Appalachian Folk Music: The Instruments You Need to Know

In order to create Appalachian folk music, you need to know about the different instruments that are commonly used. This blog post will give you an overview of the most essential instruments, so you can start making your own music today.

Introduction to Appalachian Folk Music

Appalachian folk music is a distinctly American genre that has its roots in the British Isles, Africa, and the Appalachians. The music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, banjo, and dulcimer. It also often features call-and-response vocals, as well as a heavy emphasis on melody and rhythm.

Appalachian folk music has been a staple of American culture for centuries, and it continues to be popular today. If you’re interested in learning more about this genre, or if you’re looking to start playing Appalachian folk music yourself, here are some of the instruments you need to know.

The Instruments Used in Appalachian Folk Music

Appalachian folk music is a type of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation. The music is often played on traditional instruments, many of which are unique to the region. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common instruments used in Appalachian folk music.

The fiddle

The fiddle is by far the most important instrument in Appalachian folk music. It’s a member of the violin family and is played with a bow. The fiddle has a very distinctive sound that’s essential to the genre.

The banjo is another key instrument in Appalachian folk music. It’s a five-stringed instrument that’s played with the fingers. The banjo has a bright, cheerful sound that adds a lot of energy to the music.

The guitar is also frequently used in Appalachian folk music. It provides the perfect accompaniment to the fiddle and banjo and gives the music its characteristic sound.

The banjo

The banjo is perhaps the most well-known instrument associated with Appalachian folk music. Banjos can be played in a variety of styles, from the traditional plucking style to the more modern strumming style. The banjo is also a popular choice for bluegrass music.

The guitar

The guitar is the most popular instrument in Appalachian folk music. It is used to accompany singers and provide a rhythm for dancers. Guitars come in many different sizes and shapes, but they all have six strings. The tuning of the strings varies depending on the region, but the most common tuning is G-D-G-B-D-G.

The mandolin

The mandolin is a stringed instrument of the lute family and is usually plucked with a plectrum. It has four double strings tuned in unison or in octaves, and its small size makes it portable and easy to play. The mandolin originated in Italy in the 18th century and quickly became popular in Europe and America. In the early 1900s, mandolin orchestras were all the rage, but by the 1940s, the mandolin had fallen out of favor. In recent years, however, there has been a renewed interest in this charming instrument, and it is once again being played by folk musicians all over the world.

The dulcimer

The dulcimer is a stringed instrument that is traditionally used in Appalachian folk music. It has a trapezoidal shape and is often referred to as a “lap instrument.” The dulcimer can be played with a variety of picking techniques, making it a versatile addition to any folk band.

The dulcimer originally came to the Appalachians with German and Scots-Irish immigrants in the 18th century. It quickly became a popular instrument among mountain residents, who used it for both work and leisure. In the early 20th century, the dulcimer’s popularity began to decline, but it was revived in the 1950s by artists like Jean Ritchie. Today, the dulcimer is once again an essential part of Appalachian folk music.

The Different Styles of Appalachian Folk Music

Appalachian folk music is a genre of music that is passed down from generation to generation. The music is rooted in the traditions of the Appalachian Mountains and is a mix of European and African influences. There are many different styles of Appalachian folk music, and each style has its own unique sound.

Bluegrass

Bluegrass is a style of American folk music that was named for the bluegrass region of Kentucky. It is characterized by its use of the banjo, fiddle, and acoustic guitar, as well as by its fast tempo and complex instrumental solos.

The roots of bluegrass music can be traced back to the traditional songs of British and Irish immigrants who came to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. These songs often told stories of life in the mountains and were passed down from generation to generation.

In the early 20th century, Appalachian musicians began to experiment with these traditional songs, adding their own unique twists. This led to the development of several new genres of Appalachian music, including bluegrass.

While bluegrass is sometimes seen as a subset of country music, it is actually its own distinct genre. Bluegrass bands often incorporate elements of jazz, blues, and rock into their music, giving it a unique sound.

If you’re interested in exploring this genre further, some essential bluegrass bands include The Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys, Flatt & Scruggs, and The Dillards.

Old-time

Old-time music is a genre of North American folk music. It developed along with various North American folk dances, such as square dancing, clogging, and buck dancing. It is played on acoustic instruments, generally centering on the fiddle.

Old-time music is a genre of North American folk music. It developed along with various North American folk dances, such as square dancing, clogging, and buck dancing. It is played on acoustic instruments, generally centering on the fiddle.

The fiddle is the most prominent instrument in old-time music, followed by the banjo. Other instruments include the guitar, mandolin, upright bass, and Dobro (resonator guitar).

Vocal styles in old-time music are usually held to one or two people singing in harmony without any accompaniment; however, some songs were written to be sung with three or more parts.

Lyrical themes in old-time music tended to be upbeat and often related to love, home, work, loss, death, religion/spirituality (particularly salvation), and liquor.

Country

Country music is a style of American folk music that developed in the Appalachian Mountains in the late 1800s. The earliest Country music was typically called “mountain music” or “backwoods music” and was played with a variety of instruments, including the fiddle, banjo, guitar, and harmonica.

Country music has been influenced by many different styles of music over the years, including blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll. Today, there are many different subgenres of Country music, including bluegrass, honky-tonk, and Nashville sound.

The History of Appalachian Folk Music

Appalachian folk music is a diverse blend of many different cultures and traditions. The music has its roots in the British Isles and Africa, but was also influenced by Native American and Celtic music. It is typically played on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, fiddles, banjos, and dulcimers.

The first Appalachian folk musicians were brought over by British colonists in the 1600s. These musicians brought with them their own musical traditions, which blended with the existing folk music of the region. One of the most influential early Appalachian folk musicians was Blind Alfred Reed, who is credited with popularizing many of the songs that are still performed today.

During the 1800s, Appalachian folk music began to develop its own distinct sound. This was partly due to the fact that many Appalachian residents were living in relative isolation from the rest of the country. This allowed them to develop their own musical traditions without much outside influence.

One of the most important aspects of Appalachian folk music is its use of call-and-response singing. This means that one singer will sing a line, and then the rest of the group will repeat it back. This style of singing creates a sense of community and allows everyone to participate in the music-making process.

Appalachian folk music is still regularly performed today. Some modern groups, such as Old Crow Medicine Show and The Carolina Chocolate Drops, have even achieved mainstream success while staying true to their roots in Appalachian folk music

The Future of Appalachian Folk Music

Appalachian folk music is a genre of folklore that has been passed down for generations in the Appalachian Mountains. The music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, banjo, and guitar.

Appalachian folk music has been declining in popularity in recent years, but there is still a dedicated group of musicians who keep the tradition alive. These musicians are often passionate about keeping the music authentic to its roots.

The future of Appalachian folk music is uncertain, but as long as there are people who are passionate about the genre, it will continue to live on.