Despite all common roots the folk music in each different part of Iran has certain characteristics in correlation with its native myths, dialects, geographical and social situation and does not enjoy the unity of style.

In every region, for instance there are certain melodies and modes that belong to that particular ethnic culture, although part of them could be traced down in the Iranian classical music.

In general however we are able to divide the rural music of every region into vocal and instrumental, e.g. local Iranian melodies sung by a vocalist or a group and then local Iranian melodies played alongside specific folk instuments.
Vocal music itself has various kinds such as rhythmic or joyful melodies and non-metrical (chanting) songs which are performed in their specific nuance and style where the differing dialects or even languages are included.
Since there are living different tribes with their own cultures in Iran the folk music enjoys a large variety both in the songs and the instrumental pieces.

Iran’s local melodies are some of the richest, most beautiful and most various among the folk melodies in the world. These melodies reflect the thoughts, lifes and the nature of the people who have created them. Being influenced by urban people over years and decades folk songs are more original and closer to the country’s ancient and authentic music.

“Collecting such music not only preserves it but also gives us more information about a country and the way its people live.” (The late Khaleghi)