Singing Cowboys: Yellow Rose of Texas

Country and Western Music Lesson

What we today call country music used to be called country and western. When it started, country and western music actually represented two different styles:

• Country: Hill country music, originating from the Appalachians.
• Western: Music from the western regions, particularly Texas.

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Focus on Western Music

Today, in this lesson, we're going to look at the western part of country and western music.

• The Grand Old Opry was a significant focus of country music when it started. Performers dressed up like hillbillies from the Appalachians.

Rise of Western Music

In the 1930s, there was a surge of interest in western music, primarily driven by the popularity of western films throughout the 30s and 40s. This period marked the peak of western music, characterized by a group of singing cowboys who popularized the genre:

1. Ken Maynard - The first prominent singing cowboy.
2. Gene Autry - He succeeded Maynard as the big star and recorded classic songs like:
   • "Deep in the Heart of Texas"
   • "I'm an Old Cowhand"
   • "Home on the Range"

Gene Autry was later followed by Roy Rogers, known for riding his trusty mount, Trigger. These singers frequently appeared in films, riding horses and singing guitar.

Roy Rogers also became a TV star and performed with a quality western-focused country band called the Sons of the Pioneers. Their music is definitely worth checking out.

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Introduction to "Yellow Rose of Texas"

We'll play a tune called "Yellow Rose of Texas," which embodies this style of music. It has a different focus compared to Appalachian music:

• Slightly more laid back
• More swinging
• Mellow feel

Playing Instructions

We'll start by playing it slowly, then with backing. First, we'll omit any double stops since there are a few tricky sections.

1. Count off: 1, 2, 3, 4.
2. Begin with a simple version.
3. Add tricky fourth finger techniques to the open A strings.

If your fourth finger touches the A string and creates noise, twist your wrist upwards so the finger is as vertical as possible.

This section involves:

• Placing your first and second fingers down simultaneously while keeping the fourth finger down. If this proves physically impossible, skip this for now.
• Try to practice this for 30 seconds during each practice session over the next six months.

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Hammer-Ons and Chords

Here's what we will cover next:

• Start with an open E before moving to F sharp while droning with the open A.
• Keep the fourth finger down and then place your first finger down.
• Emphasize the G chord with a double stop on the A string.
• Work through a D chord with F sharp support.

Let's do this one slowly first, then move on to backing:

1. Count off: 1, 2, 3, 4.
2. Try it with the backing track.

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Assignment

Your assignments for this lesson are:

1. Check out the Sons of the Pioneers and listen to some of their songs.
2. Learn "Home on the Range," a simple song that will sound great if you apply the techniques from this lesson.

Happy practicing!