Bluegrass Guitar Lessons!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Perhaps you have made a decision that you want to be part of Bluegrass music. Perhaps that has prompted you to look for some Bluegrass guitar lessons. Congratulations, you are joining thousands of people who enjoy Bluegrass. Perhaps it would help to know a little more about the history and development of Bluegrass music.
It is probably no surprise to know that Bluegrass came from the American South and in the Appalachian mountains. Here due to the geography of the region the music developed unaffected by outside influences. The early settlers from Scotland and Ireland had brought with them their musical traditions and instruments. These mixed with the local folk music to start a style.
It wasn't until the 1920s and 1930s that outside factors start to have significant effect on this mountain music. Blues and Jazz music were a major influence on the development of the mountain music. The rhythms of ragtime and soul of Gospel music were added to the mix to produce something a little like what we know today as Bluegrass.
But the name Bluegrass was only applied to this sort of music during the 1950's. Then a man called Bill Munroe named his band "the Blue Grass Boys " due to the fact he came from Kentucky. Kentucky was well known as the Blue Grass State. With his musical popularity the term took hold.
In bluegrass style each instrument plays the melody and does some improvisation around it while the other instruments provide accompaniment. The traditional Bluegrass instruments are predominantly stringed - mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass and the acoustic guitar. Vocals are optional. When there are vocals is it common for them to be two to four part harmonies. The unique aspect is that usually the highest voice is in a dissonant manner. This gives rise to the descriptive term "High lonesome sound"
It wasn't until the 1960s that acoustic guitars were recognized as a valid solo instrument. Furthering the guitars cause was a Doc Watson, a multi-talented player. His ability spawned a craze for playing flat pick guitar.
As is the case with any style of music as it is played by various generations the style evolves slightly. Today a new form is gaining popularity call New grass. In New grass players bring in more modern influences such as hip-hop to create a newer sound.
The history of Bluegrass is modern but it is based on a lot of tradition. People have enjoyed it for nearly 100 years in its pure form and it doesn't look like that popularity will wane in the near future. Choosing to be part by taking Bluegrass Guitar Lessons is just one way to be part of the story that is Bluegrass. More...
It is probably no surprise to know that Bluegrass came from the American South and in the Appalachian mountains. Here due to the geography of the region the music developed unaffected by outside influences. The early settlers from Scotland and Ireland had brought with them their musical traditions and instruments. These mixed with the local folk music to start a style.
It wasn't until the 1920s and 1930s that outside factors start to have significant effect on this mountain music. Blues and Jazz music were a major influence on the development of the mountain music. The rhythms of ragtime and soul of Gospel music were added to the mix to produce something a little like what we know today as Bluegrass.
But the name Bluegrass was only applied to this sort of music during the 1950's. Then a man called Bill Munroe named his band "the Blue Grass Boys " due to the fact he came from Kentucky. Kentucky was well known as the Blue Grass State. With his musical popularity the term took hold.
In bluegrass style each instrument plays the melody and does some improvisation around it while the other instruments provide accompaniment. The traditional Bluegrass instruments are predominantly stringed - mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass and the acoustic guitar. Vocals are optional. When there are vocals is it common for them to be two to four part harmonies. The unique aspect is that usually the highest voice is in a dissonant manner. This gives rise to the descriptive term "High lonesome sound"
It wasn't until the 1960s that acoustic guitars were recognized as a valid solo instrument. Furthering the guitars cause was a Doc Watson, a multi-talented player. His ability spawned a craze for playing flat pick guitar.
As is the case with any style of music as it is played by various generations the style evolves slightly. Today a new form is gaining popularity call New grass. In New grass players bring in more modern influences such as hip-hop to create a newer sound.
The history of Bluegrass is modern but it is based on a lot of tradition. People have enjoyed it for nearly 100 years in its pure form and it doesn't look like that popularity will wane in the near future. Choosing to be part by taking Bluegrass Guitar Lessons is just one way to be part of the story that is Bluegrass. More...
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