Rock musicians are people who play musical instruments or sing music created within the rock and roll genre. These people may make their living by playing such music, though many rock musicians are hobbyists or semi-professional musicians who play music as a part time job or even occasional occupation. The specific instruments these musicians will play can vary significantly, though guitar, bass, and drums are perhaps the most common instruments associated with the rock and roll genre. Piano and keyboards are also commonly played by musicians of the rock genre.
Within the genre of rock and roll, the rock musicians may blend many different styles of music to develop a distinct sound. Rock and roll is derived from other genres such as the blues, jazz, and even gospel, and the genre constantly evolves to introduce new sounds and talents. Sub-genres within the rock and roll genre exist as well, further narrowing the type of music rock musicians will play. Examples of sub-genres include alternative, nu-metal, folk rock, emo music, and so on. Many of these genres are also powered primarily by guitar playing and drums, though variations are quite possible and prevalent.
Professional rock musicians often tour certain countries or even the world to promote albums they have recorded. Sometimes the musicians are signed to record labels who support the musicians while on tour, though the level to which the rock musicians are financially supported can vary. It is from this touring, often on a shoestring budget, that the term "Rock and Roll Lifestyle" comes from: this lifestyle can be difficult, tiring, and nomadic. Drugs and alcohol, as well as sexual promiscuity, are practices often associated with rock musicians living the Rock and Roll Lifestyle.
Musicians in the rock genre often form rock bands, which are collections of musicians who play together to create a distinct and unique sound. Each musician in the band will play at least one instrument, or they may sing, and many musicians in the band may be multi-instrumentalists. It is common for rock bands to start as garage bands, playing for fun or for practice for a bigger career move by playing in a small space that is often rent-free or very inexpensive to rent. Garage bands are known to be amateur bands, though many have aspirations to grow success from these humble beginnings. This process has become sort of a mythology of rock and roll, with many of the most famous bands in the world starting just this way.