Percussion in Some Folk Music That Can Be Improvised
Contents
Percussion can play an important role in some folk music, adding both rhythm and energy to the sound. While some percussion instruments are played with specific patterns in mind, others can be improvised to create a unique sound.
Introduction
Percussion instruments are commonly found in folk music around the world. In some cases, these instruments are used to provide a solid and steady beat that allows the other musicians in the group to improvise. In other cases, the percussionist may be responsible for providing most or all of the melody.
Percussion instruments can be divided into two broad categories: membranophones and idiophones. Membranophones are instruments that produce sound by means of a stretched membrane, such as a drumhead. Idiophones are instruments that produce sound by means of some other resonating body, such as a metal bar (xylophone) or a wood block.
The following is a list of some of the more common percussion instruments found in folk music:
Drums: A wide variety of drums are used in folk music, including hand drums, talking drums, and bass drums. Drums can be played with sticks, mallets, or bare hands.
Cymbals: Cymbals are metal discs that are struck together to produce a sharp, ringing sound. They are often used to keep time or add excitement to a performance.
Bells: bells come in many shapes and sizes, and can be made from metal, wood, or ceramic. They are often used to add color to a melody or keep time in an ensemble.
Tambourines: Tambourines consist of a small drumhead with metal jingles (called zils) attached around the rim. They can be played with sticks or bare hands and are often used to keep time or add excitement to a performance.
Triangles: Triangles are small metal bars that are suspended from a wire loop and struck with a hammer or stick. They produce a high-pitched tone that is often usedto keep time or add color to a melody.
Wood blocks: Wood blocks come in many sizes and shapes and can be made from different kinds of wood (e.g., mahogany, oak). They producea dull thud when struck with sticks or bare hands and are often usedto keep time or add flavor to an ensemble
The Various Types of Folk Music That Include Percussion
There are many types of folk music that include percussion. Percussion plays an important role in folk music, as it can provide a rhythm for the dancers and add excitement to the music.
Country
Country music is a genre of American popular music that originated in the Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from the folk music of the Anglo-Celtic immigrants to Appalachia and the Old South. Country music often consists of ballads and dance tunes with generally simple forms and harmonies accompanied by mostly string instruments such as banjos, electric and acoustic guitars, steel guitars (such as pedal steels and dobros), and fiddles as well as harmonicas. Blues influences are evident in country music from the use of blue notes, call-and-response patterns, coherence/disjuncture, and blues riffs. There has also been a cross-pollination of country music with rock ‘n’ roll, folk rock, and rhythm and blues which resulted in country-rock.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass music is a form of American roots music, and it is characterized by its use of the banjo, fiddle, and guitar as well as its high vocal harmony. It is also often improvised.
Cajun
Cajun music is an offshoot of Louisiana French music. It is often said to have been “invented” by the Cajuns, but in reality it is a mixture of many French, Spanish, Native American, and African influences. Cajun music is usually based on the fiddle, accordion, and triangle (a percussion instrument made from a steel rod bent into a triangle shape). The music is often played at a very fast pace and can be quite loud. Cajun music is often used for dancing, and there are specific dances that go with certain songs.
Western
In the United States, there are several types of folk music that include percussion instruments. These styles include blues, country, bluegrass, and rock. Each type of music has its own unique history and sound.
The blues is a type of folk music that originated in the American South. It is characterized by its sad, emotive lyrics and its slow, 12-bar chord progression. The blues often features guitars, harmonicas, and pianos as well as drum kits and other percussion instruments.
Country music is a type of folk music that originated in the Appalachian Mountains region of the United States. It is characterized by its twangy guitars, fiddles, and banjos as well as its simple chord progressions and often sentimental lyrics. Country music often features drum kits and other percussion instruments.
Bluegrass is a type of country music that originated in the Appalachian Mountains region of the United States. It is characterized by its fast tempo, complex instrumentation, and improvisation. Bluegrass often features mandolins, fiddles, banjos, and upright basses as well as drum kits and other percussion instruments.
Rock music is a type of popular music that originated in the 1950s. It is characterized by its electric guitars, drums, and bass guitar as well as its use of amplification. Rock music often features drum kits and other percussion instruments.
How to Incorporate Percussion Into Folk Music
Percussion instruments can be used to add a lot of energy and rhythm to folk music. You can use anything from drums to clapping to create a beat. This can be a great way to get people moving and dancing. Percussion can also be used to add variety to the sound of your music.
Use Your Environment
One of the defining aspects of folk music is its use of percussion. This can be anything from using your hands and feet to banging on pots and pans. In fact, anything that makes noise can be used as a percussion instrument in folk music.
One of the best things about using percussion in folk music is that you don’t need any formal training to do it. All you need is a willingness to experiment and have fun. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Use your hands and feet to keep time. Clapping, stomping, and tapping are all great ways to keep the beat.
– If you’re playing with others, have everyone join in on the percussion. This can create a very intoxicating sound.
– If you’re playing alone, get creative with what’s around you. Bang on pots and pans, shake maracas or tambourines, or even use household items like wooden spoons or broomsticks.
Percussion is a great way to add energy and excitement to your folk music. So get out there and start making some noise!
Utilize Household Objects
Percussion can be added to folk music by utilizing household objects. This can add a unique element to the music and help the performer stand out. Some common household objects that can be used as percussion instruments include pans, bottles, cans, and even spoons. By striking these objects in different ways, a wide range of sounds can be produced.
In addition to using household objects, percussion instruments such as drums and cymbals can also be used to add percussion to folk music. These instruments can be played in a variety of ways to create different rhythms and beats. When played together, they can create a very powerful sound that can really energize a performance.
Get Creative With What You Have
Percussion in folk music is often improvised, meaning that you can use whatever you have on hand to make a noise. Here are some common percussion instruments used in folk music:
-Bucket drums: These are drums made from buckets, which can be played with sticks or your hands.
-Washboards: Washboards are commonly used in American folk and bluegrass music. They can be played with thimbles or other small objects.
-Spoons: Spoons can be used to create a variety of sounds, from clinking to tapping.
-Bodhran: The bodhran is a traditional Irish drum. It is typically played with a stick or tipper.
-Tambourine: The tambourine is a handheld instrument with a drumhead and jingles. It can be played with your hands or sticks.
-Triangle: The triangle is a percussion instrument made of a steel rod bent into a triangle shape. It is struck with a steel bar to create a ringing sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, percussion in some folk music can be improvised. This is seen in various music cultures around the world. It is an important part of the music and adds to the overall sound and feeling of the piece.
