What is the different between rock and alternative?

Answer 1

"Alternative" is essentially a sub-genre of rock.The term "alternative" became popular in the early 90's to describe music that was different than traditional rock yet not part of the "New Wave" trend which was played out by then.

Ironically, "alternative" became as mainstream as anything else. So now the term is almost meaningless. In the late 90's, crappy bands like The Goo Goo Dolls were labeled "alternative." That totally goes against what was originanly being described.

Answer 2

With Rock, think guitar solos, and a more crunchy or chugging sound. Led Zeppelin, Black Label Society, Metallica, AC/DC, etc.

Alternative tends to be in minor keys, a little droning and melancholy. Sometimes the song will sound upbeat but the lyrics belie that idea, like Evenflow and Alive by Pearl Jam or All Apologies by Nirvana. Alice in Chains is usually considered alternative, but is a little more metal than most alternative bands.

I love both genres. It is a good question, and I look forward to reading some other answers.

Answer 3

Rock is stuff like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard, Rush, Boston.
Alternative would be something like Marilyn Manson or Slipknot, Rob Zombie, Good Charlotte..stuff to cut yourself to ..lol! just kidding!
I think Godsmack is considered alternative too, I think they ROCK nice & hard.

Answer 4

Isn't it the subject matter? I think that rock is fairly straight forward, while alternative is more subtle/hard to figure.

Answer 5

rock is when there is little singing in it but mostly screaming.
alternative is the whole/or more than alf of the song is singing.
i think that is what i am trying to tell you. yea, yea, i think so.

Answer 6

think motley crue vs. nirvana, rock is usually a little harder, more metal (guitars) while alternative is a little less rigid

Answer 7

I don't think there is much of a diffrence..............