In this day and age, a country music artist who does not have their own web site is missing a vital business tool. A web site provides information about you, a way to sell your CDs and merchandise, a way to connect with your fans, and a way to connect with potential business partners. When designed properly, a web site makes you look like a pro and is an amazing tool in helping you achieve your goals. When designed badly, the site could be driving away potential fans and business opportunities.

I research every artist that goes into my web site, the International Country Music Database, so I've been to A LOT of country music artist sites over the last few years. Some have been exceptionally well-developed while others have been, to be honest, nightmares.

Indecipherable navigation, slow-loading graphics, and lack of contact information make it extremely difficult to get the information I need. Because I need the information, I try harder than the average surfer to figure out a site. Most people probably just leave, never to return.

The goal of your site should be to provide your visitors with what they're looking for. You want them to spend time on your site because they have found the information they're looking for and find it useful, not because they can't find it.

In order to attract visitors to and keep visitors on your site, you need the following:

• A professional look - I'm not saying this has to be boring or designed by a high-priced expert. What I'm saying is that it can't look like you just threw it together in a day. Also, avoid cutesy animations and graphics. You want the site to express who you are, but you also want it to indicate you're a pro (even if you're just starting out!).


• Easy/intuitive navigation - If I can't figure out how to get to other pages on your site, how will I learn more about you?


• Clean design - Make it easy for me to read the text that you have on your site. Use colors that contrast well (black on white, for example). If I want to know about you, I need to be able to read what's been written!


• Easy access to the information I'm looking for - This ties in with navigation, but is also about what information you include on your site. What are your fans or potential business partners looking to get from your site? That should drive what information goes on your site.

The above points are beginning basics for creating a professional country music web site. Remember, you want to look like a pro and let people know you're serious about your career. For more ideas on how to create your site, see the next article in this series, Optimize Your Country Music Web Site: Part 2 - What to Include.

Country Music star Brad Paisley has released his latest CD entitled Time Well Wasted and it simply is his best release to date.

All of the songs on this collection have stories behind them and are very uplifting and inspirational. Not to mention that Paisley is one of the best steel guitar players in contemporary music.

Time Well Wasted, like all Brad Paisley CDs, has a real good mix of fast and slow stuff.

The CD launches with a fantastic duet with Alan Jackson on the track named The World, and also has a the great combination of Paisley's vocals with Dolly Parton on track 12, When I Get Where I'm Going. Which may be one of the very best country songs ever.

Overall Time Well Wasted is an outstanding release as every track is top notch.

This is a CD any music fan can and will enjoy totally irregardless of genre preference. It's just simply good music and a must have.

The standout tunes on Time Well Wasted are The World [track 1], You Need A Man Around Here [track 6], and When I Get Where I'm Going (Featuring Dolly Parton) [track 12]. My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 4, I'll Take You Back. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Brad Paisley originally released Time Well Wasted on August 16, 2005 on the Arista record label.

CD track list follows:

1. The World
2. Alcohol
3. Waitin' On A Woman
4. I'll Take You Back
5. She's Everything
6. You Need A Man Around Here
7. Out In The Parkin' Lot (with Alan Jackson)
8. Rainin' You
9. Flowers
10. Love Is Never-Ending
11. The Uncloudy Day
12. When I Get Where I'm Going (Featuring Dolly Parton)
13. Easy Money
14. Time Warp
15. Time Well Wasted
16. Cornography (featuring James Burton & the Kung Pao Buckaroos)

Up from down under the Australian born Keith Urban continues to cement himself as a solid up and coming star with the release of his CD Be Here.

Throughout Be Here Urban distinguishes himself by easily transitioning between country, rock, pop and tinges of bluegrass, creating his own signature style. As has become his trademark, the depth and passion that he brings to his songs through the lyrics can have you in tears.

Be Here has such a great mix of songs. Everything from upbeat fun songs like Days Go By, and Better Life, to sweet romantic songs like Making Memories of Us, and the the ones that will really tug at your heart like Tonight I Wanna Cry, and Nobody Drinks Alone.

These days it's a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs. I love every song on it and recommend it to anyone who not only enjoys country music but music in general. Urban, through his unique style, has a way of making the listener feel the lyrics.

It should be noted that Urban's guitar playing is top notch as well. Providing stirring solo's like that on She's Gotta Be. Making him a really well rounded young musician.

The CD launches with a great track, Days Go By, that will definitely be heard on country music radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. From there Urban proceeds to display why he is quickly becoming one the best in the business as he mixes his signature style throughout the collection.

Overall Be Here is an outstanding release. Definitely must have music. I give it two thumbs up.

While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are Better Life [track 2], You're My Better Half [track 6], and These Are The Days [track 13]. My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 10, Nobody Drinks Alone. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Keith Urban originally released Be Here on September 21, 2004 on the Capitol record label.

CD track list follows:

1. Days Go By

2. Better Life

3. Making Memories Of Us

4. God's Been Good To Me

5. The Hard Way

6. You're My Better Half

7. I Could Fly

8. Tonight I Wanna Cry

9. She's Gotta Be

10. Nobody Drinks Alone

11. Country Comfort

12. Live To Love Another Day

13. These Are The Days

The exceptionally talented Contemporary Country artist Ty Herndon has released him CD entitled Right About Now. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Ty Herndon fans, and Contemporary Country fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Right About Now Ty Herndon’s artistic excellence is on full display as Herndon has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Contemporary Country music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including Ty Herndon and Others plus a few other notables as well.

Overall Right About Now is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Contemporary Country collection. Truly an outstanding Contemporary Country CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While the entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 - In The Arms, track 3 - You Still Own Me, and track 10 - If I Could Only Have Her Love Back

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5 - Right About Now. Wow!

Right About Now Release Notes:

Ty Herndon originally released Right About Now on January 9, 2007 on the Quaterback Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Someday Soon

2. In The Arms

3. You Still Own Me

4. Mighty Mighty Love

5. Right About Now

6. Love Revival

7. Hide

8. Mercy Line

9. We Are

10. If I Could Only Have Her Love Back

11. Better Day

The CMA Music Festival, hosted by the Country Music Association (CMA), encompasses four days of country music concerts, as well as musician and fan interactions. Despite its emphasis on country music and country music artists, the festival also showcases selected artists in other musical genres. In 2007, rock 'n' roll revivalists Los Lonely Boys and '70s heavy rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd made appearances.

Over 200 artists attend the event each year to hold up to 30 hours of autograph sessions and "meet-and-greet" sessions with their fans at the Nashville Convention Center. Many artist fan clubs also hold gatherings in the area during the festival. The festival usually begins the day after the Tnn/CMT Country Music Award show, the only fan-voted country music awards. During the festival, attendees can choose from the 100 hours of concerts that are offered on stages at Riverfront Park and LP Field.

