Glossary of Folk Terms
Brush up on your Folk world lingo.
Banjo
From the slave fields to the minstrels, to the parlors, to picking parties, jam nights, and now concert halls and folk venues, the banjo is a staple in just about every form of traditional music ... despite all the jokes.
From the slave fields to the minstrels, to the parlors, to picking parties, jam nights, and now concert halls and folk venues, the banjo is a staple in just about every form of traditional music ... despite all the jokes.
Campfire
Sure, it's a fire you light at a camp, but in the folk world (particularly at festivals), it's even more than that.
Sure, it's a fire you light at a camp, but in the folk world (particularly at festivals), it's even more than that.
Clawhammer
A definition for Clawhammer
A definition for Clawhammer
Coffeehouse
The coffeehouse has, since its inception, been a destination for activists, dreamers, writers, and folksingers.
The coffeehouse has, since its inception, been a destination for activists, dreamers, writers, and folksingers.
Dobro
This acoustic instrument was added to the Bluegrass band line-up by Lester Flatt in the 1950s. Learn more.
This acoustic instrument was added to the Bluegrass band line-up by Lester Flatt in the 1950s. Learn more.
Folk Music
A definition of folk music.
A definition of folk music.
Folksinger
This word is often misused, overused, and horribly misunderstood.
This word is often misused, overused, and horribly misunderstood.
Folk Song
One of the most functional arts of human history
One of the most functional arts of human history
Harmonica
The Harmonica is, aside from the human voice and your own two hands, the most portable instrument used in traditional American folk music. Most harmonicas are small enough that they fit perfectly in any pocket.
The Harmonica is, aside from the human voice and your own two hands, the most portable instrument used in traditional American folk music. Most harmonicas are small enough that they fit perfectly in any pocket.
Hootenanny
The definition of Hootenanny
The definition of Hootenanny
House Concert
A definition for House Concert
A definition for House Concert
IBMA
International Bluegrass Music Associaion
International Bluegrass Music Associaion
Open Mic
A definition for Open Mic
A definition for Open Mic
Scruggs Style
A definition of Scruggs Style banjo
A definition of Scruggs Style banjo
Unitarian Universalist Churches
For whatever reason, Unitarian churches tend to have monthly "coffeehouse" series wherein they invite Folk singer/songwriters and bands to perform
For whatever reason, Unitarian churches tend to have monthly "coffeehouse" series wherein they invite Folk singer/songwriters and bands to perform