Guitar rock is a genre of music that prominently features the electric guitar, often characterized by strong rhythms and catchy melodies. It emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, influenced by earlier styles like blues and rock and roll. Iconic bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones helped popularize the genre, leading to various subgenres like hard rock and punk rock. The sound of guitar rock typically includes powerful guitar riffs, energetic drumming, and expressive vocals. Over the decades, it has evolved, incorporating elements from other genres, but the electric guitar remains central. Notable guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton have left a lasting impact on the style and technique of guitar playing in rock music.