Types of Music

The world is filled with different types of music because it is filled with different kinds of people. From music genres to lists of music styles, discover how many typesof music there are in the world.

Top Music Genres in the World

An exhaustive list of musical genres from around the world is nearly impossible to create because there is no universally accepted way of classifying typesof music. However, these are the top recorded music genres in the world.

Classical
Woman playing violin classical music
Country
Electronic dance music (EDM)
Hip-hop
Indie rock
Jazz
K-pop
Metal
Oldies
Pop
Rap
Rhythm & blues (R&B)
Rock
Rock band performing on stage
Techno

Types of African Music

African music can vary widely by region, but common instruments include drums, musical bows, xylophones, and rattles. Music and dance go together in many African cultures and help mark important life events while bringing communities together.

Afrobeats
Benga
Chimurenga
Ethio-jazz
Gnawa/ethno-pop/gwani blues
Highlife
Hiplife
Inkiranya
Juju
Majika
Mbalax
Ndombolo
Palm wine
Rababah
Man playing rebab instrument Egypt
Shaabi
Somali jazz
Soukou/Congolese rumba
Ubongo
Zilin
Zouglou
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 Types of Asian Music

Traditional Asian music includes a lot of flutes and pipes, drums, and unique stringed instruments. The traditional approach to music in many Asian countries was scientific, or methodical. Modern Asian pop music keeps the simplicity of traditional music, but adds modern appeal.

Baila
Bollywood
Carnatic
Chinese folk
Chinese traditional opera
C-pop
Dangdut
Gagaku court music
Goa trance
Hindustani
Japanese folk
J-pop
K-trot
Punjabi
Rafi
Raga rock
V-pop

Types of Caribbean Music

Caribbean music often features a mix of African and European music styles. The most popular instruments used in Caribbean music are drums and other percussion instruments and different typesof guitars. Dance and music go hand-in-hand.

Calypso
Dancehall
Mambo
Mento
Merengue
Reggae
Raggae band music from Jamaica Caribbean
Rocksteady
Salsa
Ska
Soca
Steel band music/pan music
Zouk
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 Types of European Music

Traditional European music is best exemplified by the classical music genre, as many noted classical musicians were from Europe. Modern European music incorporates a mix of influences from around the world.

A capella
Celtic chant
Drum & bass
Euro-disco
Flamenco
Flamenco dancer and guitarist
Glitch pop
Grime
Opera
Polka
Trance
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 Types of Latin and South American Music

Popular and common types of music in Latin America and South America are often referred to as Latin music. Traditional and modern Latin music often feature upbeat tunes, are heavily influenced by a variety of cultures, and include complex rhythms.

Bachata
Balada
Bossa nova
Compas
Cumbia
Mariachi
Mariachi band music from Mexico
Mexican
Mesitzo
Ranchera
Reggaeton
Samba
Tango
Vallenatto
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 Types of North American Music

Traditional American music and Canadian music features drums and simple instruments used by Native tribes. Modern American music incorporates influences from a variety of cultures.

American folk
Bluegrass
Blues
Canadian folk
Gospel
Industrial
Swing
Tejano
Zydeco
Music to Move You
There are thousands of types of music played around the world. You can learn more about specific types of music by learning about iconic musicians like Bob Marley or modern musicians like Rihanna. If you’re looking to have some fun with music, explore some interesting music facts.