Different Types of Folk Music You Need to Know About

Folk music has been around for centuries and there are many different types you should know about. In this blog post, we explore some of the most popular types of folk music from around the world.

Introduction

Folk music has been around for centuries and has evolved and changed over time to reflect the cultures it comes from. There are many different types of folk music, each with its own unique history and sound. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular and well-known types of folk music from around the world.

One of the most iconic and widely recognized types of folk music is Appalachian folk music. This genre is a blend of English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh musical traditions that were brought over to America by immigrants who settled in the Appalachian Mountains. This type of folk music is characterized by its use of simple instruments like guitars, banjos, and fiddles, as well as its often sentimental lyrics. Appalachian folk music has been hugely influential in the development of other genres, such as country music and bluegrass.

Celtic folk music is another hugely popular and widely recognized type of folk music. This genre is characterized by its use of traditional Celtic instruments like the fiddle, accordion, bagpipes, and bodhran (a type of drum), as well as its often fast-paced and upbeat sound. Celtic folk music originates from the countries of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany in France. It has also been hugely influential in the development of other genres such as Irish traditional music and Scottish traditional music.

Another popular type of folk music is Scandinavian folk music. This genre includes a wide variety of musical traditions from the countries of Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. Scandinavian folk music is often characterized by its use of traditional Scandinavian instruments like the hardanger fiddle (a type of violin), as well as its often melancholic sound.

Finally, West African griot music is a type of folk music that originates from the countries of Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Cape Verde islands ,and Niger . Griot musicians are a tradition dating back centuries; they are professional oral historians who preserve their cultures’ history and traditions through their songs. West African griot music is characterized by its use of traditional West African instruments like the kora (a type of harp), as well as its often wistful lyrics.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a type of music that is passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music is usually accompanied by acoustic instruments such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles. This type of music is usually about the everyday life of the people and is a way for them to tell their stories.

Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has been around since the beginning of time. It is the music of the people, passed down from generation to generation. Folk music is often used to tell stories and express emotions. It can be happy or sad, upbeat or slow, but always has a feeling of community and togetherness.

There are many different types of folk music, each with its own history and tradition. Some common types of folk music include:

-Celtic Folk Music: Celtic folk music is a genre that includes both traditional Irish and Scottish music. This type of music is often known for its haunting melodies and lively rhythms.
-American Folk Music: American folk music includes a wide range of genres, from bluegrass to Appalachian ballads. This type of folk music is often reflective of the diverse cultures that make up America.
-British Folk Music: British folk music includes a wide variety of musical traditions from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. This type of folk music often has Celtic influences.
-Canadian Folk Music: Canadian folk music is a fusion of many different cultures, including French, English, Scottish, Irish, and Aboriginal. This type of folk music often reflects the diversity of Canada’s people and landscape.

Characteristics of Folk Music

Folk music is the music of the people. It is music that has been passed down from generation to generation, often orally. Folk music is usually about the everyday lives of the people who created it. It often tells stories about love, work, and play.

Folk music is different from popular music in that it is not created for profit or for fame. Folk musicians usually play for their own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of their community. They do not use expensive instruments or recording studios. Folk music is usually acoustic, meaning that it is played without electrical amplification.

There are many different types of folk music from all over the world. Some examples include:

-African-American folk music, such as blues and gospel
-Cajun folk music from Louisiana
-Irish folk music, such as traditional Irish ballads
-Mexican folk music, such as mariachi and ranchera
-Scottish folk music, such as Celtic jigs and reels
-Appalachian folk music from the mountains of the eastern United States

Types of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that is passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music is usually about the lives of the people who work hard, are poor, and struggle. It is important to note that there are different types of folk music. In this article, we will discuss the different types of folk music.

Traditional Folk Music

Traditional folk music is a genre of folk music that developed in tandem with the development of the oral tradition. This type of folk music is typically passed down from generation to generation and is rooted in the traditions of a particular culture or region. Traditional folk music often includes ballads, jigs, reels, and songs that tell stories or convey moral lessons. This genre of music often has a strong regional or cultural identity.

Contemporary Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and emphasizes traditional song structures and lyrics. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in folk music, particularly in the form of contemporary folk music. This type of folk music often draws on traditional folk styles but is modernized in some way, whether that means adding new instrumentation or using more contemporary themes in the lyrics.

Some well-known contemporary folk musicians include Bob Dylan, Sufjan Stevens, and Leonard Cohen.

Country Folk Music

Country folk music is a genre of music that is rooted in the traditions of rural America. This type of music often includes elements of other genres, such as blues, bluegrass, and country. Country folk music often tells stories about the lives of people who live in the country, and it often features instruments such as the guitar, banjo, and fiddle.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different types of folk music around the world. Each with its own history and tradition. If you’re interested in learning more about folk music, be sure to check out the resources below.

Folk Music Resources:
The Library of Congress – http://www.loc.gov/folklife/
Folkways Recordings – http://www.folkways.si.edu/
Smithsonian Folkways – http://www.smithsonianfolkways.org/