Key Facts

Country started around the early 29th Century in the southern states of the USA It was generally played by European-origin settlers It is associated with cowboys in the early years but more likely to associated with truck drivers The lyrics often referred to the rural country lifestyle in the southern states and the American West There are many sub genres such as bluegrass- fast, entirely acoustic music, often instrumental, featuring banjo and violin; Western swing-taking influence from the popular swing bands in the 1930s and 1940s to play jazz influenced songs. The recording industry in Nashville is one of the biggest centres anywhere recording people like to rolling stones. Huge worldwide success and fan base despite poor chart places.

Instrumentation
Acoustic Guitar Electric Guitar Bass Drums Violin Banjo Pedal steel guitar (The pedal steel guitar is a type of electric steel guitar that is built on legs or a stand and is fitted with foot pedals which adjust the sound of the instrument. Like other electric guitars, the musical instrument produces sound by the vibration of its strings which are converted by magnetic pickup connected to an amplifier.

 Harmonica Keyboards Percussion Sometimes strings and horns Vocal/backing vocals

Performance and Arrangement

Finger picking styles of banjo and guitar are often used Rhythms often simple with a strong backbeat emphasis from snare and guitar; two-to-the bar bass lines playing root 5th figures are also common Occasional use of Songs often vocal-led pop Close harmony backing vocals (notes of the chord which is close together) Vocal techniques include yodelling and sudden switching to falsetto Some styles are purely acoustic, others use typical rock band instruments together with acoustic ones. Use of acoustic instruments is prominent Acoustic guitar plays rhythmic strumming, chops or picking

Tech and Production

Varies throughout different eras as production methods evolve Electric guitar sound is often clean and slightly twangy Nashville recording industry is well renowned and has been at the forefront of music production since in 1960s The focus is usually to produce a clean, clear, accurate recording of the actual instruments rather than lots of production tricks. Acoustic recordings is an exceptional skill and is widely recognised throughout the world.

Main Artists
Jimmie Rodgers-Blue Yodel, 1927 Spade Cooley-Shame on you, 1945 Johnny Cash- Ring of Fire, 1963 Dolly Parton- Jolene, 1973 Hank Williams-Your cheatin heart, 1953 Jim Reeves- Distant Drums, 1966 Willie Nelson- Georgia on my mind, 1977

Influences
European Folk music (esp British and Irish) Blues Many fusions and contemporary styles throughout the 20 th century as shown by such songs as hey brother and Timber