It's the music that has been handed down through generations, often with acoustic instruments and simple arrangements.
Artists such as Nick Drake and Joan Baez showcase the beauty of acoustic folk with intimate, soul-touching performances.
Whether it's the melodies of Indian ragas, the rhythms of Afro-Cuban folk, or the tunes of Middle Eastern traditions, ethnic folk music celebrates the unique sounds of different communities.
It's the voice of the people standing up against injustice, war, and inequality. Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" is a timeless example of protest folk music.