Folk: Style

 The Musical Characteristics of Folk

Folk music makes particular use of pentatonic scales, often keeping to simple keys and a narrow range of notes. Harmonies are kept simple, often making use of simple perfect 4th and 5th intervals. Folk mainly uses basic triads, but sometimes makes use of 7th chords in more complex pieces. Common scales used are pentatonic scales, as well as diatonic modes, which are major and minor scales with different starting notes. Riffs are usually relatively simple, often played on fiddles, acoustic guitars or brass instruments. In western folk music, simple 2/4 or 4/4 time signatures are common, whilst other folk genres make use of more complex or compound time signatures, usually following traditional dances or poetry. Folk melodies are often simple, usually sang and could've been passed down orally through generations, having roots in traditional culture. A variety of instruments used in folk include: acoustic guitars, banjos, fiddles, flutes, accordions, harmonica and mandolins. Monophonic and homophonic textures are common, as well as call and response between melodies and riffs, whilst more complex songs could include polyphonic elements. Folk lyrics often tell stories, sometimes traditional tales or even the stories of everyday life, sometimes even commenting of social issues. Some folk genres make use of drones, especially Scottish folk with its use of bagpipes. Improvisation in folk music often involves spontaneous variations in melody and harmony whilst sticking to the original structure of the song.  

Notation of Important Riffs, Melodies and Rhythms

Pictured below is staff notation for a C major pentatonic scale, which is a common scale used throughout the folk genre. Pentatonic scales have 5 notes rather than the usual 7, for a major pentatonic scale the 4th and 7th notes are removed, but for a minor pentatonic scale the 2nd and 6th notes are removed.

Explanation of pentatonic scales, 1.17 for an example:

What Are Pentatonic Scales? Music Theory Lessons

Three Subgenres of Folk and their Similarities/Differences

Three subgenres of folk are folk rock, Scottish traditional folk and Irish traditional folk. Folk rock combines the lyrical elements of storytelling, along with the use of traditional folk instruments with electric instrumentation and the high energies of rock. This is a more modern take on the folk genre, combining tradition with modern musical developments. Traditional Scottish folk is characterised by its use of bagpipes and other Scottish traditional instruments in combination with the common instruments used in general folk, such as fiddles and accordions. Scottish folk also features the Scotch snap rhythm, which is a short note followed by a long note, like the action of skipping. Irish folk is often focused on melody and ornamentation, often being seen in combination with traditional dances and jigs. A lot of traditional Irish folk is based on oral tradition, songs are passed down through generations and through time develop with different versions. Overall, most folk music is different depending on its country of origin, but most folk genres include a similar range of acoustic instrumentation, as well as a focus on community and storytelling.

My Opinions on the Folk Subgenres

I generally enjoy most folk music, as I feel like it has a very uplifting vibe due to its roots in bringing communities together. I do, however, enjoy more modern folk genres more, like folk rock, as it combines the traditional elements of folk with modern elements that are more popular in the present day. 

Examples of Famous Musicians from Folk Subgenres

Bob Dylan was incredibly influencial on the folk rock genre. He is credited as pioneering the genre, bringing electric instrumentation to the folk genre, and also influencing rock musicians to include more sophisticated lyrics in their songs, often including stories in his songs. Robin Hall and Jimmie MacGregor influenced Scottish folk greatly, having been some of the first Scottish folk musicians to be popular across the UK. Their music helped spread Scottish folk further than it had ever reached, helping new generations to engage with traditional Scottish culture. Christy Moore was influencial on the Irish folk genre. Him and his band Planxty helped revitalise Irish folk in the 70s, helping a new generation connect with traditional Irish music. He also made music about Irish struggles, helping connect the Irish people through lyrical political commentary. 

Raggle Taggle Gypsy by Planxty, band of Christy Moore, who influenced Irish folk:

Raggle Taggle Gypsy/Tabhair dom do laimh - Planxty 1973

Subterranean Homesick Blues by Bob Dylan, pioneer of the folk rock genre:

Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues (Official Video)

How did Folk Evolve?

Many genres of folk originate from various places, each being passed down orally through generations and developing unique regional differences. Folk music has helped bring many communities together with its lyrical storytelling, and has also influenced other genres such as country and rock. 

What does Folk have in Common with Other Styles

Folk has some similarities to country and rock music, as both genres were born from folk influences. A lot of modern songs include storytelling lyrics and acoustic instrumentals, which has partly stemmed from the evolution of different folk genres.