Folk music is characterized by several distinct features:

1. Oral Tradition: Folk music is typically passed down orally from generation to generation rather than through written scores.

2. Cultural Reflection: It reflects the life, customs, and traditions of the people who create and perform it, often telling stories about local history, daily life, and events.

3. Simple and Accessible: The melodies and harmonies are usually simple and easy to remember, making the music accessible to a wide range of people.

4. Collective Participation: Folk music often involves communal participation, with people singing or playing instruments together in a group setting.

5. Acoustic Instruments: Common instruments include the guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, accordion, and various percussion instruments. These are usually acoustic rather than electric.

6. Variation and Improvisation: Because it is passed down orally, folk music often varies from one performance to another, with musicians improvising or adding their own interpretations.

7. Regional Styles: Different regions and cultures have their own distinct styles of folk music, reflecting local sounds, rhythms, and traditions.

8. Functional Purpose: Folk music often serves a functional purpose, such as accompanying dances, ceremonies, work, or storytelling.

These characteristics help to distinguish folk music from other genres and highlight its role in preserving cultural heritage and community identity.