The Disco sound relies primarily on strings and horns playing phrases in unison, 4 on the floor on the drum kit, and reverberated, often falsetto vocals.
Disco shares similar characteristics to funk, although it uses larger pop bands and more than one chordal instruments. There are also more synthesizers, and more electronic sounding.
The "chicken scratch" guitar sound is achieved with the use of a wha-wha or phaser. Lead guitar is rarely heard.
Latin rhythms are frequently used, as are electronic percussion tracks. A very important aspect of the drums, i the off-beat hi-hat sounds. The hats often open on the offbeat, and use 16th note stick patterns.
Disco became maintstream in the late 75's, and declined in popularity, largely in part to the opposing hard rock community. Despite this disagreement
Today's electronic and dance music sound is largely influenced by 70's disco. |
Listening List: |
Bee Gees |
| Jamiroqui (disco/funk band popular in the 90's and now) |
| ABBA |
| Madonna |
| Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack |
| Earth, Wind & Fire |
| Village People |
| KC and the Sunshine Band |
The Supremes |
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