•	Album Of The Year	awarded to the performers, songwriters, and production team of a full album release.
•	Single Of The Year	awarded to the performers, songwriters, and production team of a single release.
•	Song Of The Year	awarded to the songwriters of a song that appears on an album or a single release.
•	Track Of The Year	awarded to the performers, songwriters, and production team of a track that appears on either an album or single release. Awarded for outstanding production, arrangement, achievement in recording technique, or outstanding performances.
•	Guitar Instrumental Of The Year	awarded to the performers, songwriters, and production team of an instrumental song featuring guitar as the primary instrument; either on an album or single.
•	Instrumental Of The Year	awarded to the performers, songwriters, and production team of an instrumental song that features instruments other than or besides guitar as the primary instruments; either on an album or single.
•	Show Of The Year Large Production	awarded to the performers and production team of a live performance involving some or all of: multimedia, stage sets, animatronics, pyro techniques, costuming, mobility apparatus, special effects.
•	Show Of The Year Starcraft	awarded to the performers for their ability to engage an audience through personal stage presence ability in a show that uses minimal production.

•	Best Male Vocalist	awarded to the male vocal performer for an outstanding recorded performance on either an album track or single.
•	Best Female Vocalist	awarded to the female vocal performer for an outstanding recorded performance on either an album track or single.
•	Best Guitarist	awarded to the guitarist performer for an outstanding recorded performance on either an album track or single.
•	Best Bassist	awarded to the bass performer for an outstanding recorded performance on either an album track or single.
•	Best Keyboardist	awarded to the keyboardist performer for an outstanding recorded performance on either an album track or single.
•	Best Drummer	awarded to the drummer performer for an outstanding recorded performance on either an album track or single.
•	Best Release Art	awarded for outstanding artwork associated with a music release either album or single; and can include packaging art, digital art, virtual experience art, or art used in an unusual way.

•	Best Album	awarded to the performers, songwriters, and production team of a full album release.
•	Best Single	awarded to the performers, songwriters, and production team of a single release.
•	Best Song	awarded to the songwriters of a song that appears on an album or a single release.
•	Best Vocal Performance	awarded to the vocal performers either solo, duo, or group for an outstanding recorded performance on either an album track or single.
•	Best Musical Performance	awarded to the musical performers either solo, duo, or group for an outstanding recorded performance on either an album track or single.

Genres Of Rock Awarded: Rock/Alternative Rock Hard Rock Progressive Rock Blues Rock Metal Alternative Metal Progressive Metal Symphonic/Gothic/Rock/Metal Industrial Electronic Rock/Metal Punk Rock/Pop Punk/Emo Roots/Country/Southern Rock

•	Lifetime Achievement	awarded to artists at or above the age of 65 who have been active in music for 30-plus years.
•	Legend	awarded to musicians/artists who reach the level of celebrity or recognition that their contributions of talent have shaped the artform itself and have inspired generations of musicians.
•	Icon	awarded to musicians who reach the level of celebrity or recognition that they are representative of their genres for 10 plus years. Also, awarded to songwriters and artists for those songs and performances of those songs that have become permanent examples and inspirations.
•	Innovator	awarded to musicians who push the boundaries of skill or use their talents in unusual ways. Also awarded to manufacturers of equipment.
•	Independent Artist Of The Year	awarded to artists who the RMA is wanting to spotlight who are not signed to a major label and/or being promoted by a major company. They are achieving their careers by doing it themselves and/or crowd funding – fan support.
•	Touring Musician Of The Year	4 of these awards are given out in this category. Awarded to performers who are not members of the artist group they perform with. They are hired players; sometimes listed as touring band members. Awarded for outstanding service, or exceptional talent and ability, or going above and beyond the call of duty.