The truth about modern country music.

Let's discuss this week's top 5 songs on the country charts and learn their intro riffs. Is it as bad as people say?

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[danrourke]

My daughter did an event at the bluebird, some kind of writers round for people in the business, and at the end of the event, they took the individual artists and talked to them about their songs and told my daughter that they absolutely love her songs, but the only thing that they’re interested in are songs about pick up trucks Beer and cheating, in spite of the fact that while the other 15 or so singers when they were playing, people were listening, with interest, but when my daughter played her songs, you could hear a pin drop, and I told her you’ve got a stick to being you because it’s just a matter of time before people are going to want to hear just good well written songs, not what the business tries to stick down or throats

[officialWWM]

I live in Australia so I struggle a little with the culture of American country music. For the last few days I’ve been in my shed replacing the transmission in my Jeep (if you know, you know). During this process, I clicked on a random country playlist and let her run. My observation, (for what it’s worth) there’s a lot of same, same, same…punctuated by the odd gem. It sounds to me like most of it is overproduced, not much is left to chance, it all strategically thought out and planned out . The playing, singing, mixing etc is probably the best in the world. As someone who grew up on and has played a lot of Oz Rock, I simply can’t relate to a lot of the stories being told in American country music. HOWEVER, having said that, I’m inspired by the fact that the guitar is still alive and well in this music! The playing, the singing, the production etc is probably the best in the world! It’s inspiring to hear a guitar solo again! It’s not something I can listen to all the time but I sure am glad it exists!

[Mutley]

I’m one of the older guys you mentioned. Thanks for challenging me to keep an open mind. Love your channel, Justin. You’re a natural teacher.

[Popsarocker]

Can’t tell you how cool it is to get to go behind the curtain with such notable musicians like yourself. As a guitarist, it’s a thrill to hear from folks like you. Keep up the great work. Back in my day we only had guitar magazines to read and would have to leave it up to our imaginations as to how things went on in the pro world.

[wrightonrice]

this is a mini masterclass on how musicians should analyze popular music and im here for it! this has inspired me to play along with whatever playlist i hear and take something away from it. also, the idea of having 2 guitarists play "one part" in the 1st song gives me ideas for songwriting!

[MrBobcatsband]

The celebration of trailer park cultural reality in lyrics is prevalent hallmark of a lot of New Country. Hardly an innovative concept.

[lonesomecowpoke]

I would never close my mind to any music, but I think you nailed modern mainstream country in
two is so much great country music out there being made
right now that rarely meets the audience it deserves. It really is a crying shame that it seems to be
eternally drowned out by the Nashville pop machine formula of the day. For me, there's only so many
songs about 'pick-up trucks', beer and bar room hook ups driving into the sunset that a grown man
can stand.

[ColeHuddlestun]

Regardless of any commercial flavoring that may be in these songs, the Nashville session cats are leaving us plenty of tasty nuggets in all of these songs...IF you choose to focus on it rather than getting drowned out with any pre-conceived notions of today's top country radio. The quality of the playing, producing, mixing, engineering, etc. is still bar none. I needed this reminder. Thanks, Justin.

[robertwallace]

Great video, dissecting riffs and parts of current songs that you might not normally learn but might be asked to play. It really adds to your vocabular/toolbox. I'm one of the older one's and I attend a weekly jam session. There's always a couple of young men that show up with acoustic guitars tuned to what we called "slack", Eb. They keep us on our toes and it is fun. I've been trying to teach myself to create useful charts for pedal steel...not so fun! Thanks, great videos.

[thehappyheretic]

I'm 52 and was raised on country music. The new country just sux no saving anything gone commercial. I no longer listen to any so-called country. the good news is the kids are getting more interested in jazz and other more complicated sounds which gives hope to us older folks looking for good sounds not rehashed hot garbage. in fact, I don't think I listen to a handful of people who are not independent artists without so-called big record contracts. there are great artists out there in every genre but the industry will not let you know about them it is an organic word-of-mouth thing that gets good artists recognized not industry standards that's for sure

[tristanavakian]

Part of my daily practice as a Nashville guitarist is going thru the CMA nominee and Country Hot 100 playlists and listening deeply. When I hear something I really like I chart it, then learn the parts and do a deep dive into the sounds and process (which guitar? Tuned down/capoed up? Signal processing?) And I hear a hell of a lot I like. The stylistic diversity is breathtaking. The production is powerful, clear, sophisticated. What’s not to like? It’s better than ever in my opinion.

[artscience]

Thanks Justin! I really love this song analysis kind of video, I hope you do some more like this one!

[PhilipReevesMusic]

Your musical background beyond country brings a lot of versatility to the parts you play. I can hear some of those different elements from rock, R&B, pop in modern country ... although sometimes very subtle. Enjoying your insights into guitar playing and song arrangements.

[bhcarpenter]

Omg when he said “ok, so right now it’s really cool in Nashville to tune your guitar down a half step” he won me over. So down to earth I love it

[eugenejoseph]

I'm 65 years old and grew up listening to Johnny, Merle, George Jones etc from my dad. As I grew, my older brother introduced me to Hendrix, 10 years After, Iron Butterfly CCR and when I could finally afford to buy my own albums, I bought Black Sabbath, ZZ, Bad Company, James Gang, Supertramp, Pink Floyd...Then I got married and my honey intruduced me to Mozart, Beethoven, Bach... I'm so grateful for my dad, my older brother, my friends and my sweetheart who have enlarged my heart and soul to appreciate all music, regardless of genre. P.S. of course, I draw the line at Tiny Tim's 'Tip Toe through the Tulip'. A man gotta have standards ;)

[jesseoreilly]

I love your attitude and perspective on music. As a musician and songwriter myself, I may not love every style of music, but I try to see every different style I play as an opportunity to improve and grow and add new tools to my kit.

[rhysjo]

This is a really cool video. It is interesting to get your take on not only the music, but the state of country music in general. The way you play a few bits of the tune is also helpful to understand how a true musician thinks about things. Much appreciated!

[jesseoreilly]

A lot of the really poppy country doesn't knock my socks off, but I like that there are still real instruments and good musicianship involved.

[longsnapper]

buddy of mine is A writer on this song" - that is why I hold that country music sucks. There are groups of writers in Nashville trying to generate a "Chesney " song or a " Martina" song. Write your own goddamned songs and play them with YOUR band that has been together since you were 15 not some collection of available Nashville players.

[thumbody]

I really enjoy your breakdowns and thoughts on what's inside the arrangements. Keep it up.

I'm 66 and grew up on a lot of the same music you did as well as some that was before your time. I'm not really a country fan but appreciate the crafting of a good song and great production. A great melody against an interesting chord progression is admirable no matter what the genre. Goode lyrics are the icing on the cake for me.