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Sertanejo tradicional (also called sertanejo de raiz) is the early, roots-oriented form of Brazilian country music that crystallized from rural “caipira” song traditions in the early 20th century. It is centered on duet vocals singing in close harmony and the distinctive sound of the viola caipira (10‑string Brazilian guitar), often supported by acoustic guitar and, at times, accordion. The style features storytelling ballads (modas de viola), devotional and pastoral themes, and dance rhythms adapted from Iberian and Southern Cone sources such as waltz, polka, xote, chamamé, and guarânia. Its melodies are typically diatonic and folk-like, harmonies rely on simple functional progressions, and arrangements highlight picked patterns and bass runs (baixarias) on viola. Lyrically, the music celebrates rural life, love, faith, landscapes, and the nostalgia (saudade) of the countryside.