Bluegrass vs. Mainstream Country

 It doesn't matter whether you're talking traditional or progressive. If you don't hear this high lonesome sound, this tension of emotional opposites, you're not hearing bluegrass music. These are the earmarks, the sounds and techniques that set true bluegrass music apart from even classic country, to say nothing of mainstream country.

Many people will tell you that bluegrass music was first heard in 1946, when Earl Scruggs introduced the sound and speed of the three-finger banjo roll to a national audience. That is true, as far as it goes.

But the sound of bluegrass was not complete until Jimmy Martin joined Bill Monroe, and Monroe moved everything up a whole step or so to make the most of his new lead vocalist and his unusual tenor range.

This. This is bluegrass.

Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin with "In the Pines".

For much more about their relationship, read Richard D. Smith's exhaustive and earth-shattering Bill Monroe biography, Can't You Hear Me Callin'.