Up until 2001, the evening concerts were organized by record labels, with each label choosing which of their artists would be able to perform, and for how long. However, beginning with Fan Fair 2001, these main concerts were grouped instead by record distribution group. This allowed for four main concerts, for Sony, WEA/EMI, UNI, and BMG.

Artists are held to very strict timeframes for their performances, with Martina McBride noting in 2007 that she was expected to be on stage for exactly 34 minutes. The artists are not paid to attend the festival or for their performances during the festival.

Half of the proceeds from the festival each year (estimated at US$200,000 in 2001) are donated to charity, while the other half is earmarked by the CMA for "the advancement of country music".

The inaugural Fan Fair was held in April 1972 in Nashville's Municipal Auditorium, and 5000 fans attended. The following year, the event was moved to June in the hope of finding better weather conditions, and attendance doubled to 10000 fans. In the third year, the first non-country musician, Paul McCartney, was invited to perform, and Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner performed a duet for the last time.

In 1991, singer Kathy Mattea attended Fan Fair despite being under doctor's orders not to speak so that her injured vocal cords could heal. She used a computer to type messages for her fans to read as she held "conversations" with them. Two years later, Shania Twain met her future husband, producer Mutt Lange, at the festival.

Fan Fair underwent large changes in 2001. For the first time, the event was held over a long weekend instead of during the week. At the same time, the festival moved from its long-time home at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds to several sites clustered in downtown Nashville. In 2004, CMA renamed the festival the CMA Music Festival in order to change negative perceptions, embrace the CMA brand and to expand the appeal of the event.

In 2008, the CMA Music Festival will take place from the 5th to the 8th of June, and tickets are available now. Hotels in Nashville are expected to get booked up quickly, so if you're keen to get you dose of country, make sure you book ahead.

In my first article in this series, Optimize Your Country Music Web Site: Part 1 - Look Like a Pro, I gave examples of how to make the web site for a country music artist look professional. Once your site looks great and is easy to navigate, you need to provide the right content.

The minimum information that should be included on a country music artist's site includes:

• Your bio - Tell us who you are and why you're in country music. Make this more than just the press release for your current CD.


• Current news - Tell us what you've been up to and update it regularly!


• Tour information - Tell us where you'll be performing. Please make this an easy to read page. In my personal opinion, stay away from calendars and other things like that. Just list when and where you're going to be. If the place where you're playing has a web site, link to that site. And PLEASE keep this up to date. If you have dates from the previous year (and really, why would you?) please make it clear which year the dates are for.


• Music and products for sale - If you're going to sell your wares on your site (and you should!), make this page clean and easy to understand. Also, for your music, have song clips (at the very least) so people can listen before they buy. You'd be surprised at how many music sites I've been to with no music on them.


• Newsletter sign up form - Using a form, you can collect email addresses for your fans. This allows you to send out periodic notes to your fans (once a month or when something special is going on). Make sure you place this sign up form in an obvious spot on every page!


• A way to contact you - There are two different groups you have to think about here. Fans and business partners. You probably want to handle these two groups differently, but make sure there is a way for people to get in touch with you; especially business partners. Sometimes I need more information for an artist to include them on my site, but I can't find out how to contact them through their site. This is a lost marketing opportunity.

The above ideas are the minimum requirements for your web site. You can add other features, but the important thing to remember is to not add so many features you can't maintain your site.

For items to avoid on your web site, see the third articles in this series, Optimize Your Country Music Web Site: Part 3 - What NOT to Include.

Your web site is your calling card online. It must be professional and easy to use. Follow the suggestions listed above and in parts one and three of this series and you'll be well on your way to a really great web site.

Having worked in music radio, most of that at Country music radio stations, for the past 35 years, I recently stopped to reflect on the evolution of Country music that I’ve seen and way Country music radio has reacted.

As with everything, Country music and radio aren’t as straightforward or simple as they once were. When I first started playing Country in Eugene, Oregon in 1971 the raging discussion was the emergence in some markets of a “Country-politan” format distinctly different from the traditional Country format that everybody else was playing. Essentially the discussion revolved around programming “crossover” artists and music styles, and whether the “harder” heritage Country acts were acceptable as Country music radio evolved.

To put this into perspective, in 1971 the debate was whether John Denver and Ann Murray were Country acts and should be played, and whether a contemporary Country music station should play Hank Williams in regular oldies rotation! By today’s standards this is laughable, but it does serve to make the point that as the Country radio format sought to broaden its appeal and attract a larger audience some felt that compromises would be necessary. More importantly it signaled the recognition that Country music fans were a more diverse group than they had been given credit for. This discussion of segmentation of the Country music format was the start of what we now have come to accept as the diversity of the tastes of Country music fans.

Today there are recognized music “charts” for the traditional Country Singles and Albums, but there are also now Bluegrass, Americana and Texas Music charts as well, all under the umbrella of Country music.

I find it most interesting that while Country music has quite obviously diversified, AM and FM Country music radio stations generally haven’t followed this trend and branched out to any great degree. If you were to go into any market today I would lay odds that you will find the Country music station or stations will all be much the same – playing 10 or 12-in-a-row, with a station playlist of fewer than 750 songs little of which will be older than 10 years. Some of these stations will have an “oldies” or “bluegrass” show as we did in San Diego, but the station that weaves these elements into the day to day format is very rare indeed.

To be fair I must acknowledge that in some markets you may also find a “Classic” Country station, generally on an otherwise unused AM frequency, but I find these stations personally unfulfilling. I suspect that this may be because I like a good deal of contemporary Country music and want to hear it, and that by and large the people behind classic Country formats weren’t alive when these songs were hits, and, but that’s another gripe!

As one who has been part of the research and strategy behind the contemporary Country music approach I don’t criticize playing either extremely contemporary or exclusively “classic” Country music. On the contrary I understand that this kind of conservative approach is dictated to capture the most desirable (saleable) segment of the audience possible. I do suggest, however, that stations do this at their own peril as they continue to narrow their focus and leave larger numbers of Country music fans disaffected and unserved.

This wouldn’t necessarily be a problem except that AM and FM radio no longer has a monopoly on delivery of music. The emergence of satellite and more importantly internet “radio” where startup and operating costs are negligible now presents an alternative that will play an increasingly important role. The fact is no matter what your personal flavor of Country music is, there is an internet station playing it. If you like ‘mainly current hits but some 70s and Bluegrass”, someone offers it. If you Texas Country and Bluegrass, it’s there.

