Art
Fact-checked

At MusicalExpert, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Characteristics Define Country Music?

Bryon Turcotte
Bryon Turcotte

The definition of country music can change depending on the individual taste and geographic location of the person describing the genre. Most music enthusiasts can list the characteristics of country with far less difficulty since they may be easily identifiable and understood by a wide range of listeners. The multiple styles within this genre can render sounds that reflect the most traditional forms of music spanning to popular modern arrangements. As one listens, the basic core formula, which consists of a straightforward chord progression, a resonating chorus or bridge, and a memorable story, will most often be the foundation of country music songs.

Whether the song was written in a mountain cabin, a ranch on the plains, in a small bar or pub, or in a modern recording studio, the heart of a country song can be identified by the uncomplicated chord progression in its foundation. This characteristic can be appealing to a listener who feels more comfortable which musical structure that can be followed easily, heard with less effort and more enjoyment. To some listeners, jazz, classical or some forms of rock music can seem complex even though some country musicians' playing styles stand alone in the world of virtuosity. The underlying chord progressions of this music are commonly the canvas that exhibits their finest work.

Country music is characterized by its straightforward chord progression.
Country music is characterized by its straightforward chord progression.

Throughout the history of music, some of the most beautiful and inspiring country music arrangements contain a great chorus, or refrain where additional vocals or instruments to emphasize the mood or feeling of the piece join the primary vocalist. This part of a country song is most often the punctuation of the message the songwriter is delivering to the listener. The country music chorus can be the signature of the song combining brilliant harmonies and emotionally driven lyrics, which add to the unique quality, and truth of the genre.

Economic and social challenges faced by people in rural areas are typically explored in country music.
Economic and social challenges faced by people in rural areas are typically explored in country music.

Lastly, country music has always been known for the memorable stories that are told within its verses. Because most country songs are written by individuals raised in rural areas, exposed to economic and social challenges, or been motivated by an individual's spiritual foundation, the story within the song can prove to be emotionally moving, personally inspiring, and easily identifiable by anyone exposed to the same life experiences. Whether in traditional folk, bluegrass, Celtic, hillbilly or modern country, the story can be as touching as the most beautiful poem. These simple characteristics make country music a truly unique and special art form.

Discussion Comments

anon935507

Nothing you said makes country music unique.

Simple chord progressions? Dumbed-down modern pop music has that.

Good choruses? Are you saying country music is the only genre with "memorable choruses"?

Memorable stories? Folk music has that.

anon345479

I feel that country music has gotten too repetitive and lazy. There are too many standard progression songs or, as I call it, the up and down the staircase approach to songwriting. I thought country music back in the 70s was better because the songs sounded different. They had a wider range of melody. I'm not saying it's all that way, but I don't think I'm reaching to say that maybe seven of ten songs are up and down basic progressions.

Acracadabra

I really love country music lyrics, but even more than that I love the titles of some of the songs!

Who wouldn't want to listen to 'Her teeth were stained, but her heart was pure'? Or 'How come your dog don't bite anyone but me'? Yes, these are real songs, I have them on vinyl to prove it!

For me the appeal in buying country music is to engage with a song that is heartfelt. People are being honest and sometimes the emotion is raw.

In health class at high school we often studied them, as a way of discussing day to day life and the issues that arise from it.

CaithnessCC

@Potterspop - The term country and western music is misleading as the two styles have always been quite separate. They were just stuck together by radio officials at some point and the phrase became the norm.

Country music tends to focus on poverty, love being lost, overcoming hard times, family, religious thanks and so on. Western music has a cowboy theme or at least is related to the American west.

Windchime

@dkarnowski - My father would so agree with you on that. He refuses to tolerate anyone playing country music radio or videos unless they can guarantee only classic sounds.

Personally I'm kind of on the fence. I don't think many musical styles remain unchanged forever, and at least modern influences have introduced a whole new generation to country.

The key point is that country music today is available to consumers in many forms. I don't really think that 21st century artists take anything away from the classic country music genre.

Potterspop

When I was a kid everyone called it country and western music. What happened to make the name get changed? Was this part of the makeover of the genre, with an eye to the younger audience?

dkarnowski

I highly respect older country music over modern contributions to the genre. I do not however enjoy modern country music at all. I think modern country music has lost it's original soul and feeling. The industry has depleted the soul of country music and made it into a trinket that you can market based on statistic. I want to hear the bare bones sound of the steel guitar and the brush stick on the drum snare with the one, two, upright bass. With the callused vocals and lyrics of western despair. Long live the classic contributors of classic and modern country music....

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Country music is characterized by its straightforward chord progression.
      By: nyul
      Country music is characterized by its straightforward chord progression.
    • Economic and social challenges faced by people in rural areas are typically explored in country music.
      By: aigarsr
      Economic and social challenges faced by people in rural areas are typically explored in country music.
    • Country music often employs vocal harmonies.
      By: Sinisa Botas
      Country music often employs vocal harmonies.
    • Country music often features a fiddle.
      By: Olena Mykhaylova
      Country music often features a fiddle.