged as an alternative to mainstream rock in the 80s, with an experimental and often distorted sound. Representative artists: REM, Nirvana, Legião Urbana, Pato Fu

Hard Rock

Characterized by heavier sounds, distorted guitars, and intense vocals. Representative artists: Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Dr. Sin

Metal

A more technical evolution of hard rock, with various subgenres (Heavy, Thrash, Death, Black Metal). Representative artists: Metallica, Iron Maiden, Angra, Krisiun

Punk Rock

It emerged in the mid-70s as a reaction to progressive rock, characterized by fast, simple songs and a rebellious attitude. Representative artists: Ramones, Sex Pistols, Ratos de Porão, Cólera

Indie Rock

Rock music produced by independent bands, usually with an experimental approach. Representative artists: Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Los Hermanos, Fresno

Post-Rock

An instrumental subgenre that uses rock instruments to create textures and soundscapes. Representative artists: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Sigur Rós, Hurtmold, Ventre

Electronic Music

EDM (Electronic Dance Music)

An umbrella term for electronic music geared towards dance floors, encompassing various subgenres. Representative artists: Calvin Harris, Avicii, Alok, Vintage Culture

House

Originating in Chicago in the 1980s, with a steady 4/4 beat and distinctive bass lines. Representative artists: Frankie Knuckles, Daft Punk, Chemical Surf

Techno

It emerged in Detroit in the 80s, focusing on repetitive beats and synthetic sounds. Representative artists: Juan Atkins, Jeff Mills, ANNA, Victor Ruiz

Trance

Characterized by hypnotic melodies, harmonic progressions, and constructions that create a trance-like sensation. Representative artists: Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Vini Vici, Astrix

Drum and Bass

Fast tempo (160-180 BPM) with emphasis on deep bass lines and broken beats. Representative artists: Goldie, Pendulum, DJ Marky, Patife

Dubstep

Characterized by distorted bass ("wobble bass") and syncopated rhythms around 140 BPM. Representative artists: Skrillex, Burial, Tropkillaz, FTampa

Hip-Hop and Rap

Rap

A rhythmic vocal style that emerged in the Bronx in the 1970s, combining spoken rhymes over beats. Representative artists: Tupac Shakur, Notorious BIG, Racionais MC's, Emicida

Trap

A subgenre of rap featuring fast hi-hats, deep bass lines, and lyrics about urban life. Representative artists: Future, Travis Scott, Matuê, Recayd Mob

Brazilian Rap

Adapting rap to the national context, addressing social issues and inequality. Representative artists: Racionais MC's, Sabotage, Criolo, Djonga

Conscious Rap

It focuses on lyrics with social and political messages. Representative artists: Common, Kendrick Lamar, GOG, BK

Mumble Rap

Less articulate and more melodic vocals, often with heavy use of Auto-Tune. Representative artists: Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, Jovem Dex, Dfideliz

Jazz and Blues

Traditional Jazz

Originating in New Orleans in the late 19th century, featuring blue notes, improvisation, and swing. Representative artists: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Johnny Alf, Zimbo Trio

Bebop

Emerging in the 1940s, it is characterized by fast tempos, virtuoso improvisations, and complex harmonies. Representative artists: Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, K-Ximbinho, Heraldo do Monte

Cool Jazz

A smooth and melodic style that reacted against bebop, with restrained arrangements. Representative artists: Miles Davis, Chet Baker, João Donato, Quarteto Novo

Jazz Fusion

It combines jazz with rock, funk, and R&B, using electronic instruments. Representative artists: Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Azymuth, Hermeto Pascoal

Traditional Blues

African-American, originating in the southern US, with a 12-bar structure and blue notes. Representative artists: Robert Johnson, BB King, André Christovam, Blues Etílicos

Latin Music

Salsa

Derived from Afro-Cuban music, with intense percussion and brass sections. Representative artists: Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Willie Colón

Reggaeton

A fusion of Jamaican reggae with Latin hip hop, a "Dem Bow" beat, and festive lyrics. Representative artists: Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, Anitta (collaborations)

