Folk music is one of the oldest and most diverse forms of music globally. Traditionally, it is an acoustic form of music played on guitars, banjos, and fiddles. It is typically characterized by its simple melodies and lyrics and often tells the story of the people who perform it.

There are many different types of folk music, each with its unique history and style. In this article, we will look at some of the most popular types of folk music from around the world.

Traditional Folk 

This is the type of folk music that most people think of when they hear “folk music”. It is the oldest form of folk music and is typically passed down through the generations. A traditional folk song tells a story about the history and culture of those who sing it.

Country Folk 

Country folk music developed in the Southern United States in the early 20th century; it is a mix of traditional folk music and popular country music. This type of folk music is often characterized by its simple melodies and lyrics about the everyday lives of the people who perform it. 

Acoustic Folk 

Acoustic folk music is a modern form of folk music typically played on acoustic instruments such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles. 

Roots Folk 

Roots folk music is a mix of traditional folk music, country-folk music, and rock music. It is called roots because it was the foundation of many popular music genres that developed in the United States, including jazz, R’n’B, and rock n roll. 

Celtic Folk 

Celtic folk music is a type of folk music that developed in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany (a region in France). It is characterized by its use of traditional Celtic instruments such as the Bodhran (a type of drum), the fiddle, bagpipes, tin whistle, and accordion. 

It has been around for many centuries and has gained worldwide popularity. Celtic folk music is often played at festivals and dancing events such as ceilidhs (pronounced “kay-lee”).