Folk music, also known as traditional music, is created by the people and has always stood in contrast to classical music.

This genre shares common traits across nations and is characterized by being occasional, meaning tied to specific moments in history or the life of a community.

Over the years, folk music has been passed down orally. This is why it lacks written notation. However, it’s not only about notes and rhythm, but also about musical instruments, which were traditionally handcrafted by skilled local artisans.

In many countries, the tradition of handmade musical instruments has played a crucial role in artistic and cultural expression. Over time, various materials such as wood, leather, metal, and even animal bones have been used. Techniques vary depending on the region and the materials, but all handcrafted instruments require great precision and expertise.

This article will explore the features of the most important instruments in Italian folk music tradition, which continue to be a part of cultural heritage today.

One of the most widespread instruments in folk music: the zampogna

Among the most historical folk instruments is undoubtedly the zampogna. This instrument has accompanied numerous folk songs on various occasions and has spread across many Italian regions, particularly in the South.

In this context, it is also known as “ciaramedda”, and its construction uses materials typical of regions where pastoralism is common among the people.

The zampogna produces a typically sweet sound from several pipes, which vibrate thanks to the air stored in a bag made of goat or sheep skin. The player blows air into the pipes’ mouthpieces, creating the characteristic sound of this extraordinary instrument.

The bag holds both melody and drone pipes. Different notes are produced by opening or closing small holes on the pipes.

Depending on the region, you can find zampognas with 4 or 5 pipes. These instruments generally accompanied traditional folk songs.

The characteristics of rhythm in folk music tradition

Before exploring other typical folk instruments, it’s important to note that rhythm in this genre is usually provided by either percussion or string instruments.

In the percussion category, we primarily find bass drums and tambourines. Often, these were the only instruments in folk music bands.

One of the oldest percussion instruments is the “Tocca Tocca.” It consisted of a central section made of chestnut wood with movable parts that struck the central board when the instrument was shaken, producing its distinctive sound. Historically, and still today in some small villages, it’s used to announce the death of Christ and the beginning of Easter rites.

One of the oldest popular instruments: the tambourine

Among the most widespread and well-known folk instruments is, undoubtedly, the tambourine. It’s a frame drum instrument characterized by a wooden frame onto which an animal skin (usually goat) is stretched.

Traditionally, the skin is attached to the frame using wooden nails or, alternatively, a band made of the same material. Metal inserts, often recycled from food cans, are attached inside the frame.

Tambourines come in various sizes, ranging from 25 centimeters to 70 centimeters in diameter. Naturally, size affects the sound. The same applies to the number of metal parts attached to the frame.

This instrument produces essentially two sounds: a low tone from the goat skin and a high tone from the metal inserts.

One of the most used string instruments in folk tradition: the chitarra battente

Among the oldest instruments in the folk music tradition is the chitarra battente. Its history began in the 1500s and spread across Italy and Europe. It was widely used in various parts of the continent and adapted by peasants to their musical style, diverging from Baroque traditions.

The techniques for constructing the chitarra battente were rather rudimentary. Scrap materials, such as occasional wood, were often used. No specific musical compositions were written for this folk instrument. Throughout its history, it was primarily played by lower social classes and ignored by court composers, the only ones with the knowledge to transcribe music.

Unlike the guitar we know today, the chitarra battente stands out for its shape, resembling an elongated figure eight. Its body is particularly rounded, with a soundboard featuring a hole typically covered with colored paper.

The chitarra battente has a fretboard with no more than twelve frets, and its tuning pegs are located at the end of the neck. It features five pairs of strings made of metal. While their thickness is uniform, different variants have emerged over time.

In its peasant variation, the instrument often has four strings, omitting the third (G). Occasionally, a fifth string is added to serve as a drone.

The bridge, which is very low and movable, stays in place due to the tension of the strings.

A string instrument of great charm: the lira

The lira is a traditional folk instrument consisting of three strings played with a bow. The sound it produces is unique, and its primary role is melodic. In some folk performances, the lira replaces the violin.

Compared to other instruments, the lyre is made from a single piece of wood, onto which the soundboard is attached. A distinctive feature is the presence of two resonance holes, either oval or circular, with the bridge positioned between them.

Historically, the strings were made from animal gut or fibers extracted from agave. Today, these materials have been replaced by nylon, also used for classical guitar strings.

Lira players use their left hand to press the strings while the right hand bows across two strings at a time, with the middle string acting as a drone. The instrument is held vertically, with the player either seated, holding it between their legs, or standing, resting it on one knee.

Each region where the lira spread has its own fingering style, adapted to local folk music traditions. Generally, the lira has been especially significant in the musical traditions of Mediterranean regions.

A folk music instrument born in the 1800s: the organetto

The diatonic accordion, commonly known as the organetto, was invented in 1829 and became popular in folk music during the 20th century, replacing bagpipes.

The organetto became a key player in folk dances, introducing previously unknown dances such as the liscio. However, its prominence was short-lived as the accordion gained popularity, relegating the organetto to rural areas.

Technically, the organetto is essentially an accordion with two wooden boxes connected by a cardboard bellows. Inside these boxes are reed blocks, which support the reeds (metal plates that vibrate to produce sound). Pressing the keys opens valves that, with the bellows’ movement, allow air to pass and activate the reeds.