Guitar/Country and Western
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[edit] Introduction
Country music is a uniquely American genre of music that can trace its roots back to earlier European folk songs that the arriving immigrants brought with them. It developed in the Appalachians, changing the forms and sounds of the earlier folk songs until the music reflected the conditions that these early American settlers experienced. Though its roots are clouded in the mists of the past, the music itself has never stopped absorbing different styles and forms. Whether it’s the sound of the blues in the music of Jimmie Rodgers or the jazz influenced playing of Chet Atkins, country music adapts and gives a unique perspective on these influences.
[edit] History
Country music like most early folk music had been passed down orally with each generation adding new elements. The guitar, being cheap and portable, was ideal for country musicians and from the earliest days was associated with the music.
It was the invention of the phonograph and radio that led to the creation of the first national country stars The Carter Family. The Carter Family didn’t just sing country; they sung gospel, Victorian ballads and vaudeville songs. The guitar solo in their song "Wildwood Flower" is an early example of the characteristics that are still to be found in country lead breaks.
Country guitarists had also absorbed the style and form of the blues and slide guitar started to be featured shortly after the success of the Carter Family. The music of Jimmie Rodgers (1897-1933) features many elements and themes from the blues. Rodgers was the first solo star of country music and his guitar style is a mixture of country alternating bass and the blues form.
Country music was changing in the 1930s. The growth of Western Swing led to a bigger band that included instruments such as drums and saxophones. The music had evolved into a dance genre. Whereas the music of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers had retained the ideas of folk music; the new Western Swing was designed for dancing. Western Swing took its cue from the 1930s jazz bands.
[edit] Guitars
Martin guitars have been a firm favourite for country musicians since the 1920s. The "open" resonating sound of these high quality guitars suit the country and western chordal style. The Gibson L-5 was also popular and was the instrument played by Maybelle Carter. Country music like all genres evolves with the technical advancement of instruments and recording; in that respect the recordings of the Carter Family reflect the early guitar roots of a style of playing that would influence the rock bands of the 1960s.
The Dobro Resonator guitar was also used from the 1930s onwards. Its unique timbre appealed to country guitarists and its volume allowed it to be heard amongst the expanding line-up of instruments.
Other instruments that are commonly used in country music are the fiddle and banjo.
[edit] Essential Country Guitarists and Recordings
- The Carter Family - a long career has led to many Carter Family recordings but the early recordings between 1927 and 1941 on the Victor label are considered to be the best of the original Carter family line-up. Some of the Carter Family's radio performances are in the public domain and can be found on-line for listening or download.
- Jimmie Rodgers - his first hit record was "Blue Yodel (T for Texas)". The first country solo artist to achieve national fame in the US.
- Hank Williams - the writer of "Your Cheating Heart" and "Hey, Good Lookin"
- Willie Nelson - the country performer and song-writer who wrote "Crazy" (Patsy Cline).
- Chet Atkins - one of the architects of the "Nashville" sound. A guitarist of wide skills who has performed on the records of Elvis Presely and the Everley Brothers; as well as issuing his own solo releases and duos with the guitarist Jimmy Reed.
