Traditional Appalachian Music

Traditional Appalachian music is a genre rooted in the indigenous, European, and African influences brought to the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States. It features organic, storytelling songs often played with instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and guitar. The music reflects themes of everyday life, work, love, and hardship, with a strong oral tradition passed down through generations. Its distinctive sound includes heartfelt melodies, improvisation, and musical techniques such as fingerpicking and modal scales, creating a rich, soulful tapestry that preserves the cultural history and resilience of Appalachian communities.