Submitted as a discussion starter by Geoff Walden
Eric Watson (1975) in his book "Country Music in Australia Vol 1" suggests that there are five major elements of country music which he lists (p.2) in order of importance as follows:
- A concern with the country, either in setting, subject matter, theme, attitudes or viewpoint expressed. This concern will not be merely contained in it but basic to it.
- The use, musically, of a simple melody line, clearly defined and relatively unembellished; a simple chord harmony, mainly of the three principal chords in the key, played in the open first position; a variety of simple bass runs and modulations; and close vocal harmony.
- A reliance on stringed instruments, the spanish guitar predominating, closely followed by other members of the guitar family, and the fiddle and banjo. Bass, mouth organ, piano and forms of percussion are often used, but never predominate.
- Vocalists who sound like country people. This will be mainly a matter of accent, whether it be Southern American or Northern Australian, and must be essentially genuine, not exaggerated almost to the point of farce, as it is often the case with so many of today's pseudo country performers.
- Warmth, sincerity and involvement in performance.
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