In the mid-1960s, due to the influence of British music and the growth of folk rock, psychedelic music came into being. This style of music does not inherit the concise and lean melody expression of old rock and roll, but creates a more smooth and free way. Bands in this style try to mix various elements such as Indian music, oriental music and free-style jazz, and add alternative electronic music and synthetic effects. In 1965-1966, the original psychedelic style bands such as the Yardbirds and the Byrds did not clearly reflect the outline of psychedelic music. Their music had vague guitar playing, sitar, and sacred music effects. Soon, many bands imitated their tunes, including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones - both of whom released their albums in 1966. Soon after, psychedelic music spread on both sides of the ocean and influenced many bands, each region having its own unique temperament. In the UK, psychedelic music is full of alternative surrealism. However, some bands - notably Pink Floyd and Traffic - made extensive use of instruments during their performances, at a time when contemporary American bands such as the Grateful Dead, the Doors, Love , and jefferson mirplane----the same is true. In the United States, some garage-style bands also began to create psychedelic music based on their original characteristics, forming the prototype of three-chord rock music - a messy and repetitive musical effect. Eventually, psychedelic music evolved into acid rock, heavy metal, and art rock, but continued to be heard throughout the following decade, especially in the American underground music scene.

Representative artists·the Beach Boys ·the Beatles ·Cream ·the Doors ·Grateful Dead ·In Gowan Ring ·Jefferson Airplane ·Jimi Hendrix ·Pink Floyd ·Roger Waters ·the Rolling Stones ·Santana ·Syd Barrett ·Traffic ·the Yardbirds