The country music scene has always been defined by its rich guitar-driven sound, with legendary guitarists shaping the genre’s sound for decades. However, as the music industry continues to evolve and new sounds emerge, it’s essential to look to the future of country music and see who is stepping up to carry the torch.
Discover the new guitar legends of country music who are shaping the future of the genre, influenced by the legacy of their predecessors.
Breaking Boundaries and Making History
Country music has always been a genre that embraces its roots and traditions, but it has also demonstrated an ability to evolve and incorporate new influences. From the early days of bluegrass and honky-tonk to contemporary country-pop fusion, country music has undergone significant changes.
As the music scene evolves with new technologies and platforms, country music continues to adapt and embrace innovations to stay relevant and engage new audiences. Whether through collaborations with artists from other genres or incorporating new instruments and production techniques, the genre remains a dynamic force in the music industry.
Over the years, country music has produced many legendary country guitarists who have helped shape the sound of the genre. These iconic figures have left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of guitarists to follow in their footsteps. But as the music industry continues to evolve, new guitar legends are emerging, breaking boundaries and making history with their unique styles and innovative techniques.
They are building on the legacy of the great guitarists who came before them while pushing the genre forward and helping it evolve with the times. As they continue to make their mark on the industry, it’s clear that they will be remembered as some of the greatest guitarists in country music history.
New Guitar Legends of Country Music
As the music industry keeps advancing, new guitar legends are emerging, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the genre. From the timeless sound of classic country to the innovative styles of modern country-pop, these guitarists are making their mark on the industry and shaping the future of the genre.
We’ll take a closer look at the top 3 guitar legends in the modern era of country music, exploring their backgrounds, unique styles and techniques, influences, and major achievements:
Brent Mason
One such guitar legend is Brent Mason, born on July 13, 1959, in Van Wert, Ohio. At the age of five, he taught himself to play guitar by ear, and by the time he was in his teens, he was already playing in local bands.
After completing high school, he moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. He quickly established himself as a sought-after session musician, playing on hundreds of albums and becoming one of the most recorded guitarists in history.
Brent Mason, also known as the “Nashville Session King,” has mastered the art of being a musical chameleon. He can effortlessly adapt his playing style to fit any genre, making him a go-to guitarist for producers and artists alike. With his impressive technical abilities and versatility, Mason quickly became a first-call session player for just about every A-list recording in Nashville.
He’s not only known for his flexibility and adaptability but also his tremendous chops, making him a true legend in the music industry. Mason’s ability to blend into any musical environment is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Mason’s guitar style is a fusion of country, rock, jazz, and blues. He is known for his impeccable technique, speed, and versatility on the guitar. His playing incorporates various techniques, including hybrid picking, fingerstyle, chicken picking, and alternate picking. He is also proficient in slide guitar and pedal steel guitar.
Mason’s guitar playing has been influenced by numerous guitarists, including Chet Atkins, who discovered and mentored him. He also played with Jerry Reed, Les Paul, and Albert Lee. He has also cited jazz guitarists such as Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass as influences.
Brent is a studio musician who has played on over a thousand albums and worked with many famous artists such as George Strait, Vince Gill, Blake Shelton, Neil Diamond, and Shania Twain. He has also contributed to many movie soundtracks like Home Alone and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Brent Mason has been named “Guitarist of the Year” 12 times by the Academy of Country Music. He won several awards, including a Grammy in 2008 and two CMA Awards for Musician of the Year. Guitar World Magazine named him one of the “Top Ten Session Guitarists of All Time.”
He has released two instrumental albums, written several songs, and had a line of “Brent Mason” guitar models marketed by two manufacturers. The “Stories Collection Brent Mason Telecaster” was launched on August 11, 2020. In 2019, he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished guitarists of all time.
Keith Urban
Keith Urban is one of the Nashville Superstars who possesses instrumental skills like those of his past influences. His hits and album tracks routinely include unusually difficult rhythm tracks and mind-bending solos.
Urban is another guitar legend who has broken boundaries and helped redefine the sound of country music. Born in New Zealand, he began playing guitar at the age of six. He moved to Australia in his teens, where he played in various bands before moving to Nashville in 1992.
Keith Urban is a renowned country music guitarist with a unique style that sets him apart from the rest. Urban’s guitar style is rooted in country but incorporates elements of rock and blues. He has a bag of tricks that includes melodic playing, chicken pickin’, double stops, and chord-based licks.