Bachata

A Dominican romantic genre, featuring requinto guitars and melancholic lyrics. Representative artists: Juan Luis Guerra, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce

Cumbia

A Colombian rhythm featuring percussion and accordion, with regional variations. Representative artists: Totó la Momposina, Los Ángeles Azules, Gaby Amarantos

Brazilian Music

Samba

Of African origin, with a syncopated rhythm, percussion and cavaquinho (a small, four-stringed instrument similar to a ukulele), associated with Carnival. Representative artists: Cartola, Beth Carvalho, Zeca Pagodinho, Martinho da Vila

Bossa Nova

The samba revolution of the 1950s, with sophisticated harmonies and syncopated guitar. Representative artists: João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Roberto Menescal, Carlos Lyra

MPB (Brazilian Popular Music)

A movement from the 1960s that blends Brazilian rhythms with folk music and political engagement. Representative artists: Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethânia, Gal Costa

Forró

A trio of accordion, bass drum, and triangle, associated with the June festivals. Representative artists: Luiz Gonzaga, Dominguinhos, Falamansa, Elba Ramalho

Sertanejo

With rural roots, it evolved into a university-style music with pop and country influences. Representative artists: Chitãozinho & Xororó, Marília Mendonça, Maiara & Maraisa, Gusttavo Lima

Funk Carioca

Derived from Miami Bass, with electronic beats and explicit lyrics. Representative artists: MC Marcinho, Ludmilla, Anitta, MC Kevin o Chris

Axé

Developed in Bahia, it mixes Afro-Brazilian, frevo, reggae and pop. Representative artists: Ivete Sangalo, Daniela Mercury, Chiclete com Banana

Brazilian Electronic Music

Brazilian Bass

Subgenre of bass house with local influences. Representative artists: Alok, Vintage Culture, KVSH, Liu

Brazilian Psytrance

Psytrance branch incorporating Brazilian culture. Representative artists: Chapeleiro, Mandragora, Vini Vici (collaborations)

Techno Brega

Electronic fusion from Pará, mixing regional rhythms with dance. Representative artists: Banda Uó, Gaby Amarantos, Gang do Eletro

Brazilian Regional and Niche Music

Pagode

A subgenre of samba that gained strength in the 80s with backyard circles and instruments such as the banjo and tantã. Representative artists: Fundo de Quintal, Zeca Pagodinho, Raça Negra

Choro

Instrumental genre from 19th century Rio de Janeiro, marked by virtuosity, modulations and choro circles. Representative artists: Pixinguinha, Jacob do Bandolim, Waldir Azevedo

frevo

Carnival rhythm of Recife and Olinda, with brass orchestra, fast rhythm and acrobatic dance. Representative artists: Maestro Nunes, Capiba, Spok Frevo Orquestra

Carimbó

Genre from Pará with percussion and guitar, associated with loose dances and local festivities. Representative artists: Gaby Amarantos, Pinduca

Lambada

Sensual style from Pará in the 80s, with a rhythm marked by tambourine and guitar. Representative artists: Kaoma, Beto Barbosa

Manguebeat

Recife movement from the 90s that mixes maracatu with rock, hip-hop and funk. Representative artists: Chico Science & Nação Zumbi, Mundo Livre S/A

Brega Funk

Variant of funk carioca with kitsch aesthetics and fast beats, strong in Pernambuco. Representative artists: Banda Estralo, MC Marilyn

Jongo

Afro-Brazilian expression from the Southeast, with caxambu percussion and community dance circle. Representative artists: Grupo Jongo da Serrinha

Coco

Pernambuco rhythm with percussion of ganzá, tambourine and calango, associated with circle dances. Representative artists: Mestre Galo Preto

Embolada

Rhymed beats and fast rhythm with minimal percussion, typical of the Northeast. Representative artists: Jackson do Pandeiro, Luiz Gonzaga