Although internet radio has been around for more than a decade it is still in its infancy. Indications are, however that it will grow up to be a 900 lb. gorilla. Estimates are that something approaching 50% of the younger and more adaptable age groups are already turning to the net as their primary source for new music. At the other end of the spectrum, the 55+ generation is the fastest growing segment of internet users. As the 55+ group represents an increasingly economically attractive audience, and one that used to be the domain of Country music radio, this is an ominous sign for traditional broadcasters who will be increasingly forced to compete with low budget operators.

This will likely be a double-edged sword. On the one hand the audience will be able to find a “radio” format either on a satellite service or more likely on the net that more closely approaches their ideal music mix. On the other hand the audiences for individual stations will be much smaller than broadcasters are used to working with. This will have the effect that the sterility and compromises of low budget broadcasting that has turned some listeners off will become more widespread. This will in turn further erode and put economic pressure on AM and FM broadcasters’ in a vicious downward cycle.

The dynamic duo Brooks & Dunn have checked in with country music fans with the release of their most recent CD entitled Hillbilly Deluxe.

I should thank Dr. Phil for pointing me to this one as it was his show on which I recently saw the boys perform track 8 Believe and enjoyed their presentation so much I thought I should check out the entire CD. Good decision on my part.

Hillbilly Deluxe launches with a great track named Play Something Country, and from there proceeds to once again display why Brooks & Dunn have enjoyed their lofty status in the country music genre since hitting country gold with Boot Scootin' Boogie way back in 1992.

Over the years B&D have managed to work out their own formula for success and have taken some criticism for it, but not from this reviewer. I'm from the school that says if you find something that works stay with it, unchanged, until it doesn't work anymore.

Overall Hillbilly Deluxe is very good listening and is certainly a CD that country music fans, and fans of Brooks & Dunn in particular, will definitely want to add to their collection of country CDs.

The standout tunes on Hillbilly Deluxe are She's About As Lonely As I'm Going To Let Her track 2, One More Roll Of The Dice track 6, and I May Never Get Over You track 11. My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8, Believe. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Brooks & Dunn originally released Hillbilly Deluxe on August 30, 2005 on the Arista Nashville record label.

CD track list follows:

1. Play Something Country

2. She's About As Lonely As I'm Going To Let Her

3. My Heart's Not A Hotel

4. Whiskey Do My Talkin'

5. Hillbilly Deluxe

6. One More Roll Of The Dice

7. Just Another Neon Night

8. Believe

9. Building Bridges

10. Her West Was Wilder

11. I May Never Get Over You

12. She Likes Get Out Of Town

13. Again

Country music sensation Trace Adkins has released his latest CD entitled Songs About Me.

One song makes this CD well worth the listen, Honky Tonk Badonkadonk. Awesome baby!

Now, I'm not a huge country music fan, in fact it's more like I just like to explore any and all genres of music and whatever I find that I like, I like. Regardless of genre. I stumbled across Honky Tonk Badonkadonk on somewhat of a lark and just had to check out the entire CD. Wow, am I ever glad I did.

The CD launches with the title track, Songs About Me on which the silky smooth voiced Adkins basically tells his life story. Which by the way is I think what makes him work so well with country music fans. He's a guy who has lived the music he sings. That never hurts.

Anyway, Songs About Me is a collection of tracks that has just the right mix of everything as far as I'm concerned. Up tempo, down tempo, and songs that take you deep like track 2, Arlington. Reminding us that at the end of the day we're all more alike than we are different.

These days it's a very rare CD on which every single song is easy to listen to. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs. Not even one of them will make you anxious to get on to the next one.

Overall it's an outstanding release. What I call, must have music. I give it two thumbs up. Even though Songs About Me is very decidedly country, this is an album any music fan can enjoy. I sure do.

The standout tunes are Songs About Me are [track 1], Arlington [track 2], and I Learned How To Love From You [track 10]. My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 11, Honky Tonk Badonkadonk. Lovin It!

Release Notes:

Trace Adkins originally released Songs About Me on March 22, 2005 on the Liberty record label.

CD track list follows:

1. Songs About Me

2. Arlington

3. Find Me A Preacher

4. My Way Back

5. I Wish It Was You

6. Bring It On

7. My Heaven

8. Baby I'm Home

9. Metropolis

10. I Learned How To Love From You

11. Honky Tonk Badonkadonk

Over the years Waylon Jennings has been one of the best vocalists country music ever had. Along with Paycheck, Jones, Twitty, and several others, and he was also a great stylist.

Single handedly inventing a subgenre of country music that is imitated even today.

So take that voice, and that style and put it to Hank Williams's lyrics and what to you get?

A country music masterpiece that's what.

Waylon Sings Hank Williams is a true masterpiece.

Country music fans will probably be familiar with most of the tracks on this CD. This is truly a touching tribute CD as Waylon puts his own stamp upon Hank's classics. Showing both his love of the songs and songwriter, and the influence they both had on him.

Waylon Sings Hank Williams is an intimate, enjoyable Waylon Jennings album. Released more than twenty years after it was recorded.

Track List

1. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)

2. Hey Good Lookin'

3. Honky Tonkin'

4. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

5. Half As Much

6. Blues Come Around

7. Why Should We Try Anymore

8. Be Careful Of Stones That You Throw

9. I Won't Be Home No More

10. Mansion On The Hill

11. Cold Cold Heart

12. They'll Never Take Her Love From Me

13. Waylon Speaks - (bonus track)

Release Notes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Outlaw Country pioneer Waylon Jennings started out in music just a few years after hard living caught up to legend Hank Williams in the back of a Cadillac at the age of 29. The influence of the latter on the former was obvious not merely in style, but in the manner in which both vanguards forged rebellious paths. On Waylon Sings Hank Williams, Jennings pays tender tribute to many of the master's classics such as "Jambalaya" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," along with lesser known tracks like "Why Should We Try Anymore."

Record Label - Hip-O Records

What qualifies as a fun and rowdy time? A trip to Coachella , Ca which is 40 minutes from Palm Springs, CA, will take you to the Empire Polo Fields near Indio where you will find thousands of fans waiting for the glorified line up of some of the most popular and fantastic country music in the country they start performing in 2008 on May 3rd through the 4th. The 2008 lineup will includeTim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, The Judds and more.

Take the ride and follow the tracks of those that went before you and fall into the country ambiance of the stars of country music. This trip away gives you a chance to fully enjoy the country music you love, and see your favorite starts up close and personal.

Are you a country music fan? Do you sing the country blues in your heart, and is the blood that pumps through your veins pure country? The Stagecoach Country Music Festival was made for you. The crowds, anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 a day, find themselves immersed in country from the cowboy hats that cover almost every single head, to the vast array of beer brands being displayed as the country idea of sun block. No other place on earth offers such a widely varying type of crowd, than at the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio.

