Instrumental rock

Instrumental rock is a type of rock music which emphasizes musical instruments, and which features very little or no singing. Examples of instrumental rock can be found in practically every subgenre of rock, often from musicians who specialize in the style. Instrumental rock was most popular from the mid-1950s to mid-1960s, with artists such as Bill Doggett Combo, Jimmy Reed, Earl Bostic, The Fireballs, The Shadows, and The Ventures. Surf music had many instrumental songs. Many instrumental hits came from the R&B world. Funk and disco produced several instrumental hit singles during the 1970s. The Allman Brothers Band have many instrumentals. Jeff Beck also recorded two instrumental albums in the '70s. Progressive rock and art rock performers of the 1960s and 1970s did many virtuosic instrumental performances.

During the 1980s and 90s, the instrumental rock genre was dominated by several guitar soloists, including Joe Satriani, Marty Friedman and Steve Vai. The 2000s gave way for a new style of instrumental performer. For example, John Lowery (a.k.a. John 5), released a solo instrumental album. The 2000s also saw the rise of instrumental music by bands that have been labeled post-rock.