Pisadinha

Subgenre of forró with electronic beats and strong bass, easy to dance to. Representative artists: Barões da Pisadinha, Zé Vaqueiro

Partido Alto

A branch of samba de roda with improvised verses and percussion using tambourines and tambourines. Representative artists: Candeia, Zeca Pagodinho

Serenade

Romantic urban night music, with guitar and voice in a nostalgic mood. Representative artists: Angela Maria, Nelson Goncalves

Xote

Variation of forró in binary time, played on accordion and zabumba. Representative artists: Luiz Gonzaga, Falamansa

Xaxado

Northeastern rhythm from Pernambuco, with marked steps and accordion and zabumba instruments. Representative artists: Trio Virgulino

Afoxé

Derived from ijexá, present in the Salvador Carnival parades, with Candomblé rhythms. Representative artists: Filhos de Gandhi

Arrocha

Romantic genre from Bahia from the 2000s, with themes of suffering love and swing dancing. Representative artists: João Gomes, Raí Saia Rodada

Paulista Vanguard

Experimental movement of the 80s in São Paulo, fusion of MPB, concrete music and improvisation. Representative artists: Itamar Assumpção, Arrigo Barnabé

World Music and Folklore

Fado

Traditional Portuguese music, melancholic and fatalistic. Representative artists: Amalia Rodrigues, Mariza, Ana Moura

Flamenco

Andalusian style with passionate singing, guitar and clapping. Representative artists: Paco de Lucía, Camarón de la Isla, Vicente Amigo

Brazilian Indigenous Music

Expressions of indigenous peoples, with tribal variations. Representative artists: Marlui Miranda, Grupo Bayaká, Djuena Tikuna

Celtic Music

Traditions of the Celtic peoples of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Representative artists: The Chieftains, Enya, Carlos Nunez

Classical and Erudite Music

Baroque

1600–1750, elaborate ornamentation and counterpoint. Representative composers: J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Handel

Classic

1730–1820, clarity, balance and formal elegance. Representative composers: Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven

Romantic

19th century, intense emotional expression and formal freedom. Representative composers: Chopin, Liszt, Villa Lobos

Contemporary

20th–21st centuries, sound experimentation and new approaches. Representative composers: Philip Glass, John Adams, Marisa Rezende, Edino Krieger

Experimental and Avant-garde Music

Noise Music

Use of noise and dissonance as a compositional element. Representative artists: Merzbow, Sonic Youth, Metá Metá

Concrete Music

Manipulation of natural sound recordings to compose. Representative artists: Pierre Schaeffer, Stockhausen

Vaporwave

Use of samples from the 80s/90s, slowed down and with echo. Representative artists: Macintosh Plus, Blank Banshee, Paisagem Pós-Internet

Contemporary Fusions

Nu-Jazz

Fusion of jazz with electronics and hip-hop. Representative artists: St. Germain, Jazzanova, Bixiga 70

Trip-Hop

It combines hip hop with soul, jazz and downtempo electronica. Representative artists: Massive Attack, Portishead, Céu

Contemporary MPB

New generation of MPB integrated with electronics and indie. Representative artists: Criolo, Liniker, Johnny Hooker, Tulipa Ruiz

Country and Folk

Country

Genre originating in the southern United States in the early 20th century, using guitar, banjo and steel guitar, and narrative lyrics about rural life. Representative artists: Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson

folk

Acoustic songs with an emphasis on poetry and simple melodies, often original and communal. Representative artists: Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez

Bluegrass

A subgenre of Appalachian country, featuring virtuosic acoustic instrumentation (banjo, fiddle, mandolin). Representative artists: Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Alison Krauss

Americana

Fusion of country, folk, rock and blues, valuing musical roots and introspective lyrics. Representative artists: Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Jason Isbell

Singer-Songwriter

Focus on the composer-performer, minimalist arrangements and personal lyrics. Representative artists: Carole King, James Taylor, Norah Jones