Buying tickets for this weekend long festival can be a challenge in itself. Most usually, tickets go on sale almost a year to the day for the next years' festival. Any type of festival that has to sell tickets that early, can guarantee a sell-out long before the actual attendance date arrives. Procuring these coveted tickets to the country music heaven is possible by several different means. Most people find it easiest to purchase their tickets on-line, by finding them on specific websites that are either offering them for sale, or are giving information of where they can be bought. Others prefer to obtain their tickets by means of music stores, or other specialty stores that offer them for sale.

However way you choose to buy your tickets, be forewarned, it is wise to obtain them as early as possible, to guarantee your attendance. If you are planning on staying the full weekend, there are listings offered for hotels and motels in the surrounding areas. By planning ahead, you will be able to get a decent room or set of rooms, whichever your party will need. Be prepared for fun, noise, and a lot of dancing. The lineup for the following year is often posted on CMT website or on the actual website for the Stagecoach Country Music Festival.

Experience some of the best that Palm Springs has to offer -- experience country.

The trick with music theory is to break everything down into baby-step i.e., guitar scales for country music, guitar scales for bluegrass music, guitar scales for jazz music, guitar scales for rock music.

Let's say your primary style of music is country music. We could subdivide the subject of music theory into: what guitar scales for country, what chord progressions for country, what style of country music, what guitar techniques for country.

What guitar scales for country:

major pentatonic, major diatonic, cascading scales ...

What chord progressions for country:

two chord songs, three chord songs, four chord songs ...

What style of country music:

Traditional country, modern country, country rock ... What guitar techniques for country:

Hammer-on's, pull-off's, bends, slides ...

As you zero in on the specific skills you need to learn the complex subject of music theory becomes a lot less stressful and much more achievable.

By dividing and sub diving any complex subject you also learn how to accelerate your progress on guitar. The scales you would learn for country guitar would be determined by what style of country music you intended to play.

Instead of just saying "I want to play country guitar", if you are prepared to dig a little deeper, you will decrease the amount of information and skills you need to acquire by looking at each area of country guitar playing i.e., chord progressions, if you predominately played three chord songs in the keys of G and D, you would only have to learn four chord shapes.

Three chord songs in key of G: G - C - D

Three chord songs in key of D: D - G - A

Although country guitar has spawned no shortage of modern greats (Albert Lee, Ray Flacke, Danny Gatton, and the Hellecasters come quickly to mind, although there are many others) in general, however the music buying public doesn't really know how hip and entertaining instrumental country guitar is.

Here's ten top country guitarists to get listening for specific country guitar playing techniques.

1. Chet Atkins

2. Merle Travis

3. Jerry Reed

4. Roy Clark

5. Hank Garland

6. Albert Lee

7. Maybelle Carter

8. Doc Watson

9. Norman Blake

10. Tony Rice

The classic electric guitar sound for country music is characterized by the undistorted sound of single-coil guitar pickups, usually a Fender Telecaster or Fender Stratocaster, and the employment of fairly undistorted amplification most often a Fender Twin Reverb 100watt amp.

Guitar scales for country music are: major Pentatonic, major diatonic, and to a lesser degree the minor pentatonic scale and the blues scale.

The most popular guitar scales for country music are without doubt the major pentatonic. the two most common ways of playing this scale for country music is:

A major pentatonic scale (PATTERN 1)

sixth string, fifth fret, fourth finger

fifth string, second fret, first finger

fifth string, fourth fret, third finger

fourth string, second fret, first finger

fourth string, fourth fret, third finger

third string, second fret, first finger

third string, fourth fret, third finger

second string, second fret, first finger

second string, fifth fret, fourth finger

first string, second fret, first finger

first string, fifth fret, fourth finger

A major pentatonic scale (PATTERN 2)

sixth string, fifth fret, first finger

sixth string, seventh fret, third finger

sixth string, ninth fret, third finger

fifth string, seventh fret, first finger

fifth string, ninth fret, third finger

fourth string, seventh fret, first finger

fourth string, ninth fret, third finger

fourth string, eleventh fret, third finger

third string, ninth fret, first finger

third string, eleventh fret, third finger

second string, tenth fret, second finger

The fingering for the A major pentatonic scale (pattern 2) may seem a little unusual at first, however with a little practice, it will work out fine.

Both these patterns feature the same notes in the same sequence, if you play each scale slowly and listen carefully you will notice however a tone from certain notes, this is because the notes are being playing on different strings resulting in a different tone. Thicker strings produce a more mellow tone.

By learning these guitar scales for country guitar you will soon be playing your favorite country guitar sounds.

Country music super star Faith Hill has released her first CD in more than three years on the Warner Bros label entitled Fireflies.

This is her sixth release with each of the previous five being multi-platinum efforts, and nine country music #1's under her belt. Oh and don't forget about her being a multi Grammy Award Winner.

With a resume like the one just described Hill is clearly one of the biggest, and brightest stars in all of music. Not just country music.

Fireflies is somewhat of a return effort for Hill as she gets back to her country roots after experimenting outside the boundaries of country music on her last outing, Breathe.

I like Fireflies because of it's high production value, and the focus of the collection is once again on Faith's incredible singing voice.

The CD launches with a very vibrant tune in Sunshine & Summertime and from there proceeds to remind us that when Hill is in top form, as she is here, the quality of her voice is second to none.

Overall Fireflies is very easy to listen to and is what I call, must have music. I give it two thumbs up. Even the casual music fan will appreciate and enjoy Hills incredible vocal presentations provided here.

The standout tunes on Fireflies are Sunshine & Summertime [track 1], Like We Never Loved At All [track 7], and Paris [track 14]. My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5, Stealing Kisses. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Faith Hill originally released Fireflies on August 2, 2005 on the Warner Bros record label.

CD track list follows:

1. Sunshine & Summertime

2. Mississippi Girl

3. Dearly Beloved

4. Ain't Gonna Take It

5. Stealing Kisses

6. Fireflies

7. Like We Never Loved At All

8. I Want You

9. Lucky One

10. Lucky One

11. We've Got Nothing But Love To Prove

12. You Stay With Me

13. Wish For You

14. Paris

There was a time when all I knew about country music was what was playing on my Top 40 country radio station. I liked what I heard: Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Clint Black, and others. However, if it wasn't on the radio or on TNN (The Nashville Network, as it was known back then), I knew nothing about it. I never knew there was a whole group of artists flying under the radar hoping someday to be "discovered."

As I started working on my web site, the International Country Music Database, and preparing for my first trip to the CMA Music Festival as a journalist, I discovered a whole list of new country music artists I had not heard of before. There were also names of artists who had disappeared from the airwaves, except for their biggest hits that were played periodically.

