instruments

Guitars

Guitars are common in pop music. Types of guitars used in this type of music include bass guitars, acoustic guitars and electric guitars. A guitar is a stringed instrument. Bass guitars generally have four strings. Electric and acoustic guitars usually have six or 12 strings. Electric guitars, including electric bass guitars, must be used with a guitar cable and powered amplifier to output an audible level of sound.

Drums

Drums in pop music can be played by a drummer on a drum kit or they can be produced electronically by a computer. Computer drums have a more digital sound that can feel robotic and less natural than drums played by a person. Drums are essential to establish the beat and keep the song moving forward.

Vocals

Vocals are the leading force of pop music. Music is often structured to fit around the lyrics written by the vocalist. Types of vocals can include singing, screaming, rapping or spoken word. Pop music without vocals is called instrumental pop music. Notable pop vocalists include Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber and Madonna.