R&B, Soul and Funk

Contemporary R&B

Derived from rhythm & blues, with modern production, danceable grooves and melodic vocals. Representative artists: Beyoncé, Usher, Bruno Mars, Iza

Soul

Emotive vocals and brass and organ arrangements, expressing passion and spirituality. Representative artists: Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Tim Maia, Sandra de Sá

Funk

Marked groove, syncopated guitars and vocal calls to the audience. Representative artists: James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, Banda Black Rio

Disco

4/4 beat, orchestral arrangements and prominent bass, aimed at dance floors. Representative artists: Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor

Reggae and Jamaican Rhythms

Reggae

Originating in Jamaica, backbeat rhythm and social or spiritual lyrics. Representative artists: Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Natiruts, Cidade Negra

Ska

Predecessor of reggae, with marked brass and fast rhythm. Representative artists: The Skatalites, Desmond Dekker, Skank

Dub

Instrumental reggae remix with echo and reverb effects. Representative artists: King Tubby, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Augustus Pablo

Dancehall

Post-reggae style with digital beats (riddims) and toasting. Representative artists: Yellowman, Sean Paul, Marcio Victor

Ambient, Chillout and New Age

Ambient

Emerging in the 70s with ethereal soundscapes and minimal improvisation. Representative artists: Brian Eno, Aphex Twin (ambient), André Abujamra

Chillout

Relaxing downtempo, electronic mix, jazz and lounge. Representative artists: Thievery Corporation, Moby

New Age

Calm sound textures intended for meditation and relaxation. Representative artists: Yanni, Enya

Afrobeat and Afropop

Afrobeat

Combination of Yoruba rhythms, jazz and funk, with long and politicized compositions. Representative artists: Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Antibalas, Bixiga 70

Afrobeats

Contemporary African pop music, mixing hip-hop, dancehall and local rhythms. Representative artists: Wizkid, Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz

Gospel and Christian Music

Traditional Gospel

Choir and vocal quartets with a strong influence from US gospel. Representative artists: Mahalia Jackson

Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

Modern worship music for contemporary churches. Representative artists: Hillsong United, Aline Barros

Soundtrack Music

Film Score

Instrumental compositions for film, TV and video games. Representative composers: Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Nobuo Uematsu

Musical Theatre

Songs written for musical theater plays and Broadway shows. Representative composers: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim

Advanced Electronic Subgenres

Hardstyle

Fast-paced subgenre of EDM with a distorted kick. Representative artists: Headhunterz, The Prophet

Future Bass

Sinuous beats, modulated synths and melodic drops. Representative artists: Flume, Marshmello

Trap (EDM)

Fusion of trap hip-hop with heavy electronic production. Representative artists: Baauer, RL Grime

Lo-fi Hip Hop

Lay-back beats with jazz samples and ambient sounds. Representative artists: Nujabes, J Dilla

Synthwave and Retrowave

Synthwave

Contemporary electronic music that revisits sounds and imagery associated with the 1980s. Recurring bass lines, pads, arpeggios, and cinematic atmospheres are frequent characteristics. It is not defined solely by its visual aesthetic or the presence of synthesizers. References to get you started: The Midnight and Carpenter Brut. THE Roland's introduction to synthwave It presents elements of this construction.

Retrowave

A term used in music and image contexts with retrofuturistic references, often superimposed on synthwave. Its uses vary between catalogs and communities; also describe the timbres, rhythm, and overall concept of the work to avoid a rigid separation that listening cannot sustain.

Contemporary Urban Genres

Hyperpop

Maximalist pop with over-the-top digital production and pitch-shifted vocals. Representative artists: 100 gecs, AG Cook

Drill

Aggressive hip hop originating from Chicago/UK, with dark beats and raw lyrics. Representative artists: Chief Keef, Headie One

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Use the dictionary as a starting point to listen more attentively and discover connections. create a playlist or a listening sequence, Compare the journey between the songs, beyond the labels. To learn more about my work as an artist, Listen to Guilherme Godoy on Spotify..