What I discovered was that there is a whole pool of virtually unknown or forgotten talent that is still vying for the attention of country music fans. From wannabes just starting their career to artists who had their 15 minutes of fame, but are now relegated to obscurity. What was more surprising than this discovery was the fact that these artists were just as talented, if not more so, than the artists I was hearing on Top 40 country radio.

I'm not bashing Top 40 radio - I like some of what's on it. My point here is that there are a lot more country music artists out there than Top 40 radio would have us believe. However, that is beginning to change. Independent record labels are popping up all over the place and indie artists are getting more attention.

The Internet has opened up the world to independent country music artists. Social networking sites like MySpace, Internet radio stations, niche music sites, and easier ways to get CDs and songs into online stores all work together to help indie artists get their names and music out there.

It's not just the online world either. Independent radio stations that are not subject to corporation mandates play what they like, regardless of what label an artist is on (or not on, as the case may be). Also, the overseas market for country music is strong and growing. Again, overseas stations play what they like, not what is dictated.

So, the important thing to remember is that there is a larger pool of talent in country music than just what you hear on your Top 40 country radio station. No matter what type of country music you like, from traditional to contemporary, you can find hundreds of unknown artists who are making great music. If you're ever looking for good new country music, dive deeper into the country music pool and check out great indie artists like Sage Keffer, Daniel Lee Martin, Sharmian, Tammy Cochran, Rachel Williams, Todd Fritsch, and Brigitte London, just to name a few. You'll be glad that you did.

Throwing a western bridal shower can be a great way to weave the bride’s love of country music, western living, or her free spirited ways into a fun and rowdy party. If you have planned to throw a cowboy themed bridal shower your first task will be to find western themed bridal shower invitations. These invitations should have a design that fits the style of western party that you are planning on throwing, and if possible, it should match the western wedding favors you plan on handing out at the bridal shower.

If your bridal shower is going to have a country western theme then your wedding favors can include both cowboy themed as well as country music themed favors. Cowboy themed bridal shower favors can include things like miniature cowboy hat snack holders and cowboy boot place markers. Country music favors can include things like CDs, posters, and key chains that feature country music legends. You will also want to include the character icons from your country western favors into the decorations at the bridal shower. If your bridal shower budget will allow it, you may want to buy a life size stand-up of the bride-to-be’s favorite country music singer or western hero.

Bridal showers with a cowboy theme are another variation within the western themed wedding genre. If you want to have a cowboy themed bridal shower then you might want to consider designing the menu around an old fashioned chuck wagon cook-out or a BBQ. To accent the menu your cowboy themed favors can include things like cowboy hats, cowboy boots, little lassos, mustangs, steers, cows, horseshoes, etc. You can use these cowboy icons on cookies, suckers, napkins, placemats, cakes, snack holders, tablecloths, and just about anything that will stand still.

Country Music originated in early 20th century among the whites in Rural areas of West and South. The roots of this music lie in Ballads, English songs and Folk Songs. The term Country Music replaces what is popularly called Hill Billy Music.

Country Music has been associated with cowboy hats and boots. The fact is that apparel has got nothing to do with it. One of the veterans, Travis Tritt does not wear a hat. Country Music is a genre that means different things to different people. If you look over at their interpretations, you will find for some it is Johnny Cash's weather beaten crooning or Shania Twain's prancing-pony burlesque. Right since the beginning of the 21st century, Music Industry is divided and quite fractured as to what really the Country Music is. Most people say that, when they hear it, they know its country or its not.

The relationship is one if hate and love, either fans love it and hate other genres intensely. If you have met some hardcore country fans, you will notice, they will always find a way to hear it, no matter what state country radio currently finds itself in. Even if an artist's presence on country radio represents a certain kind of success or acceptance, there's no doubt that "real" country is always happening in the margins, in clubs and coffeehouses, and on smaller labels or self-produced records.

Recently very good different country records have been released by women artists like, the Dixie Chicks' "Home," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, knocking Eminem down a bit. The other two, Kelly Willis' "Easy" and Allison Moorer's "Miss Fortune," are also hailed as good country music. These two artists are not quite famous but they have a solid fan following. American Country Music is being popularized by various artists like Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Brad Paisley, Hank Williams III and Danni Leigh.

Country Music has an association also, the Country Music Association (CMA), founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members. This was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre. The objectives of the organization are to guide and enhance the development of Country Music throughout the world. They wish to show that it is a viable medium to advertisers, consumers and media. It provides a unity of purpose for the Country Music industry.

The association presents annual wards also. Annual awards are given in the following twelve categories: Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Horizon Award, Vocal Group, Vocal Duo, Single, Album, Song, Music Event, Music Video, and Musician.

Country Music is getting lot more world wide attention after the Country Music Annual Awards was shifted to New York.

An academy for this genre, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California. It was originally called the Country & Western Music Academy; and was formed by people who wanted to share their love of Country music.

Country Music had a set following earlier but now it is gaining number of fans day by day. Loud tuned ,good lyrics, special effects mark the various concerts held in America by various country artists.

If you're like me, you're wondering what happened to country music. The terrestrial radio stations today only play the watered down pop mess. Country music used to be a force to reckon with. Let's get back to the good ol' days!

Unless you have a satellite radio, you're not going to hear real country music on the radio. Singers like Hank Williams III, Robbie Fulks, and Wayne Hancock just aren't getting airplay. George Jones was basically kicked out of the Country Music Awards a few years ago for being too old. Once upon a time, I thought George Strait didn't know how to pick a bad song. That was before I heard some of his stuff from his latest album. I hate to say it, but George you let us down.

In Nashville (dubbed Trashville by Hank III), it's a matter of you do what we say or you don't get played on the radio. The performers should have more control of what they play and record. After all, they are the ones going out every night and listening to the crowd's reactions. The record company isn't there to say, "Man, they love that steel guitar."

The pop market has infiltrated country music. It started way back in the 1970's. Country music started to decline when they allowed pop mixtures in. Some guys never got the respect they should've received. Billy Joe Shaver comes to mind. Today, you have people from all over the globe making country music in Nashville. Most of these singers wouldn't know the difference between a steel guitar from a banjo. It sounds crazy, and it is!

Country music is promoted as, "This isn't your grandpa's music." Well, it's not my music either. Most of the die hard country music buffs would agree. There's no soul, there's no pain, and there's no edge to today's country music. Let's get back to the day when the two step was the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Austin, Texas is celebrated as today's country music capital of the world. There you'll find Junior Brown, Bobby Bare, and Billy Joe Shaver. The new talent in Austin is great too! Heather Myles is a fantastic female artist carrying on the traditional sound. Nashville is losing face with the country base. Let's get country music back to it's roots. Call your local country radio dj and request some of the classics. If enough people demand it to come back to it's old ways, Nashville will have to take notice.

