* Folk music: This is the oldest form of Egyptian music, and it dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Folk songs are typically sung in Arabic and feature traditional instruments such as the oud, the qanun, and the darbuka.
* Classical music: This form of Egyptian music developed during the Middle Ages and was heavily influenced by Persian and Turkish music. Classical pieces are typically instrumental and feature complex rhythms and melodies.
* Popular music: This genre of Egyptian music developed in the 20th century and is a fusion of traditional Egyptian music, Western pop music, and Arabic pop music. Popular songs are typically sung in Arabic and feature a variety of instruments, including the electric guitar, the drum kit, and the synthesizer.
Contemporary Egyptian music
In addition to traditional Egyptian music, there are also a number of contemporary Egyptian music genres that are popular today. These genres include:
* Mahraganat: This is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Cairo in the early 2000s. Mahraganat songs are typically sung in Arabic and feature a fast tempo and repetitive beats.
* Shaabi: This is a genre of popular music that originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Cairo in the 1970s. Shaabi songs are typically sung in Arabic and feature a simple melody and lyrics that often deal with social issues.
* Indie: This is a genre of alternative rock music that originated in Egypt in the 1990s. Indie songs are typically sung in Arabic and feature a variety of Western and Egyptian rock influences.
Egyptian music instruments
A variety of traditional and modern instruments are used in Egyptian music. Some of the most common instruments include:
* Oud: This is a stringed instrument that is similar to the lute.
* Qanun: This is a plucked stringed instrument that is similar to the zither.
* Darbuka: This is a goblet-shaped drum that is played with the hands.
* Electric guitar: This is a six-stringed instrument that is used in a variety of genres of music.
* Drum kit: This is a set of drums and cymbals that is used in a variety of genres of music.
* Synthesizer: This is an electronic instrument that can produce a variety of sounds.