- Sub-Saharan Africa: Characterized by polyrhythms, call-and-response vocals, and the use of traditional instruments like the djembe, kora, and mbira.
- North Africa: Influenced by Arabic and Mediterranean music, featuring instruments like the oud, darbuka, and nay.
Latin American Music:
- Andean Music: Originating in the Andes region, known for pan flutes, charango, and traditional dances like the "cueca".
- Salsa: A mix of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and other Caribbean influences, featuring percussion, horns, and clave rhythms.
- Mariachi: Traditional Mexican music with guitars, violins, and trumpets, often accompanied by sombreros and charro costumes.
Caribbean Music:
- Reggae: Originating in Jamaica, known for its relaxed, off-beat rhythms and the use of the "riddim" section.
- Calypso: Popular in Trinidad and Tobago, featuring steelpan drums, calypso tents, and lively carnival music.
- Merengue: Upbeat Dominican music with repetitive rhythms, accordion, and güira scraper.
Asian Music:
- Indian Classical Music: Rooted in ancient traditions, with ragas (melodic frameworks), talas (rhythmic cycles), and instruments like sitar, tabla, and santoor.
- Chinese Music: Diverse regional styles, including Peking opera, guzheng (zither), pipa (lute), and bamboo flutes.
- Gamelan: Traditional Indonesian and Balinese music featuring tuned metallophones, gongs, and percussion ensembles.
Middle Eastern Music:
- Arabic Music: Influenced by Islamic culture, featuring maqamat (melodic modes), rhythmic cycles, and instruments like the oud, qanun, and riq.
- Persian Music: Classical Persian music with radif (melodic structures), improvisation, and instruments such as the tar, setar, and daf.
- Turkish Music: Blends Ottoman and Central Asian influences, known for its distinctive clarinet melodies, kemençe (fiddle), and darbuka.
European Music:
- Classical Music: Encompasses a vast range of styles from the medieval era to the present day, including symphonies, concertos, operas, and chamber music.
- Folk Music: Traditional music of various European regions, featuring elements like fiddle, accordion, bagpipes, and folk songs.
- Flamenco: Spanish music style originating in Andalusia, with rhythmic hand clapping, guitar, and passionate vocals.
North American Music:
- Blues: African American folk music that originated in the rural southern United States, characterized by heartfelt lyrics, improvisation, and call-and-response vocals.
- Country Music: Rooted in the rural American South, featuring acoustic guitars, fiddle, banjo, and storytelling lyrics.
- Jazz: Originated in African American communities in the early 20th century, known for improvisation, syncopation, and a wide range of subgenres.
These are just a few of the many diverse styles that fall under the umbrella of "world music." Each region and culture has its own unique musical traditions and expressions that contribute to the rich tapestry of global music.