Although it may seem that country music has been around forever, it has actually only been around since the early 20th century. Although some may call it “cowboy music” the roots of country music can actually be found in the blues, gospel, Celtic and folk music. It began in the early 20th century in the Appalachians of the southeastern United States. Country music is the “working class” music of the south. It often tells a story or has a moral. In today’s fast-paced, high-tech world, it is amazing that “old fashioned” country music still has a place in the hearts of so many-even if you listen to it on your ipod or MP3 player.

The first country music recording that really got noticed was of Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter family back in 1927. This type of music had been around for a few years before that, but this was the “breakthrough album” for the genre. Jimmie Rodgers played what was called “country folk” and told stories with his songs. He sang about everything from alcohol to women and even included humor in many of his songs. The Carter family was multi-talented and not only sang beautifully, but also played skillfully on guitars and other stringed instruments in true Appalachian tradition.

The next “pioneer” of the country music industry was Hank Williams Sr. He took cues from his predecessor, Jimmie Rodgers and sang songs about life, love, and loss. He died young, just as Mr. Rodgers did but not before passing on his musical genius to his children and eventually his grandchild.

The country scene changed in the 1960’s just like everything else in the United States. Two branches broke apart and one followed the traditional and the other put more emphasis on a smooth solo vocal and less emphasis on solo instruments-like the rock and roll of the day. This division continues to some degree today.

Another big division occurred in the 1990’s when some of the younger performers blended the country sound with some rock and other sounds. This led to more disharmony and some protests by the “old” school country performers.

But, country lives on.

The people of Venezuela boast of a history and culture that is rich in folk music. The national musical instrument of Venezuela is the "cuatro." Ilanero is a typical Venezuelan music. It originated in the plains or 'ilanos' of the country and was made popular by many musical artists, including Juan Vicente Torrealba and Ignacio Figueredo. However, most of its popular music has been eclipsed by the music of its neighboring countries, especially Brazil, Trinidad, and Colombia. Merengue, salsa, and other imported styles are also quite popular in the country.

Simón Díaz and Reynaldo Armas are popular llanera folk singers from Venezuela. However, purists and the younger generation of Venezuelans are not very appreciative of this music. Neo-folklore is a form of music that takes traditional music and organizes it in an electronic style, to be played on electronic instruments.

Gaita is the name of another popular music of this country. It has its origin in the el Zulia region. It is played much fervor during the Christmas season and is even considered a national representation of the festivity.

There are several fusion artist groups such as Un Solo Pueblo, Huracán del Fuego, and Grupo Madera, who have combined Latin American music such as jazz, rumba, and salsa. Aldemaro Romero is a well-known creative Venezuelan composer of Caribbean jazz, Venezuelan waltzes, and other symphonic works. Vicente Emilio Sojo is renowned in the country and internationally for his contributions to Venezuelan musicology and music education.

Venezuelan calypso music, which has its own characteristic rhythms and lyrical style, has its roots in Trinidad. Argentinean rock groups have had a strong influence on Venezuelan rock. Cuban-American salsa music is also another variety of imported music that has achieved popularity. Rock music is also very popular. Several groups such as Desorden Público, Caramelos de Cianuro, and Los Amigos Invisibles have made their presence felt on the scene.

“How can country love songs find perfect partners?” “That’s outrageous”, I hear you cry.

Stick around, I’ll show you.

First, another question: “why are you reading this article?”

It’s a fair guess that your answer is either, “because I like country music,” or “I’m looking for a partner,” or both.

Wouldn’t you love to find a partner who shared your interest in country love songs. Knowing that you both shared a passion for great music would be a perfect prelude to a great relationship,. You’d be flying right from the start.

Imagine swimming in your partners eyes while John Denver croons “you fill up my senses, like a night in the forest, like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain, like a storm in the desert, like the sleepy blue ocean….!” And that’s just one of thousands of songs that could accompany your romance; think of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” or “Behind Closed Doors.”

And that’s only the beginning. The music is the backdrop to your relationship. With country music as a common interest, it’s more than likely that you’ll find you share a whole host of other country interests.

The bond of shared interests is a solid platform on which to build a long-lasting relationship. You’ll always have plenty to talk about and things that you both enjoy doing together. A day out in the country beats a trip to a shopping mall any day. Well, it does in my book.

When you’re at any type of social gathering look around and notice who livens up when country music is played. Browse around near the country music section in your music store. You never know who you might strike up a conversation with.

It’s my belief that peoples likes in music tell you a lot about the type of person they are.

Can country love songs really find the perfect partner for you? All I can say is that they played in the background when I was courting, and we’ve been married one heck of a long time.

A song can be the window to your heart and kind of music you like could very well map out your personality. But again there are many of us who do not stick to particular genre of music and have a taste that ranges across barriers of the land. Music indeed can be the perfect string that ties people of different country, religion and culture in a warm bond. Country Western music is one such genre that has evolved as a result of merging together of two regional styles that were born in America. The Southeast region had a unique style (country music) and so had the Southwest and West (western music). The two styles were merged together around the 1920’s and were further consolidated as a result of the musicians of both styles mixing with each other during service in World War II.

The music lovers across the globe can get best of both the worlds through the form of Country Western music which has adapted the best points from both country and western music. The main distinguishing factor between the two styles is that country music is much simpler and stresses on the use of few instruments like the guitar, fiddle, banjo and harmonica. The Southwest style depends more on steel guitars and big bands, distinguished by a strong rhythm section, usually including double bass and drums with the tempo varying from medium to fast. Country Western music has managed to absorb the attractive aspects of the styles and emerge as a genre that has touched the heartstrings of millions of music lovers across the world.

The origin of the country western music is from folk songs, ballads and traditional music of the Scottish, English and Irish settlers with modern lyrics that describe and depict the story of the rural and urban-poor whites. The rural African-American like the Jazz and Blues has also left an impression on this particular style of music. The country western music has also played a significant role in the development of rock music. Over the last five decades or so, the genre of country western music has gained a worldwide audience. Bluegrass is also a style of this kind of country western music that is distinguished by each instrument like the fiddle, banjo, acoustic guitar, mandolin and upright bass taking a turn and improvising on it while the other instruments revert to backing. Bluegrass is also distinctively acoustic and rarely relies on electric instruments.

Country western music also has traces and influence of Celtic music, Gospel music, Hokum and North American old-time music. Country music in itself has produced two of the top selling solo artistes of all times – ‘The King’ Elvis Presley and Garth Brooks. Country western music has again undergone a revival phase with the influx of performers such as Tanya tucker, The Judds, Ricky Scaggs and Reba McEntire who have gained tremendous popularity. So music lovers across the world are in for treat with the revival of this popular genre that is country western music.

