One of the main differences between bluegrass and country is that bluegrass has no drums. The typical band is comprised of a guitar, banjo, fiddle, bass and mandolin, with sometimes a dobro. The percussion of drums is covered by the rhythm guitar, the mandolin chops and a driving bass. Bluegrass bands use acoustic instruments, although sometimes you will find an electric bass in the group (which die-hards deplore). Early bluegrass and old-time country have many similarities and common origins, but the authentic bluegrass sound began with Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, and his instrumentation and taste really defined the genre, although there are many other legends who have formed it along the way (Flatt & Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, et al).

The lyrics are often based on home, family, old-time values and rural living, but not always. There are usually 2 or more harmony parts, with the tenor part over the lead melody singer, baritone below it and bass at the bottom. Sometimes there's a second baritone over the tenor. The style of the songs usually involves lead breaks by various instruments between verses, while the other instruments back off and support the break.

Bluegrass is a way of life as well as a genre. Many fans are also pickers, and spend every weekend they can at bluegrass festivals, every evening they can at jam sessions, and every moment they can immersed in the music."Bit bad" is what most bluegrassers have been by this music. I'm one of them! Hope I haven't put any glaring errors into this reply, now that's it's going out to the world . . .