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.

In the early 20th century life opened up more and African American influences such as Jazz and the blues painted their influence over this mountain music. Country music, ragtime, Gospel and folk music added to the pot to develop to become the Bluegrass we know today.

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 traditional Bluegrass music the main instruments have tended to be from the string family. These are commonly Banjo, Fiddle, upright bass, the mandolin and the acoustic guitar. Similar to Jazz each instrument may have a turn playing the melody and may improvise around the melody. The other instruments provide the backup. The inclusion of vocal is not obligatory. When vocals are included the harmonies vary from 2 part to four part. The unusual feature of Bluegrass is that the highest voice will be dissonant giving the tune a “high lonesome sound”.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that acoustic guitars were recognised 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.

All musical styles naturally evolve and the latest innovation to emerge in Bluegrass circle is called Newgrass. This is where musicians allow their other interests like hip-hop meld with their Bluegrass roots. And so a sub-style is born.

People in their thousands love Bluegrass music. Whether it has been part of their growing up or they have come across it in the few years, its popularity continues. Today many Americans are choosing to take Bluegrass guitar lessons to be part of the music they enjoy.

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Bill Frisell in Conversation with Curator Philip Bither

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