Country Music belongs to the Country Western Music category. This genre combines musical forms that were originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. It started to emerge around the early part of the 20th Century. Country Music is known for its original and easily recognizable style. Typical Instruments that are used in country music include: Guitars, Steel Guitars, Dobro, Harmonica, Bass, Drums, Mandolin, The Banjo and more. Over the years, its popularity has spread all over the world and has become of the most famous genres.

In the 1940's, the term country started to be used when people refer to this kind of music. Before that, it was referred to as Hillbilly Music. The term was deemed to be degrading and use for it was ceased. However, the term was not widely embraced until the 1970s. By the year 2007, Country became the most popular radio format in the United States of America. In the US, there are at least three well known Cable channels dedicated to country music alone. These are: CMT, CMT Pure Country and GAC. The original Country Music Channel was the network formerly known as TNN (The Nashville Network) which became TNN (The National Network) and later on Spike TV.

The 1990's was big for Country Music. By the middle of this decade Country Music was greatly influenced by the line dancing trend, but by the end of 1990 the interest in Line Dancing had already waned. It was also during the 1990s that the subgenre Neotraditional Country started to emerge. This was performed by a younger set of singers who said that they were influenced by the sound of old country and only added their own twist to the mix.

A few of the most well known County Singers include: The Carter Family, Louvin Brothers. Jimmie Rodgers, Jim Reeves, Marie Osmond, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Dolly Parton, Dixie Chicks, Kenny Rogers, George Strait, Keith Whitley, Shania Twain, Connie Smith and a whole lot more.

There are a lot of subgenres to Country Music and these include: Bakersfield Sound, Bluegrass, Close Harmony, Country Folk, Honky Tonk, Jug Band, Lubbock Sound, Nashville Sound, Neotraditional Country, Outlaw Country, Red Dirt, Texas Country and more. There are also a lot of Fusion Genres that involve Country Music. Such genres are: Alternative Country, Country Rock, Psychobilly, Deathcountry, Rockabilly, County Rap, Country Pop, Western Swing and others.

Rascal Flatts is a country music group made up of Gary LeVox (lead vocalist), Jay DeMarcus (bassist), and Joe Don Rooney (electric guitarist). Upon getting a record deal with Lyric Street Records, the group released their first album, Rascal Flatts, which would climb up to the #3 spot on the U.S. country albums chart.

The group’s next album, Melt, would peak at #5 on the U.S. albums charts and #1 on the U.S. country albums charts. Rascal Flatts, next two albums, Feels Like Today and Me and My Gang, both debuted at #1 on both the U.S. general and country music charts.

In 2003, the Rascal Flatts would find themselves waist deep in controversy, stemming from their controversial music video for “I Melt”, off of their Melt album. Some fans objected to the music video, which contained brief nudity of model Christina Auria in some sensual scenes with group member, Rooney.

While such a music video would hardly cause a stir on MTV or VH1, being showcased on the more conservative CMT and Great American Country music channels, the video inevitably brought the group much notoriety. The Melt album would garner the Rascal Flatts their first No. 1 country single, “These Days”.

In 2005, the group performed their hit single Bless the Broken Road live with contestant Carrie Underwood, on the popular television program American Idol. That same song was nominated for three Grammy awards including Song of the Year, Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Country Song. The group would take home the Grammy award for Best Country Song.

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Undoubtedly, music CDs are one of the most popular ways to record and listen to the country music. New technology has made it very affordable to own a CD player and most avid music fans wouldn’t be caught dead without one. Listening to your favorite country music CD has never been easier or more affordable. You can go to any music store or online music site and order all of your favorite country music.

Unfortunately, CD sales for country music and other forms of music have run into serious problems in the last few years because of piracy. As a matter of fact, in the last three years, the International Federation of Phonography Industry (FPI) reported that every CD that is sold is a pirate copy. The federation has reported that every third CD sold is a pirate copy.

Piracy has made the country music CD sales business more competitive, because if people are going to buy CDs, the prices have to be reasonable enough afford them. It’s seems this is the case, as you can find great deals on Country Music CDs including sets like Time Warners, Classic Country: Great Story Songs for $199. This is an incredible buy considering you are purchasing 30 classic songs on 17 CDs, sung by country and western all time favorite singers.

There are hundreds of online music stores where you will find country and western CDs featuring all of your favorite singers. They usually offer special free shipping if you spend over $25, and they also usually run special daily deals. Many sights also offer you the opportunity to download your favorite music for as little as $.75 a song. Some popular CDs sold on site like www.amazon.com and www.buy.com include Johnny Cash, Man in black; Tim McGraw’s Greatest Hits; Faith Hill, Fireflies; and Merle Haggard, Live From Austin.

For generations, radio has been a source of information and entertainment. Over the years modern developments have been partnered to match modern trends and needs. With the advent of Internet and computer appliances, most businesses have incorporated functional changes. This holds true even in the case of radio stations that have reinvented their approach towards broadcasting. Country music radio stations no longer serve as a simple medium. To compete with other radio channels, television and Internet sources, free Internet radio has gained popularity. Country music offers a wide variety and it becomes increasingly difficult to classify the different types of classical music. AM and FM country music radio stations previously played a few tracks in a row. Most of these collections had very few classics and listeners had to make do with repeated tracks. This fuelled the need for country music Internet radio.

AM and FM radio no longer dominate as mediums to deliver music. Expansion and development of the satellite and free Internet "radio" has been rapid due to low startup and operating costs. Free Internet radio channels are able to store a large collection of classic country music. For this reason, listeners with diverse country music preferences are able to assess their choices. Numerous free country music Internet radio sources are dedicated to particular genres of country music.

Even though Internet radio evolved over a decade ago, the mechanism is yet to develop to its full potential. Studies reveal that free country music Internet radio sources are a popular choice for younger listeners. Since Internet sources are easy to use, a number of older and retired people have also turned to free country music Internet radio sources. This is because most members of the older generation were a part of the country classic music scene when it was booming.

Country music made its mark in the early twentieth century. It was initially popular amongst the people in rural areas of the west and the south. This genre of music has developed from ballads and famous folk tunes. From the days of Hillbilly music, country music is now simply referred to as country, western or country and western. Classic country music is an assortment of tunes from diverse cultures and music patterns.

Each style is different and unique in style. The use of rhythms, chord structures and musical intonations vary. Though modern country music may use contemporary beats, they are adaptations of classic versions. Classic country music has an individualistic character that was developed to suit the artist's voice modulation capacity and style. These classics are unique and offer inimitable singing styles. This includes the styles of music legends Jimmy Rodgers and Hank Williams.

