Country Rock
A fusion of country music and rock and roll. Emerged in the late 1960s, defined by the Bakersfield and Nashville sounds.
Characteristic: Rootsy
The Why
Country rock harmony is built on I–IV–V and I–V–vi–IV patterns — the most familiar progressions in Western music. The dominant 7th (D7) adds bluesy color. Major pentatonic is preferred for melodies. Pedal steel guitar provides the signature sliding harmony.
Harmonic Analysis
Country rock harmony is based on the simplest and most familiar progressions: I–IV–V, I–V–vi–IV. Major pentatonic is preferred over full major scale (avoids the 4th degree which sounds "too jazzy"). Pedal steel guitar adds sliding harmony (portamento between chord tones). The "Nashville number system" uses numbers instead of note names reflecting session musician culture where key changes are routine.