Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Country, folk and bluegrass songs tend to share three common stylistic elements. Learn about the three common stylistic elements in country, folk and bluegrass music with help from a keyboard player and music director in this free video clip.
According to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, the roots of bluegrass lie in various types of music brought with Irish, English, Scottish and African-American immigrants in the 1600s. A typical bluegrass group uses stringed instruments rather than drums to provide rhythm. Most of them stick to acoustic instruments. The banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, and fiddle are the most commonly heard pieces in bluegrass music.
Bluegrass is a stylistic advancement of country and folk music from the early 20th century that also incorporates gospel, work songs and blues. This style distinctly features different kinds of vocal harmonies over simple western chord progressions. Bluegrass inherits its name from Bill Monroe's famous band that he named after Kentucky's nickname "The Bluegrass State."
Bluegrass is an American form of music originally developed in rural areas of the U.S. and influenced by a variety of musical styles. Traditionally, Bluegrass is performed on a small ensemble of acoustic instruments. Bluegrass music enjoys a wide following; the International Bluegrass Music Association claims members in all 50 states of the U.S. and in 30 countries worldwide.
As country music splintered off into honky-tonk and more pop-oriented genres, groups like The Blue Grass Boys and The Foggy Mountain Boys kept the spirit of hillbilly music alive in the sounds of bluegrass.
Bluegrass music is a truly American music. It has its roots in the British folk music of the original European colonists, who carried it with them as they settled in Appalachia, where it grew up. It also builds on a solid foundation of African-American gospel, spiritual, and blues music and instrumentation. The banjo, one of the signature instruments of bluegrass, is of African derivation. Bluegrass is related to country music, but retains its own character.
Kentucky bluegrass is a genre of music that draws its origin from several types of music. Bluegrass is a type of music that relies heavily on stringed instruments such as the guitar, mandolin and banjo. Singing is also an important part of this folk music.
Learn about the history of the banjo and its use in bluegrass music in this free video music lesson.
Learn about Beaumont Rag with expert tips and advice on bluegrass guitar music lessons in this free video clip.
Bluegrass music, whether live or on your iPod or radio, can be relaxing, enjoyable and entertaining. Bluegrass bands play across the country and you may be surprised to find local bands that you can enjoy in person. There is also a huge selection of Bluegrass downloads and CDs available online and in music stores. Bluegrass music adds depth and variety to any music library.