Vernon Dalhart was one of the first renowned country singers to render an all time hit. Other significant country music artists were Riley Puckett, Don Richardson and Fiddling John Carson. Ernest Stoneman, Charlie Poole, the North Carolina Ramblers and The Skillet Lickers were others who made their presence felt in the field of country classic music in its early days.

Classic country music has a universal charm and is renowned for its easy to understand rhythmic tunes and meaningful lyrics. A number of classic country tunes are recitals of western legends, heroes and events. This meaningful music continues to be a popular choice of music even today. The classic country music industry is a rewarding and profitable business that continues to reap benefits for their age-old copyrights. Millions of dollars are being realized and paid out as royalties even today. Listeners are still able to feel its rustic charm and intention. The fan following for classic country music is immense and continues to grow.

Developed as an amalgamation of various musical forms, country music has a huge fan following across the globe. Country music enthusiasts are divided loosely into two sects. The first contains those people who listen to this melodious form for entertainment. The second and the more serious are those who follow country music as a form of art.

Country music lyrics have played a huge part in bringing the music to its present successful stage. The simple and flowing words of country music describe the day-to-day lives of the average American. Not every body identifies with Brad Pitt or Madonna, but you can empathize with the simple characters described in country music. An average working class American citizen relates to the beautiful depiction of relationships, touching loneliness or poverty.

Earlier commercial forms of country music copied ballad or folk music. The lyrics depicted the lives of Americans in earlier days, using a fiddler to deliver the message. A good example of this was fiddling John Carson’s 1924 hit "Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane."

Country music lyrics beautifully portrayed the romantic version of a vast span of lonesome prairies. People loved the image of a singing cowboy galloping on a steed singing and working hard on a sunny day. Singers like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers boosted the image of country music tremendously by including beautiful lyrics in their songs.

The lyrics in country music are often repeated as a catchy melodious phrase by a chorus, and composers usually write tunes that are 150 words or less.

Country music is an amalgam of popular musical forms that has its roots in traditional folk music from the South. Country music is a catchall for the Nashville sound, bluegrass, western ballads, swing, Cajun, honky tonk, Appalachian, rockabilly and jug band music.

Although there are various styles of country music, it is unique in the way its style is executed. Many songs are recorded to fit the style of country music and those who sing it. Famous country music singers include Bob Wills, Willie Nelson and George Strait. Country music listeners are mesmerized by the rhythms and the structures of the chords. In fact there are many songs that are adapted to suit the country music style like the Milk Cow Blues tune – an early blues tune composed by Kokomo Arnold. Famous singers like Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, and George Strait have all sung their own versions of the Milk Cow Blues Tune.

It was in 1924, when Vernon Dalhart recorded “The Wreck of Old 97,” that Country music really took off. At that time other singers like Riley Pucket, Fiddling John Carson and Charlie Poole joined the country western scene, further popularizing the music. The popularity of country music continues to grow.

Country music has its share of male and female singers who, through the years, have contributed greatly to the long-standing popularity of this music. They include well-known artists like, Johnny Cash, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Patty Loveless, Barbara Mandrell, Lonestar, Shania Twain, Dwight Yoakam and many others.

Hillbilly music, country, western music or country and western all refer to country music. This genre of music is diverse. Most modern country music artistes have developed their styles from earlier singers. Whether it is a classic or contemporary tune, for most who are new to country music it would be difficult to understand the different styles. A guide to country music offers comparisons that allow people to identify with inimitable performers. People may read guides to identify with the different instruments that are used to create the styles and rhythms. Since country music is a genre filled with many talented musicians, a number of guides offer details about upcoming artists. They are authentic and allow fans to understand and read about their idols.

People who aren't terribly familiar with country music may need some help differentiating between the types of music. Guides offer information and help comprehend the varieties included. This includes pop country that is perfected by artistes like Shania Twain. Rebel or rock country music includes songs that are performed by free spirited singers. They are usually independent and use bold rhythms. Texas country has produced singers such as Robert Earl Keen and Pat Green. Old country music is considered to be slow whereas real old country included yodelling. This was the original folk derivation and continues to be popular.

Guides offer an insight into new developments, artists, functions and country music performances. Guides help provide information regarding country music legends and compare modern artistes. These guides discuss a singer's drawbacks and unique talent. These guides may be written by enthusiasts or critics and may at times reflect only the writers point of view. It is easy to find a country music guide online or in magazines, journals and reviews.

Country music used to be associated with cowboys and cowboy singing ballads under a setting sun. However, all you have to do today is watch one of the thousands of country music videos to realize how the country western image has changed. Country music offers fans all kinds of performing artists like Johnny Cash dressed in black singing about his prison days, or Shania Twain's sassy, country rock. Country music means a lot of different things to a lot of different people and you can see it all on video.

In the U.S. there are at least three cable network dedicated to the genre of country music. CMT, VH-1 Country and GAC are widely followed by music enthusiasts in the nation. These stations feature country music videos, and they offer entertaining programming that includes the history of country music and the latest gossip about country music stars. One stations featured the Country Music – Music Awards and the best music video of the year went to “As Good As I Once Was,” by Toby Keith, directed by Michael Salomon.

If you ever make you way to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee you can view live videos in a theater like setting presented by hosts like bill Cody. These videos present artists who have defined country music in the past as well as today. A new show is taped and performed live each week. While visiting this famous landmark, you can also tour the historic RCA Studio B where superstars like Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold and the Everly Brothers once recorded.

Country music was popular amongst the people in rural areas of the west and south. This music evolved from ballads and folk tunes. Country music is commonly referred to as Hillbilly music, country, western music or country and western. It comprises of a wide variety of music. Whether people listen to classic or contemporary country music, the Internet is an excellent source of free country music downloads.

With the development of Internet technology, the music industry has benefited from online music sources. Free Internet resources offer vast collections of country music that can be downloaded by following very simple procedures. The best method to find these searches is to ask around for authentic sites or collect information regarding them from reviews and magazines. Free country music downloads are a popular selection. The time taken to download a song varies and depends on the size of the file and speed of the Internet connection. The downloading procedure is effortless and automated.

Search engines offer a huge list of free country music downloads. Most music collectors prefer to download their music in MP3 format. Free downloads allow people to build their own unique music collections and may even offer classic numbers that are difficult to find elsewhere. Free country music downloads allow choose the songs or albums they want easily, rather than seeking things out that stores may not even have.

When involved in free country music downloads, it is important to keep in mind the legal repercussions of violating copyrights by downloading from a peer-to-peer network. It is advisable to assess authentic websites only as music piracy is a punishable offence.