What is Psychedelic Rock music?

Origin of Psychedelic Rock

USA and UK, 1965-1967. LSD and the counterculture shaped musicians to make music that mimicked or enhanced altered states of consciousness. The Beatles' Revolver (1966) and Sgt. Pepper (1967), Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, and the Grateful Dead defined the American and British variants.

Era: 1965--present

Defining sound of Psychedelic Rock

Extended improvisation, tape manipulation, reverse recording, heavy reverb and echo. Modal harmonies and Indian raga scales. Lyrics addressing consciousness expansion, mysticism, protest. Timbre is deliberately strange and disorienting. BPM varies from drone to frantic.

Pioneers of Psychedelic Rock

• The Beatles
• Jimi Hendrix
• Jefferson Airplane
• The Doors
• Pink Floyd

Key Psychedelic Rock artists

• Tame Impala
• King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
• Unknown Mortal Orchestra
• Oh Sees
• MGMT

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Psychedelic Rock

When did Psychedelic Rock start?

Psychedelic Rock originated 1965--present. USA and UK, 1965-1967.

Who invented Psychedelic Rock?

Psychedelic Rock was pioneered by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Pink Floyd. USA and UK, 1965-1967. LSD and the counterculture shaped musicians to make music that mimicked or enhanced altered states of consciousness. The Beatles' Revolver (1966) and Sgt. Pepper (1967), Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, and the Grateful Dead defined the American and British variants.

Is Psychedelic Rock still popular?

Psychedelic Rock continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Tame Impala, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Oh Sees.

What does Psychedelic Rock sound like?

Extended improvisation, tape manipulation, reverse recording, heavy reverb and echo. Modal harmonies and Indian raga scales. Lyrics addressing consciousness expansion, mysticism, protest. Timbre is deliberately strange and disorienting. BPM varies from drone to frantic.

What is the difference between Psychedelic Rock and progressive-rock?

Psychedelic Rock and progressive-rock are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the progressive-rock definition page for a full comparison.