He also uses bending techniques to add emotion and depth to his playing. Urban incorporates open string usage into his playing, which is a staple skill within modern country music. Additionally, he uses various chromatic approach techniques to keep his playing fresh and interesting. While Urban’s vocal abilities have earned him numerous awards and accolades, his guitar playing is equally deserving of recognition.
His style has been influenced by a wide range of guitarists, including Mark Knopfler, Chet Atkins, and Lindsay Buckingham, who inspired him with their songwriting ability and guitar-playing styles and techniques. He also attributes his love for country music to his father. Keith has established himself as a respected country artist, blending elements of pop and rock into his signature sound and delivery.
Urban has been honored with numerous accolades throughout his career, including 4 Grammy Awards, and has been recognized with 13 Country Music Association Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 6 ARIA Music Awards.
Here are more awards Keith Urban has won:
- 3 American Country Awards
- 4 American Music Awards
- 25 BMI Country Awards
- 1 British Country Music Award
- 14 Country Music Awards of Australia
- 15 CMC Music Awards
- 9 CMT Music Awards
- 1 Mo Award
- 1 People’s Choice Award
- 3 Queensland Music Awards
- 1 Teen Choice Award
Some of Urban’s most popular songs include “You’ll Think of Me,” “Somebody Like You,” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” He has released numerous albums throughout his career, including his debut self-titled album in 1991 and more recent releases such as “Ripcord,” “Graffiti U,” and “The Speed of Now Part 1.”
Urban has also been a judge on the popular singing competition show “American Idol” and “The Voice Australia.” With his exceptional guitar skills, unique style, and numerous accolades, Keith Urban has become one of the most successful and celebrated artists in country music history.
Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley may be a relatively new name in the music industry, but he has quickly established himself as a modern-day guitar legend. His virtuosic playing sets him apart and has garnered him much recognition. Paisley combines traditional elements with a progressive style reminiscent of Merle Travis. His outstanding guitar skills and vocal talent make him an impressive addition to our list.
Brad Paisley is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Born on October 28, 1972, in Glen Dale, West Virginia, Paisley grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at age 8.
Paisley is a skilled guitarist with an off-the-wall guitar style and impressive control over bends. He is known for mixing jazz, rock, and country twang in his solos and is often compared to Nashville’s guitar veterans due to his impressive technical abilities.
One of his signature techniques is playing two harmonized notes back to back, then pulling off to an open string from the higher of the two notes, which allows him to increase his speed without any extra effort. Paisley also likes to use backward pick rakes to accent important notes on the low strings, in addition to traditional pick rakes.
As a child, Paisley developed a love for country music by listening to it with his grandfather. He was particularly drawn to instrumental music and was influenced by legends such as Chet Atkins and Les Paul. While other kids his age weren’t familiar with them, Paisley listened to their music vicariously. He also enjoyed listening to country music icons such as Buck Owens and Johnny Cash.
Some of his notable songs and tracks include “Mud on the Tires,” “Whiskey Lullaby,” “Then,” and “She’s Everything.” He has released 12 studio albums, with several of them being certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. In addition to his successful music career, Paisley has also written two books and made appearances in TV shows and movies.
Paisley has won numerous awards throughout his career. He has been recognized by the Country Music Association with 14 awards and has sold over 11 million albums worldwide. He also won three Grammys, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, and two American Music Awards.
The Future of Country Music
As we’ve seen, country music has a rich history and a vibrant present, with talented artists like Brent Mason, Keith Urban, and Brad Paisley leading the way. But what does the future hold for this beloved genre?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: there will always be new artists bringing fresh sounds and perspectives to the table. If you’re a musician, consider experimenting with new sounds and styles and collaborating with other artists, while still staying true to the heart of country music.
If you’re passionate about music and want to redefine the country sound, keep practicing guitar, stay updated on new trends and techniques, and don’t be afraid to experiment and create your unique sound. Let’s push the boundaries of country music and evolve the genre for future generations to enjoy.
If you’ve just started learning guitar, country music is a great genre to explore and develop your skills, as it often features simple chord progressions and strumming patterns that are easy to learn; while also incorporating unique techniques and styles that can challenge and inspire you to improve. Guitarist Academy is available to assist you!
